From Lima: Ballestas Islands, Winery, and Huacachina Tour — A Full-Day Adventure

Starting at around $75 per person, this tour offers a bold taste of some of the Peruvian coast’s most iconic sights. It’s a long day, around 14 hours, but packed with diverse experiences that appeal to travelers craving a mix of wildlife, scenic landscapes, and local flavors. We traveled with a friendly guide named Carlos, who kept us informed and energized throughout the journey.

Two things we really appreciated: first, the stunning wildlife viewing at the Ballestas Islands — sea lions lounging on rocks and playful penguins are hard to beat. Second, the adrenaline-filled dune buggy ride in Huacachina, which is both exhilarating and a fantastic way to see the desert’s dramatic dunes up close.

A possible downside? The tour’s schedule is tight, and if you’re not a fan of early mornings or long travel days, it might feel rushed. Still, for those eager to pack a lot into a single day, this trip offers impressive value.

This experience suits adventurous travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those curious about Peruvian culture and landscape. It’s especially ideal if you want a comprehensive snapshot of the coast and desert in one day.

Key Points

Wildlife: Spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds at the Ballestas Islands.
Local Flavors: Enjoy a traditional lunch at NIETO winery and taste Peruvian pisco.
Adventure: Experience dune buggy rides and try sandboarding in Huacachina.
Scenic Strolls: Walk around the tranquil Huacachina Oasis.
Cultural Insights: Learn about pisco production during your tasting.
Value: For $75, you get an all-included day with guides, transport, and activities.

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Exploring the Itinerary: What Makes Each Stop Special

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The Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve

We arrived at El Chaco port early in the morning, ready for our boat trip out to the famous Ballestas Islands. The boat ride itself is a highlight — on a modern vessel with large windows, you’ll feel close to the water and wildlife. As the boat slips through the bay, you’ll be greeted by lively sea lions basking on rocks and Humboldt penguins scuttling along the shoreline. The guide, Miguel, pointed out guanays and various seabirds, which kept everyone snapping photos.

What makes this stop compelling is the abundance of wildlife and the scenery of rugged coastlines. It’s a quick, but memorable, glimpse into Peru’s marine ecosystem. Several reviews mentioned how “we loved the way the boat tour brought us face-to-face with sea lions and seabirds” — a real highlight for animal lovers.

Lunch at NIETO Winery and Pisco Tasting

After returning from the islands, we headed inland for lunch at NIETO winery. Their restaurant offers a pleasant setting with views of the vineyards — perfect for a relaxed meal after the morning’s boat ride. The food was hearty and authentic, with local ingredients that showcased Peru’s culinary simplicity.

Post-lunch, we participated in a pisco tasting experience. Our guide explained the distillation process and the different varieties of pisco they produce. Sampling these drinks side-by-side gave us a new appreciation for this national spirit, which is as much a cultural symbol as a drink. We found the excellent wine selection and the knowledgeable guide made the tasting both fun and informative.

Huacachina Oasis and Dune Adventures

The drive to Ica took us through the desert landscape that surrounds the Huacachina Oasis — a true desert gem with a tranquil lagoon. We strolled around the lake, which is surprisingly peaceful despite being a popular tourist spot. The reflections of the dunes in the water give it a postcard-ready look.

Then, the real thrill began with a dune buggy ride. Our driver, Juan, skillfully navigated the towering sand dunes, giving us a chance to snap photos of the sweeping desert vistas. The ride was intense, bouncing across the dunes at high speed, and sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Once at the top, we tried sandboarding — a fun, if slightly challenging, activity that left us all with sandy smiles.

Several travelers mentioned how the buggy ride was exhilarating and a highlight of the trip, making it perfect for adventure seekers. The mix of breathtaking views and physical activity made it memorable.

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Final Stop: Racimo de Uva

On the way back, we stopped at Racimo de Uva, a small shop selling snacks, wine, and pisco. It’s a good place to pick up souvenirs or a quick snack to wind down after a full day. Many reviews praised the local treats and friendly atmosphere, making it a fitting end to the tour.

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Practical Tips and Considerations

Transportation: The tour uses a modern boat and 4WD vehicles, ensuring comfort during long drives and bumpy dune rides.
Timing: Starting early is essential, as the schedule runs from about 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM. Be prepared for a long but diverse day.
Group Size: Tours tend to be small to medium-sized, making it easier to ask questions and stay engaged with the guide.
What to Bring: Pack comfortable shoes for walking and sandboarding, sunscreen, a hat, camera, snacks, and plenty of water.
Suitability: Not ideal for pregnant women, those with back problems, or travelers prone to seasickness.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a well-rounded day trip that combines wildlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences, this tour hits all those points. It’s especially great for adventure enthusiasts who want to experience dune bashing and sandboarding, and for wildlife watchers eager to see penguins and sea lions up close.

Travelers interested in Peruvian spirits will enjoy the pisco tasting, adding a cultural flavor to the day. On the other hand, if your schedule allows for more leisure or you prefer a slower pace, this might feel a bit packed.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Lima offers a balanced mix of nature, adventure, and culture at a reasonable price. Its inclusions — wildlife viewing, a scenic boat ride, winery lunch, pisco tasting, and desert adventure — make it a solid choice for those wanting a comprehensive day out in southern Peru.

The opportunity to see wildlife in its natural habitat combined with the adrenaline rush of dune bashing and sandboarding is what truly sets this experience apart. It’s a full day of varied activities that make the most of Peru’s coast and desert landscapes.

Perfect for travelers who appreciate authentic experiences rather than just sightseeing, this tour delivers a satisfying snapshot of the region’s natural beauty and local flavors. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, you’ll leave with a wealth of stories and photos to share.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins with an early pickup from your Lima accommodation or designated meeting point, with no hotel pickup included.

How long does the boat ride to the Ballestas Islands last?
The boat trip from Paracas Bay to the islands typically lasts about an hour, providing ample time to view wildlife and enjoy the scenery.

Is the dune buggy ride suitable for everyone?
While most travelers will find it thrilling, it is a bumpy, high-speed ride that might not be suitable for those with back problems or pregnant women.

What is included in the price?
For $75, you get transportation (boat and 4WD), a professional guide, lunch at NIETO winery, a pisco tasting, and sandboarding equipment.

Are there any dietary restrictions to consider?
The provided lunch is set at the winery, and travelers with specific dietary needs should communicate with the tour provider in advance.

Can I buy souvenirs during the trip?
Yes, at the Racimo de Uva stop, you can purchase local wine, pisco, cookies, and other Peruvian treats.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat and sunscreen), and layers suitable for both sea and desert climates are recommended.

This full-day tour from Lima offers a well-rounded adventure, especially for those eager to see wildlife, enjoy scenic landscapes, and sample local flavors. It’s a lively, engaging way to experience the diverse landscapes of southern Peru in just one day.