Full Day Paracas Ica and Huacachina from Lima All Included

Discover Peru’s Coastal Charms on a Full Day Tour from Lima
This full-day adventure from Lima for $88 takes you to some of Peru’s most captivating sights — from the wildlife-filled Ballestas Islands to the oasis of Huacachina, with a stop at a local winery for pisco and wine tastings. The tour lasts around 16 hours, starting early at 5 a.m., and uses a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to ferry you between destinations.

What we love about this trip? First, the variety of experiences packed into one day — wildlife spotting, wine tasting, and dune bashing — all in a small-group setting that keeps things personal. Second, the expert guides like Silma or Miguel who make each stop informative and fun, often adding humor or engaging games that turn learning into a highlight.

A possible consideration is the long travel times—you’re on the road for about 4 hours each way. While this allows for a comprehensive day, it can be tiring, especially if you prefer more relaxed pacing or are prone to travel fatigue.

This tour suits travelers who want to maximize their time, enjoy diverse activities, and prefer a small-group experience that offers more attention from guides. It’s perfect for those who love adventure and cultural flavor, and don’t mind the early start and a full day of excursions.

Key Points

• Wildlife & Nature: Spot sea lions and penguins at the Ballestas Islands.
• Cultural & Tasting Experiences: Enjoy wine and pisco tastings at a local Ica winery.
• Adventure & Thrills: Sandboarding and dune buggy rides in Huacachina offer adrenaline-pumping fun.
• Convenience & Comfort: All transportation, entrance fees, snacks, and guide services included for a hassle-free day.
• Small Group: Max 15 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• Long but Rewarding: Expect a full, action-packed day with some long drives, but plenty of memorable moments.

A Deep Dive Into Your Itinerary

Start Early with a Purpose

Your day kicks off at 5 a.m. from Miraflores, which might seem early, but it’s essential to beat the crowds and maximize your time. The drive to Paracas is about four hours, giving you a chance to relax or snooze as your guide shares interesting snippets about the landscape. This early start is a common theme, so be prepared for a long day, but also for a chance to see Peru’s coastline before the sun gets too high.

Islas Ballestas: Wildlife in Action

Your first stop is at the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Poor Man’s Galápagos,” but don’t let the name fool you. With over 50 species of animals including sea lions and Humboldt penguins, this is a nature lover’s paradise. The boat tour lasts about two hours, providing a close-up look at marine life and the famous Candelabro geoglyph etched into the hillside.

According to reviews, the boat ride is a definite highlight. One traveler praised the guide, Silma, for making the experience richer through interesting explanations and fun quiz games. You’ll get to see playful sea lions basking on rocks and penguins waddling about—an adorable spectacle that’s worth the early wake-up.

Winery Visit: Tasting Peru’s National Drink

Next, you’ll visit a local winery in Ica, called El Catador, where you’ll learn about the pisco-making process. Here, you’ll enjoy tastings of pisco and wines based on this iconic liquor. The tasting experience is both educational and flavorful, with good opportunities for toasts and local chatter.

Reviewers frequently mention this stop as one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. The lunch here is often described as a fun, relaxed affair, with plenty of opportunities to sample and appreciate the flavors of Peru’s best-known spirits. The visit lasts about 1.5 hours, including tasting and a brief tour.

Huacachina: Dunes and Adventure

After lunch, you’ll head to Huacachina, the desert oasis famous for its dunes and thrill rides. This part of the day is packed with adrenaline — you’ll try sandboarding on 150-meter dunes and ride bumpety buggy rides across the sands, guided by experienced instructors.

Many reviews capture the excitement of this segment, describing it as the “highlight” of the trip. Expect high-speed dune buggies and the chance to slide down the dunes on a board, all with spectacular sunset views if timing aligns. The activities here last approximately two hours, and are free for sandboarding, with buggies included.

One reviewer shared that their group enjoyed this so much they wanted more time. Others note that the buggy rides can be shorter than expected, but still exhilarating.

Return and Reflection

The drive back to Lima is about four hours, making this a long day, but one filled with diverse sights and experiences. Many travelers appreciate the well-organized itinerary and the professional guidance that helps streamline what could otherwise be a hectic day.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Voices

Emma, who called the tour “amazing,” appreciated the detailed explanations and the engaging quiz game with souvenirs. She described her experience at Huacachina as “so much fun,” especially the sandboarding.

Celia highlighted the value for money, noting how smoothly everything ran despite the long distances. The breaks for tastings and lunch were well-placed and made the long hours enjoyable.

On the downside, some travelers mention cramped transportation—the van can feel tight after hours on the road—and the long drive may be tiring. One reviewer pointed out that snacks and bottled water were not included as promised, which highlights the importance of having realistic expectations about amenities.

That said, most reviews are highly positive, praising knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and fun activities. The consistent theme: this tour offers great value for those eager to see a broad slice of Peru’s coastal highlights in one day.

The Practical Side: What to Expect

Transportation & Group Size

Travel is in a small group (max 15), which means fewer crowds and more guides’ attention. The vehicle is air-conditioned, helping beat the early morning chill and afternoon heat. With about four hours of travel each way, consider your comfort and patience—this is a key factor for more relaxed travelers.

Cost & Value

At $88 per person, you’re paying for a full day of diverse activities—wildlife, culture, adventure—and inclusive of all fees, taxes, snacks, tastings, and activities. While it’s a long day, the variety and the small-group intimacy provide a good value for money, especially when you factor in the hassle-free organization.

Suitable for

Travelers who enjoy adventure and nature, and who are fine with early mornings and long drives. It’s perfect if you want to see multiple highlights without the hassle of planning each step. If you have limited time in Peru, this is a concentrated taste of the coast’s wildlife, culture, and thrill-seeking.

Considerations

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, this might feel rushed. Also, cramped transport could be an issue for some. And, keep in mind that weather can impact some activities, especially in the dunes. Always check the forecast and be prepared for a full, energetic day.

FAQs

What time does the tour start and end?
It begins at 5 a.m. from Miraflores and returns to the same point around 9 p.m., making it a very full day.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included in the package, but there is a lunch stop at the winery, which many travelers find enjoyable and relaxing. Vegetarian options are available if specified beforehand.

Are snacks and water provided?
Snacks (cookies, chips, etc.) and bottled water are included, but some reviews note they weren’t always available as promised. It’s good to carry extra just in case.

What’s the group size?
A maximum of 15 travelers ensures a more personal experience, with more time for questions and interaction with your guide.

Is this suitable for kids or older travelers?
Yes, the activities are generally suitable for most ages, but be prepared for the long travel hours. Children might especially enjoy the wildlife and sandboarding, but always check with your specific guide if you have concerns.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking and sandboarding, sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the views. A light jacket might be helpful for early mornings and evenings.

Final Reflection

This full-day tour from Lima offers a well-rounded glimpse of Peru’s coastal treasures. From the wildlife-filled islands to the thrilling dunes of Huacachina, it combines adventure, nature, and culture in a way that’s accessible and fun. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides ensure you get personal attention and in-depth explanations, making each stop more meaningful.

While it’s a long day with some travel time, the diversity of experiences justifies the effort. You’ll walk away with great photos, memorable stories, and a deeper understanding of Peru’s coastal environment and local traditions, especially around pisco.

If you’re eager to pack a lot into a single day and enjoy a mix of nature, adventure, and cultural discovery, this tour delivers excellent value. It’s best suited for active travelers, curious minds, and those who thrive on engaging in a variety of experiences without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

In summary: This tour is a fantastic choice if you want an intimate, well-organized day of wildlife spotting, cultural tasting, and adventure, all with a friendly guide leading the way. Just prepare for a long but rewarding journey that covers some of Peru’s most iconic sights in one memorable day.