From Lima: 2 Days to Paracas & Huacachina | 2 Days/1 Night

From Lima: 2 Days to Paracas & Huacachina | 2 Days/1 Night

Imagine a quick escape from the urban buzz of Lima to the striking coastal desert and the lively oasis of Huacachina. For just under $220, this two-day tour takes you through the scenic Ballestas Islands, a vineyard tour in Ica, and the adrenaline rush of buggy rides and sandboarding in Huacachina. It’s a compact, adventure-packed experience that promises a taste of the best nature, culture, and thrills southern Peru has to offer.

What we really like about this tour: First, the boat trip to the Ballestas Islands offers a chance to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and guano birds in their natural habitat—an authentic wildlife encounter. Second, the desert dune buggy rides and sandboarding put you right in the middle of Ica’s stunning dunes, giving you a fun and memorable adventure.

A potential consideration is the schedule variability—the order of activities might shift depending on weather or other conditions, and sometimes the boat trip can be canceled if the seas are rough. This might mean a slightly different experience than initially planned, so flexibility is key.

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers craving a quick escape that combines nature, culture, and adrenaline. It suits those looking for an organized, guided experience with a mix of wildlife, local flavors, and outdoor fun, especially if you’re comfortable with a fast-paced itinerary and some unpredictable weather.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Includes boat trip to the Ballestas Islands to see marine wildlife.
• Features a vineyard tour to learn about Peruvian wines and piscos, with tastings.
• Offers exhilarating dune buggy rides and sandboarding in Huacachina.
• Provides an overnight hotel stay in Huacachina, allowing for a relaxed afternoon.
• Tour guides are noted for their knowledge and friendliness, enhancing the experience.
• Weather can impact activities like the boat trip, so flexibility is advised.

An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Tour from Lima

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of southern Peru’s coastal beauty and desert adventure, all packed into just two days. It’s ideal for travelers who want to maximize their short trip with diverse experiences without the hassle of planning each detail.

Day 1: Marine Wildlife and Vineyards

Your adventure kicks off at the Chaco port, where you’ll hop aboard a modern boat for the famous trip to the Ballestas Islands. The boat ride itself is a highlight, with impressive views of Peru’s rugged coastline and the chance to see sea lions lounging on rocks and Humboldt penguins waddling about. The Chandelier geoglyph, visible from the sea, adds a mysterious touch, and your guide will probably point out this natural figure carved into the dunes—an iconic sight that’s worth snapping a photo.

The boat trip usually lasts about an hour and a half. Some reviews mention that weather conditions can cause the trip to be canceled for safety reasons, with a partial refund offered if that happens. This is important to keep in mind for your planning.

After the marine adventure, you’ll transfer to Ica for a vineyard tour. Here, you’ll learn about Peru’s famous wines and piscos—a local spirit made from sugarcane—and get to sample some of the best offerings. The guides are knowledgeable about the process, and the tasting is a nice way to connect with local traditions.

Following this, your afternoon is flexible—lunch isn’t included, but you’ll have plenty of options to try local dishes. Then, you’ll check into your hotel in Huacachina, giving you time to unwind or explore the enchanting oasis at your own pace.

Day 2: Culture, Desert Fun, and Spectacular Views

The second day begins with a short city tour of Ica, visiting historic sites like Luren Church, the Cathedral, and the Church of San Francisco. These landmarks give a glimpse into the region’s colonial past and architectural charm.

The real thrill comes at Huacachina, known as the “Oasis of America”. Surrounded by towering dunes, this small lagoon is a surreal scene—palm trees lining the water, with desert stretching endlessly around. Our guides will tell some intriguing legends about this hidden gem, adding a local flavor to your visit.

The highlight is the buggy ride in the dunes, often called a tubular tour. You’ll be driven by a professional driver, who whips around the dunes, providing both thrills and incredible views. You’ll also get the chance to sandboard, sliding down the dunes on a board—standing or sitting—though renting professional boards might incur an extra fee. This activity is especially fun if you’re a thrill-seeker or want a memorable story to tell.

You’ll have some free time afterward to enjoy the oasis, take photos, or relax before heading back to Lima. The journey concludes late at night, returning around 9:30 to 10:30 pm.

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What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The marine wildlife experience at the Ballestas Islands is genuine, capturing the spirit of Peru’s coast. Many travelers love seeing the animals in their natural environment, especially the adorable sea lions and the charming penguins.

The desert adventures in Huacachina provide a perfect adrenaline boost—the buggies are driven by professionals, and the sandboarding is accessible for beginners. Its setting—a lagoon surrounded by dunes—has a surreal, almost magical quality that makes the effort worthwhile.

The vineyard tour adds a touch of local culture and flavor, making this more than just an outdoor adventure. It’s a chance to learn about Peru’s famous piscos and wines and sample them in a relaxed setting.

Considerations and Possible Drawbacks

While the tour offers a lot, some travelers have pointed out that plans can change unexpectedly. One review mentions that the schedule was altered on the day due to weather or other factors, and activities like the boat trip or Pisco visit might be skipped or rescheduled. This could be disappointing if you’re expecting a fixed itinerary.

Another point is hotel amenities—the hotel in Huacachina might not have a pool, despite promotional images suggesting luxury. At least one reviewer notes that you might need to pay extra to use neighboring pools, so managing expectations here is wise.

Finally, the cost (around $218 per person) for a two-day tour with transport, guides, boat trip, and activities is reasonable, but it’s worth noting that lunch and some optional extras (like sandboarding rentals) are not included, so budget accordingly.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts eager to see marine animals and experience the thrill of dune activities. It’s perfect for short-term visitors who want a taste of Peru’s diverse landscapes without the hassle of organizing separate tours.

It also suits culture lovers interested in tasting local spirits and exploring colonial architecture in Ica. If you’re comfortable with a packed itinerary and some weather-dependent activities, you’ll likely find this tour a worthwhile addition to your Peru trip.

The Sum Up

This two-day tour from Lima offers a balanced blend of nature, adventure, and culture. From observing penguins and sea lions at the Ballestas Islands to riding buggies over desert dunes and sipping pisco in Ica, it captures the diversity of southern Peru in just a weekend.

The guided experience enhances the trip with knowledgeable hosts, and the adrenaline activities add a fun, memorable dimension. While weather can influence parts of the schedule, the overall variety and authentic experiences make it a good value for those looking for an active, engaging getaway.

Most travelers who enjoy a mix of wildlife, outdoor fun, and local culture will find this tour engaging, especially if they’re open to some flexibility and spontaneity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the boat trip to the Ballestas Islands guaranteed?
Not always. Weather conditions can cause the boat trip to be canceled for safety reasons, but a partial refund may be provided if this happens.

What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation, a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, a vineyard tour with tastings, hotel stay in Huacachina, dune buggy rides, and sandboarding.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and dinner are not included, so you’ll need to plan for those on your own.

How long is the dune buggy ride?
The buggy ride lasts about 45 minutes, and it is driven by a professional driver for safety and fun.

Can I rent sandboards for standing sandboarding?
Yes, but there might be an additional fee for renting professional boards in Huacachina.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife.

Is the hotel in Huacachina comfortable?
The hotel provides basic accommodation, but some reviews mention that it may not have a pool, and extra charges might apply for pool access.

How late does the tour return to Lima?
You’ll be back around 9:30 pm to 10:30 pm, so plan your following day accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for families or solo travelers?
Yes, the tour suits both groups and solo travelers, especially those seeking adventure and cultural experiences in a guided format.

Whether you’re a wildlife lover or an adventure seeker, this tour offers a compact but captivating slice of southern Peru’s highlights. Just remember to stay flexible and enjoy the ride—both on the boat and over the dunes!

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby