Private Tour to Ballestas Islands, Ica and Huacachina Including Sandboarding

A Journey Beyond Lima: Wildlife, Dunes, and Delicious Flavors

Imagine spending a full day exploring some of Peru’s most captivating sights—marine wildlife at the Ballestas Islands, tasting local wines and pisco in Ica, and adventuring through the sand dunes at Huacachina. This private tour, priced at $249 per person, takes around 14 hours from Lima, offering a mix of nature, thrill-seeking, and cultural delights. Led by knowledgeable guides, this experience is tailored for those eager to see what the coast has to offer in a single, well-organized day.

What We Love Most? First, the personalized touch of a private guide makes all the difference. Our guide, Felipe, was praised for his perfect English and flexible approach, making the trip smooth and engaging. Second, the diverse activities—from boat rides to sandboarding—allow us to enjoy different aspects of Peru’s landscape and wildlife, all packed into one day.

One thing to keep in mind is the long travel time—about 7 hours on the road from Lima to Ica and Huacachina. While the journey is comfortable thanks to an air-conditioned vehicle, it’s a full day that demands good planning and energy. This tour suits travelers who are eager for a mix of nature, adventure, and local flavors, and who don’t mind a full schedule for the sake of a memorable experience.

Key Points

• Custom private experience ensures personalized attention and flexibility.
• Variety of highlights, including wildlife, wine tasting, and desert adventures.
• Comfortable transportation with pickup from central Lima districts.
• All entrance fees and lunch included, simplifying your day.
• Ideal for active travelers who enjoy outdoor activities like sandboarding.
• Long but rewarding day, perfect for those wanting an immersive overview.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Lima’s Convenient Pickup

Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel in Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro, or nearby areas. The air-conditioned vehicle promises comfort for the long drive ahead, which is crucial given the approximately 7-hour travel time to the attractions. From the outset, knowing you’re in good hands with a guide who speaks your language and understands your interests makes a big difference.

Stop 1: The Enchanting Ballestas Islands

The first highlight is the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Poor Man’s Galápagos” for their abundant wildlife. The boat ride takes about 2 hours, and you’ll be in a zodiac-style boat, zipping across the water to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and other marine creatures.

Our guide explained how these islands are a sanctuary for over 50 species of animals, and highlighted the famous “Candelabro”, a mysterious geoglyph visible from the sea. Watching sea lions bask on rocks and penguins waddling around was a highlight, and the boat ride’s lively pace kept everyone engaged.

A reviewer noted, “Our guide Felipe was great! He spoke perfect English and was very knowledgeable,” emphasizing how a good guide enhances the experience. The boat is open but usually equipped with some cover, so bring sunscreen and sunglasses for comfort.

Stop 2: Tasting at the Nietto Vineyard

Next, the tour shifts to the Nietto Vineyard in Pisco. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious tasting of pisco and regional wines, some of which are produced right on-site. The vineyard, being one of the oldest in the region, offers a glimpse into Peru’s famous pisco industry.

The lunch served here is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to experience regional flavors paired with local wines. You’ll probably find the pisco tasting particularly interesting—many travelers appreciate trying different varieties and learning about their production.

One reviewer highlighted, “We loved the wine and pisco tasting, and the lunch was fantastic,” which underscores how this stop offers both cultural insight and delightful flavors.

Stop 3: Huacachina Oasis and Dune Adventures

After refueling, the tour heads to Huacachina, a small desert oasis renowned for its stunning sand dunes and vibrant atmosphere. This is where the adventure really kicks in. You’ll hop into a dune buggy, which roars across the dunes, offering spectacular views and adrenaline-pumping fun.

Sandboarding is the perfect activity here—climb a dune with your board and slide down, feeling the rush of the wind and the powdery sand beneath. The drive itself is incredible, with sweeping views of the desert landscape that seem to stretch endlessly.

A participant shared, “Our guide Felipe was great! He spoke perfect English and was very knowledgeable,” which reflects the importance of a friendly, well-informed guide to maximize fun and safety.

Return Trip: A Long but Satisfying Journey Back to Lima

After a full day of exploration, you’ll start the long drive back to Lima, which takes about 4 hours. While tiring, the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle and the memories of a packed day make it worthwhile.

What’s Included and What You Should Know

This tour offers a lot of value—entrance fees, lunch, and wine and pisco tasting are included, saving you from extra costs and logistics. The small group size ensures personalized attention and flexibility, making your experience more intimate.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to participate in all activities. Since it’s a private tour, you can expect a tailored experience, with the guide adjusting timing if needed—something many reviewers appreciated.

The Balance of the Experience

While a full day like this is packed, it offers an excellent overview of the coast’s diversity. The wildlife at the islands, the culinary delights of Pisco, and the exhilaration of dune-bashing and sandboarding combine to make a memorable trip. However, it’s important to be prepared for the long hours on the road, which can be tiring for some.

The tour’s cost of $249 per person is quite reasonable considering the inclusions and the personalized nature. For travelers eager to combine wildlife, cultural experiences, and adventure in one day, this offers excellent value.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for active travelers who don’t mind a full schedule and enjoy outdoor activities. It’s perfect if you’re interested in seeing Peru’s coast wildlife, tasting regional wines, and trying sandboarding—something you won’t easily find in a standard city tour. The private aspect also suits those wanting a flexible, personalized experience.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Yes, especially if you’re looking for a well-organized, diverse day trip that packs in wildlife viewing, cultural tastings, and outdoor adventure. The knowledgeable guide makes a big difference, and the included meals and activities mean you’re well taken care of.

The tour offers value for money when considering all the inclusions and the personalized service. Expect a full day of fun, learning, and excitement—ideal for travelers who want to experience a different side of Peru beyond Lima’s cityscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the total day?
The entire experience lasts around 14 hours, including travel time, activities, and meals, making it a full but rewarding day.

Where does the tour pick me up from?
Pickup is available from central Lima districts, including Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro.

What should I bring for the boat ride and sandboarding?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable clothing. For sandboarding, wear clothes you don’t mind getting sandy and consider bringing a towel and water.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, children should be comfortable with boat rides and sandboarding. Check with the provider if you have young children.

What’s included in the price?
All entrance fees, lunch, wine and pisco tasting, guide service, and transportation are included.

How much free time is there at each stop?
The schedule is quite packed, but your guide will manage timing to ensure you see everything comfortably. The boat ride at the islands is about 2 hours, the vineyard visit 3 hours, and the Huacachina activities 2 hours.

Can I customize this tour?
Since it’s a private experience, there may be flexibility to adjust timing or activities—ask your guide upon booking.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This private tour to the Ballestas Islands, Ica, and Huacachina offers a rare chance to combine wildlife, scenic landscapes, adventure, and regional flavors—all in one memorable day. Perfect for active, curious travelers eager to see a side of Peru less trodden, it promises an authentic, fun-filled experience you’ll be talking about long after you return home.