Full day tour to Huacachina and Paracas

Imagine waking up early in Lima and, by day’s end, being immersed in some of Peru’s most iconic sights—the mysterious Candelabra, the lively Ballestas Islands, the surreal Huacachina oasis, and the authentic wine and pisco tasting in Ica. This full-day tour, offered at around $100, packs a lot into roughly 15 hours, making it perfect for travelers craving a taste of Peru’s coastal desert landscapes and maritime wildlife without overnight stays or complicated logistics.

What really draws us to this experience is the chance to see the famous geoglyph of the Candelabra from the sea—something that’s only visible from the air or water—plus the thrill of sandboarding and dune buggy rides at Huacachina. We also appreciate the well-curated visit to the historic Tres Esquinas winery, where you sample locally made piscos, wines, and mistelas, giving us a true taste of Ica’s rich tradition.

The only consideration? The tour’s early start means you’ll need to be prepared for some long stretches in the vehicle—roughly four hours just to reach Paracas. If you’re prone to travel fatigue or prefer a more relaxed pace, this might feel a bit rushed. But for those eager to see a lot in a single day, it’s a manageable and rewarding adventure.

This tour suits travelers who love natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural flavors, especially those interested in authentic wine and pisco experiences. If you enjoy a mix of sightseeing, adventure, and tasting local products, you’ll find this a memorable way to see the coastal desert and marine life of southern Peru.

• Includes highlights like the Candelabra, Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, and Ica wineries.
• Early start allows maximum sightseeing but requires good energy levels.
• Adventure activities such as dune buggy rides and sandboarding add excitement.
• Authentic tasting of piscos, wines, and mistelas offers cultural insight.
• Transport and guides are included, making logistics straightforward.
• The tour costs about $100 per person—a solid value considering the many sights.

Setting Out Early to Maximize the Day

Our day begins with a pre-dawn departure from Lima, which can be a challenge for some but is necessary to fit everything in. The transport is private, comfortable, and includes hotel pick-up if you’re staying in Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro. The journey to Paracas takes roughly four hours, so expect some chatter and coffee to pass the time.

Once we arrive at the port of El Chaco, the real adventure starts with the Ballestas Islands. The boat ride across the water is where you get your first glimpse of Peru’s vibrant marine life and the iconic Candelabra geoglyph. This mysterious figure carved into the desert hillside is visible only from the sea or the air, making the boat tour a unique opportunity.

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Discovering the Marine Wildlife and Mysteries of Paracas

The boat trip lasts about two hours, and it’s packed with potential sightings. We loved the way our guide pointed out large colonies of guano birds, Humboldt penguins, and playful sea lions. With some luck, dolphins might join the scene, adding to the spectacle. The Candelabra is a fascinating sight, and the guide’s explanation about its possible origins and purpose makes it even more intriguing.

Reviewers like Paula have described this part as “enjoyable,” emphasizing how much fun it was to see the wildlife up close. The boat’s proximity to the islands gives a sense of intimacy with nature, and the whole experience is surprisingly educational.

Tasting the Flavors of Ica: Wineries and Local Delights

After returning to the mainland, we head to Ica city for a well-earned lunch at a local farm, the Catador, where the meal is included in the tour price. The dishes are simple but flavorful, showcasing local ingredients and cuisine.

Post-lunch, the focus shifts to Ica’s famous wines and piscos. Visiting the Tres Esquinas Estate, established in 1856, we observe traditional methods of wine and pisco production. The old clay pots, distillers, and acacia press give a glimpse into the craftsmanship behind Peru’s beloved spirits. Our guide explains the process clearly, making it easy for us to appreciate each sip of the tastings—wines, piscos, mistelas, and pisco creams.

The tasting is a highlight, especially for those interested in Peru’s iconic spirit, Pisco. We found the selection to be generous, and the engaging commentary from the winemaker added authenticity to the experience. Reviewers like Paula appreciated the “excellent wine selection,” which perfectly complements the scenic and cultural aspects of the tour.

The Surreal Oasis of Huacachina

Next, we make our way to Huacachina, just a 5-kilometer drive from Ica city. The sight of the lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes offers a striking contrast to the coastal desert. Here, you can walk around, snap photos, or get your adrenaline fix with buggy rides and sandboarding.

The dune buggy adventure is exhilarating—imagine bouncing over steep sand slopes at high speed—while sandboarding offers a fun, if sometimes awkward, slide down the dunes. This part of the day combines scenery with adrenaline, making it suitable for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities.

Wrapping Up at Racimo de Uva Winery

Before heading back to Lima, the tour makes a brief stop at the Racimo de Uva Winery in Chincha. It’s a nice way to end the day, tasting more local products and soaking in the relaxed rural atmosphere.

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Returning to Lima

The trip back to Lima starts around 6:30 p.m., giving you plenty of time to reflect on a day packed with wildlife, culture, adventure, and flavor. Expect to arrive around 10 p.m., tired but satisfied with your journey.

We particularly appreciated the variety of experiences packed into a single day—from marine wildlife to desert adventures and wine tastings, it’s impressive how much the tour accomplishes. The guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, making each site come alive with stories and explanations. The tastings at the winery were a definite highlight, offering authentic flavors that bring the region’s culture home.

However, the early start and long travel times mean you’ll need to be prepared for some fatigue. The schedule is tight, and you might wish for more time at each stop, especially Huacachina, where a leisurely walk or more adventure could be relaxing.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for curious travelers eager to see wildlife, cultural artifacts, and natural landscapes in just one day. It’s perfect if you want a well-rounded taste of the coast, especially if you’re interested in local wines and spirits. If you prefer a slower pace or overnight stays in each location, this might feel rushed, but for a quick, comprehensive snapshot, it’s hard to beat.

For travelers looking to maximize their time and experience multiple highlights in southern Peru, this full-day tour offers excellent value. You’ll see the mysterious Candelabra, encounter wildlife in the Ballestas Islands, and enjoy adventure activities in Huacachina, all while tasting some of the world’s best piscos and wines. It’s a busy day but crafted to give an authentic glimpse into Peru’s coastal culture, natural beauty, and spirited traditions.

If you’re someone who loves a mix of sightseeing, wildlife, outdoor fun, and local flavors, this tour will keep you engaged from dawn until late evening. Just be prepared for a full schedule and an early start—your reward is a memorable, varied day that captures the essence of this stunning region.

How early do we need to leave Lima?
The tour departs very early, around 5:00 a.m., to allow enough time to visit all the sites and return by around 10:00 p.m.

Is transportation included?
Yes, private transportation from your hotel in Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro is included.

What can we expect at the Ballestas Islands?
You’ll see abundant marine wildlife such as guano birds, Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and possibly dolphins, plus the famous Candelabra geoglyph from the water.

Are there adventure activities?
Yes, you can do buggy rides and sandboarding at Huacachina, which are included in the tour.

Is lunch included?
Not at a restaurant, but a delicious meal at a local farm called Catador is included.

How long is the boat trip?
The boat tour around the islands lasts about two hours.

Can I buy drinks during the trip?
Drinks at the winery are included in the tasting, but beverages at the restaurant are not covered.

What about the wine and pisco tasting?
You’ll visit a historic winery, observe the production process, and sample wines, piscos, and mistelas—an authentic taste of Ica’s local spirits.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most activities are family-friendly, especially the wildlife and dunes, but check with the provider about specific age restrictions for adventure sports.

What is the overall value of this tour?
Given the many sights, activities, and tastings packed into a single day for $100, it offers good value for travelers eager to experience southern Peru’s highlights efficiently.

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