Lima: Ballestas Islands, Winery & Huacachina Oasis Private Tour

Exploring the Peruvian Coast and Desert in One Day

This private tour from Lima offers a full-day adventure through some of the most striking sights in southern Peru, including the Ballestas Islands, a local winery, and the Huacachina Oasis. For $270 per person, you get a carefully curated experience packed with wildlife spotting, regional tastings, and desert thrills—all with the comfort of hotel pickup and drop-off.

Two things really stand out. First, the guided boat tour of the islands gives you a chance to see native wildlife like sea lions, penguins, and seabirds—a true highlight of the Peruvian coast. Second, the sandboarding and buggy ride through the towering dunes of Huacachina offer an adrenaline rush that’s hard to find elsewhere in a day trip.

A key consideration: the long drive from Lima means this is a very early start, and the day runs close to 15 hours. Travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace or are sensitive to long travel times might find this a bit exhausting. Still, if you’re eager to see a variety of landscapes and experiences in a single day, this tour packs a lot into a small window.

This experience is best suited for active travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, or those keen to combine coastal, wine, and desert environments. If you’re curious about local wildlife, enjoy regional foods and drinks, and don’t mind a full day on the road, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

Key Points

• All-in-one Experience: Combines wildlife, wine tasting, and desert adventure in a single day.
• Private Tour: Offers a personalized experience with a dedicated guide.
• Included Meals and Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, and snacks make the long day more comfortable.
• Early Start: Departure at 4:30 a.m., so be prepared for a very early morning.
• Authentic Regional Flavors: Tasting local wines, piscos, and traditional drinks like chica morada.
• Active Activities: Sandboarding and dune buggy rides add an exciting element but require some physical effort.

An In-Depth Look at the Lima: Ballestas Islands, Winery & Huacachina Oasis Tour

Traveling from Lima, we immediately notice the logistical benefit of a private tour with hotel pickup, which spares you the hassle of arranging transportation or navigating public transit. The 4:30 a.m. departure might seem early, but it ensures you get the most out of the day and avoids the midday crowds.

Setting Out to the Coast: Early Mornings and Scenic Drives

After a breakfast box and refreshing drinks, we begin the journey southward. The drive offers a chance to enjoy the Peruvian countryside, with stops possible for photos and stretching legs. The long ride—roughly three hours—becomes part of the adventure, especially if you appreciate scenic travel. Our guide, Erick, was praised for being friendly and accommodating, though some reviews note that the commentary could be more detailed.

The highlight: The Ballestas Islands

Arriving in Paracas, we board a boat to the “Mini Galápagos”, a nickname earned for its abundant marine life and rugged rocky landscape. As the boat rocks over the water, we spot sea lions lounging on rocks, blue-footed boobies, penguins, and a variety of seabirds—each with unique behaviors and habits. The advice from reviews about the open-air boat being cold is valid; dressing warmly is recommended.

The Candelabro geoglyph seen on the way back is a fascinating bonus—possibly used as a navigational guide by ancient cultures. The boat tour lasts about two hours and includes admission tickets, which simplifies logistics.

Exploring Ica: Oenology and Confectionery

Next, the tour heads to Ica, where we visit a local chocolate factory and a winery. The wine and pisco tasting is a major highlight, with visitors raving about the variety and quality of regional drinks. The included lunch features local flavors, with a traditional chica morada drink made from purple corn—an authentic Peruvian touch.

The reviews suggest that many find the guide’s commentary somewhat basic, mainly focused on logistics rather than in-depth cultural or historical insights. Still, the food and drink experiences are widely appreciated.

Desert Adventures at Huacachina

The final leg of the trip is the striking Huacachina Oasis, a tiny natural lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes. Here, the thrill-seeking side of travelers is satisfied by buggy rides over the dunes and sandboarding—a quick but exhilarating activity that leaves many eager for more.

During free time, you can snap photos of the sunset glow over the desert, relax by the lagoon, or explore the small village. The adventure activities are included and are a defining feature of this trip.

End of the Day and Return to Lima

After a full day packed with activities, we head back to Lima, arriving around 7:30 p.m. The long day means fatigue, but many reviewers agree that the experience was worth it, especially considering the variety of sights and activities covered.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

While the price of $270 might seem steep for just one day, it includes a lot: transportation, guide, boat tickets, meals, and activities. The convenience of having everything arranged means you won’t need to worry about logistics—perfect for those wanting a hassle-free experience.

The guided tours of the islands and wineries provide authentic insights, and the activities at Huacachina give a memorable adrenaline rush. The inclusions and the private setup also mean a more personalized and flexible experience compared to larger group tours.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time and see a diverse range of Peruvian scenery and culture in one day. If you’re comfortable with early mornings and long drives, you’ll love the mix of wildlife, regional drinks, and desert adventures. Those seeking a more relaxed pace or with limited mobility might want to consider a less intensive option.

In short, it’s an excellent choice for adventure seekers, wildlife lovers, and anyone keen to experience the variety that southern Peru offers—without the hassle of planning each component independently.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The tour departs at 4:30 a.m., which allows for a full day’s worth of activities.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your Lima hotel are part of the package, though there is a $20 fee for pickup from Lima airport or nearby hotels in Callao and San Miguel.

What meals are included?
A breakfast box in the morning, lunch at the winery with drinks, and snacks and drinks throughout the day are included.

What wildlife can we expect to see at the Ballestas Islands?
You’ll see sea lions, penguins, blue-footed boobies, and guanay guano birds, among others.

How active are the desert activities?
Sandboarding and buggy rides are included, which are suitable for most active travelers but require some physical effort and balance.

How long is the boat tour?
Approximately two hours, giving you plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and appreciate the scenery.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult and should be comfortable with early mornings and active activities.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
While the tour is available year-round, good weather and calm seas enhance the experience—check local conditions before booking.

Are there any dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan meals are available if advised at booking.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly for the boat ride and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes for walking and sandboarding.

This private day tour from Lima offers a well-balanced, full-spectrum experience of coastal wildlife, regional wines, and desert landscapes. It’s a fantastic way to see diverse environments in a single day, especially if you enjoy active pursuits, regional flavors, and authentic scenery.