If you’re looking to squeeze in an unforgettable day trip from Lima, this 17-hour tour offers a well-balanced mix of wildlife, desert thrills, and regional wine tastings. Priced at $158 per person, it takes you south to explore the famous Ballestas Islands in Paracas and the spectacular Huacachina Oasis in Ica, with plenty of opportunities for photos, fun, and authentic Peruvian experiences.

What I love about this tour is how it manages to pack so much into a single day — from spotting sea lions and penguins with a knowledgeable guide to racing dune buggies across the sands of Huacachina. Plus, it ends with a visit to a traditional vineyard, where the flavors of Peruvian wine and pisco are waiting to be savored.

Of course, with a full-day adventure like this, the biggest consideration is the long bus ride — about 3.5 hours each way — which might be tiring for some. But if you’re eager for a taste of Peru’s diverse landscapes and culture, this trip is a fantastic choice. It’s ideal for travelers who want an active, varied day, and are comfortable with early mornings and a full schedule.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This tour is perfect for those who love wildlife, adventure, and local food and drink. If you’re eager to see marine creatures up close, enjoy a rush of adrenaline on sand dunes, and relax with regional wine, then this package has a lot to offer. It’s also a good pick if you prefer guided tours to navigate logistics, and don’t mind a full day on the road.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Comprehensive Experience: Combines wildlife viewing, desert adventures, and wine tasting in one day.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with explanations and local insights.
Value for Money: For $158, you get transportation, guided tours, wine tasting, and a substantial sightseeing itinerary.
Active and Engaging: Expect boat rides, dune bashing, and walking around Huacachina.
Early Start: Pickup begins at 5:00 AM, so prepare for a full day.
Long Travel Time: Consider the 3.5-hour bus each way when planning your energy levels.

While in Lima, here are other experiences we've covered

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Out: From Lima to Paracas

The day kicks off with a hotel pickup in Lima’s central districts — Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro, or Santiago de Surco — around 5:00 AM. While that’s early, it’s a small price to pay for a full day of exploration. The bus ride south along the Panamerican South Highway is about 3.5 hours, giving you a chance to settle in, enjoy the scenery, and prepare for the adventures ahead.

The comfort of the coach is a big plus, especially after sitting in Lima’s hustle and bustle. The journey offers glimpses of farmland, coastlines, and the transition from city to desert, setting the scene for the contrasting environments you’ll experience.

Breathless at the Candelabro & the Ballestas Islands

Arriving in Paracas, we stop briefly for a delicious American breakfast — bread, juice, coffee, scrambled eggs, and jams — a good way to fuel up before the marine adventure. Then, it’s a short ride to the pier where you’ll board a speedboat to the famous Ballestas Islands.

Here’s where things get really interesting. The islands are often called “the poor man’s Galápagos” because of the abundance of wildlife. Expect to see sea lions lounging on rocks, penguins waddling, and guano birds soaring above. Keep your camera handy — you’ll want to capture the playful sea lions or the elegant flight of the guanay birds. Your guide, like Juan, will point out the different species and share tidbits about their behaviors, making the ride both fun and educational.

Before heading out, you’ll pass by the Candelabro, a huge geoglyph carved into the hillside. Its mysterious shape has puzzled visitors for years, adding a touch of intrigue to the landscape. Many reviews mention how impressive it is to see how such a giant figure can be so clearly visible from the water.

More Great Tours Nearby

Paracas to Huacachina: Desert Dunes and Dune Bashing

After about two hours exploring the islands, you’ll return to the port, take a brief rest, and then head towards Ica to visit the Huacachina Oasis. The drive takes around 75 minutes through the desert, and the moment you see the palm-fringed lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes, it feels like stepping into a mirage.

In Huacachina, you’ll get some free time to walk around, soak in the surreal atmosphere, and take photos of the dunes reflecting the sunset or early morning light. The main highlight here is the buggy ride, which offers an adrenaline rush as you race across the shifting sands, going up and down at dizzying speeds. As one reviewer put it, “You’ll love the views from the top of the dunes, and the thrill of dune bashing is worth every penny.”

While you're exploring Lima, here are other experiences we've looked into

Tasting Peru: Vineyards and Local Flavors

Next, it’s a short drive to a traditional vineyard for wine and pisco tasting. You’ll learn about the region’s wine-making process, which has deep roots in local culture, and sample a variety of wines along with pisco sour — the national spirit — and perhaps some regional tapas. The vineyard setting offers peaceful views of green vines stretching across the landscape, providing a nice contrast to the desert.

Many travelers mention the quality of the tasting experience, highlighting that the wines are well-made and affordable, especially considering the picturesque setting. It’s a relaxing way to wind down the busy day and enjoy regional flavors.

Return Journey to Lima

After a satisfying lunch at the vineyard, you’ll board the bus for the return trip. The journey back to Lima takes around 4.5 hours, so it’s a good chance to rest or review photos from the day. The city lights start to glow as you arrive, and you’ll be dropped off at your hotel in the districts of Miraflores, Barranco, Surco, or San Isidro.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, noting how much they enhance the experience with their explanations of wildlife and local history. One said, “Our guide, Ricardo, was fantastic — he pointed out every bird and shared stories that made the trip memorable.”

The wildlife viewing at the islands consistently gets top marks; travelers love seeing sea lions and penguins in their natural habitat, calling it a “highlight of the day.” The dune buggy ride also receives high praise for its excitement and scenic views, with one person describing it as “a rollercoaster in the desert.”

However, some mention that the long bus journey can be tiring, especially for those not accustomed to early mornings or extended travel. Others note that the lunch is not included, so budgeting around 40 soles for a meal is advisable if you’re hungry after the morning activities.

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Day

Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes for walking and dune bashing.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat — the desert sun can be intense.
Carry a camera or smartphone with extra batteries or storage — opportunities for photos are plentiful.
Be prepared for a full, active day, and allow for some rest after the long trip back to Lima.
If you have dietary restrictions, note that lunch isn’t included, so plan ahead.
Book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

This full-day tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Peru’s diverse landscapes and culture. The combination of wildlife, adventure, and regional wines makes for a memorable experience, especially for those eager to see different sides of Peru without overextending their trip.

It’s especially suitable if you enjoy active pursuits like boat rides and dune bashing, and want to learn about local products at the vineyards. The guides are praised for their helpfulness and knowledge, making the journey more engaging and informative.

That said, be prepared for the long travel hours — this isn’t a relaxed sightseeing day but rather a full-throttle adventure — and plan accordingly. For travelers who want to maximize their time exploring and don’t mind early mornings, this tour hits most of the highlights in a single, exciting package.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The $158 fee covers transportation to and from Lima, hotel pickup, an American breakfast, guided tour of the Ballestas Islands, buggy ride in Huacachina, wine and pisco tasting at a traditional vineyard, and tourist taxes.

Are drinks or meals included?
No, lunch and dinner aren’t included. You might find that a meal costs around 40 soles, so bringing some extra cash is wise. The breakfast provided is simple but enough to start your day.

How long is the bus ride?
The trip to Paracas takes approximately 3.5 hours, and returning from Ica to Lima takes about 4.5 hours. Expect a total of around 8 hours on the road, so bring snacks and entertainment.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for walking and outdoor activities are best. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a jacket for variable weather, especially in the desert.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 5 or for those with back or heart problems due to the physical activities like dune bashing and boat rides.

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Pickup begins at 5:00 AM. Be waiting in your hotel lobby about 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility helps if your plans are uncertain.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication throughout the day.

Is alcohol available at the vineyard?
Yes, you can taste local wines and pisco, and sample regional tapas, adding a flavorful end to the day.

Would you recommend this tour?
Absolutely, if you’re eager to see marine wildlife, enjoy desert adventures, and indulge in regional wines all in one day — and don’t mind a long trip — this tour offers excellent value and memorable sights.