From Lima: PARACAS, ICA and OASIS HUACACHINA, ALL INCLUSIVE

From Lima: Paracas, Ica, and Oasis Huacachina — All-Inclusive Adventure

This full-day tour from Lima (costing around $86 per person) offers a lively mix of marine wildlife, desert thrills, and local culture in just 16 hours. With stops at the famous Ballestas Islands, the vibrant city of Ica, and the iconic Huacachina Oasis, it’s designed to pack in multiple experiences in one day. Guided by friendly, knowledgeable locals, you’ll enjoy a blend of scenic boat rides, tasty wines, and adrenaline-fueled dune buggies.

Two things we particularly love about this tour are the opportunity to see diverse wildlife up close — from sea lions to penguins — and the thrilling desert adventures with sandboarding and buggy rides. The tour’s inclusiveness, covering tickets, snacks, and even alcohol tastings, makes it excellent value for travelers eager to experience a broad slice of Peruvian landscapes.

A possible consideration is the long day’s pace — with departures at 5:00 am and arrivals back around 10:00 pm, it’s a busy schedule. This tour suits those who enjoy a full, active day and are comfortable with early mornings and a lot of moving around. It’s ideal for curious travelers who want a comprehensive taste of this diverse region without the hassle of planning multiple excursions themselves.

Key Points

• Diverse destinations: Visits to marine wildlife, desert dunes, and a lively winery.
• All-inclusive: Tickets, snacks, drinks, and activities included for ease.
• Active adventure: Sandboarding and buggy rides deliver plenty of adrenaline.
• Expert guides: Friendly guides enhance the experience with local insights.
• Valuable for travelers: Perfect for those wanting a comprehensive day trip.
• Long hours: Be prepared for an early start and late return.

An In-Depth Look at the Lima to Paracas, Ica & Huacachina Tour

If you’re visiting Lima and craving a full-day adventure that showcases the coast, desert, and local flavors, this tour from Ankany Peru is worth considering. For around $86, you get a busy, well-organized itinerary that helps you make the most of southern Peru’s highlights, all with the convenience of pickup and drop-off from your hotel.

The Morning Departure and First Stops

The tour kicks off at 5:00 am, which might seem early, but it’s necessary to beat some of the heat and crowds, especially during the hot season. We loved the way the trip begins with a comfortable pickup from Miraflores, San Isidro, or Barranco — meaning no fuss about transport logistics. Arriving in Paracas around 9:00 am, you’ll quickly head to the pier for the Boat Ride to the Ballestas Islands.

This boat trip is a core highlight. You’re likely to see sea lions lounging on rocks, dolphins playing in the water, and penguins and guano birds nesting on cliffs. The boat guide’s commentary adds value, sharing stories about the island’s wildlife and the famous Candelabra figure etched into the desert sands — an enigmatic symbol that sparks curiosity. The two-hour excursion is lively but not rushed, giving you time to photograph the wildlife and admire the rugged landscape.

Wildlife and Scenic Highlights

Many reviewers mention how magical this part of the trip is. LuzMarina_C, for instance, called the experience “extremely fun,” praising the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge. The boat guides, in particular, receive high praise for making the wildlife sightings engaging and informative.

Ica and Wine Tasting

After returning from the islands, you’ll head to Ica, about an hour away. The stop here is perfect for a mid-morning break and lunch. The tour includes a delicious meal at a local restaurant, with options for vegetarians, and you’ll get to sample some local piscos and wines at a nearby winery. Darya_K loved the ‘relaxing and enjoyable’ aspect of the wine tasting, describing it as a highlight of her visit — perfect for those interested in Peruvian spirits.

This part of the tour also offers a chance to learn about local agriculture and wine production, adding a bit of cultural flavor to the experience. The reviews note the friendly guides during tastings and the overall quality of food and drinks as very satisfying.

Huacachina: Dunes and Desert Adventure

The final major stop is the Oasis of Huacachina, just a short drive from Ica. Here, the landscape transforms into a stunning desert backdrop, with golden dunes rising sharply around the small lagoon. This is where the tour really cranks up the adrenaline.

We loved how the sandboarding and buggy rides were included — a thrilling way to experience the desert. The buggy driver expertly navigates the dunes, and the sandboarding boards allow for some fun, if slightly challenging, moments. LuzMarina_C describes the dune ride as “simply amazing,” and Jimena_C highlights the exhilaration of the buggy tour.

Final Return and Evening Arrival

After this adventure, it’s back on the bus for the roughly five-hour journey to Lima, arriving around 10:00 pm. The return trip is a good time to relax, reflect, and perhaps share photos and stories with fellow travelers. The tour finishes with convenient drop-offs back at your accommodation, which is a real plus for those staying in Miraflores or Barranco.

Practical Details and What You Should Know

The price of $86 covers almost everything — tickets, snacks, water, drinks, and guided activities. Including all tickets and activities means you won’t be surprised by extra costs, making it a great value for a full-day experience. The tour is limited to 15 travelers, fostering a more intimate atmosphere and allowing guides to give personalized attention.

The long hours might be taxing for some, but if you’re a morning person and enjoy active outings, it’s a perfect way to pack in a lot. The included snacks and local wine tastings add a relaxing touch, while the adventure sports keep things exciting.

Transportation and Comfort

The tour uses comfortable transportation, with pickups from key neighborhoods, ensuring you don’t have to worry about logistics. The group size keeps the experience manageable and friendly. Some reviews mention the bus’s lack of air conditioning, so be prepared for warm conditions on the return trip, especially in summer.

Guides and Overall Experience

Guide staff are frequently praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge. LuzMarina_C emphasizes the extraordinary guides who made the day memorable. The guides’ storytelling and engagement are a big part of why travelers rate this tour highly.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for active travelers seeking a full-day immersion into Peru’s coastal landscapes, wildlife, and desert scenery. It’s perfect if you’re keen on wildlife photography, adventure sports, or local wine tasting. It also suits those who want a hassle-free experience with all logistics taken care of, especially if you’re based in Lima’s Miraflores or Barranco.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are sensitive to long hours and busy schedules, this might be a demanding day. It’s best for those comfortable with early mornings and traveling for several hours.

The Sum Up

This all-inclusive full-day tour from Lima offers a diverse and exciting snapshot of Peru’s coast, desert, and marine life. Guided by friendly experts, you’ll see wildlife, enjoy local wines, and test your nerve with sandboarding and dune buggy rides. The included tickets, snacks, and drinks make it a value-packed option for travelers eager to experience a range of landscapes without the stress of planning.

While the long hours may be tiring, the richness of the experience — from the playful seals at the islands to thrilling desert adventures — makes it well worth it for adventure lovers. This tour fits best for those who want a comprehensive, active day with a taste of all that southern Peru has to offer.

If you’re craving a well-organized, fun-filled day trip that balances wildlife, culture, and adventure, this tour provides a memorable snapshot of Peru’s diverse landscapes and local flavors.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 5:00 am with pickup from your Lima hotel and returns around 10:00 pm, so be prepared for a full, busy day.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco are included, with comfortable bus transportation throughout the day.

Are tickets and activities included?
Absolutely. All tickets for the boat trip, winery visit, and desert activities are covered, along with snacks, bottled water, and some drinks.

Can I choose vegetarian options for lunch?
Yes, vegetarian options are available at the local restaurant during lunch.

Is it suitable for children or older travelers?
Most travelers of varying ages participate comfortably, but be mindful that the day is physically active and long.

What is the group size?
Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience and plenty of interaction with guides.

Are there any rest stops?
Given the packed itinerary, rest stops are brief, mainly at key points like the winery and oasis.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended. Be prepared for sun and heat, especially during desert activities.

This comprehensive review should help you decide if this full-day coastal and desert adventure from Lima matches your travel style. It promises a lively, engaging experience filled with memorable sights and fun activities — perfect for those eager to see Peru beyond the city.