Lima to Paracas, Ica & Huacachina: An Action-Packed Day Trip

Starting early from Lima at 5:00 AM, this tour takes you on a full-day adventure through some of Peru’s most iconic spots: Paracas, Ica, and the famous Huacachina Oasis. At $60 per person for roughly 17.5 hours of exploring, it offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and adrenaline-pumping activities.

What we really appreciated are the carefully curated stops—not just ticking boxes but offering genuine experiences: sailing around the Ballestas Islands, discovering the mysterious El Candelabro, and zooming across sand dunes in dune buggies. Plus, the wine and pisco tasting at Ica added a flavorful local touch.

One potential drawback is the long day—be prepared for a very early start and a late return, which might be tiring for some. But if you’re eager to maximize your Peru experience without spending extra days, this trip packs a lot into a single day.

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers who love wildlife, stunning landscapes, and cultural tastes, and for those with limited time in Lima wanting a well-organized, rich experience.

Key Points

Comprehensive itinerary covering marine life, desert dunes, and local wines
Excellent value considering all included activities and tickets
Expert bilingual guides enhance the experience with interesting stories
Adrenaline activities like sandboarding and dune buggy rides
Long but rewarding day, starting early and returning late
Suitable for travelers without mobility issues, not wheelchair accessible

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Day Trip from Lima: What Awaits You

This full-day adventure offers an impressive variety of sights, sounds, and experiences that keep your interest alive from morning to night. We found that the tour balances nature, adventure, and local culture, making it an enriching way to see more of Peru without needing to plan or book multiple trips yourself.

While in Lima, here are other experiences we've covered

The Early Start and Transportation

The tour begins bright and early at 5:00 AM—a time that might seem daunting, but it’s the best way to ensure you beat the crowds and make the most of the day. After pickup from one of seven convenient locations in Lima, your group will head south along the coast, a scenic drive that gives a quick glimpse of the Peruvian landscape.

Transport is comfortable and modern, making the long hours more pleasant. You’ll share the ride with other travelers, creating a friendly atmosphere that often leads to good conversations and shared excitement.

Ballestas Islands and the Marine Marvels

Arriving around 9:30 AM at the marina pier, you’ll go through the necessary control procedures before setting sail into the Ballestas Islands. This part of the tour is truly a highlight. The boat ride lasts about two hours, during which your guide will point out the El Candelabro, an enigmatic figure carved into the desert sands that has sparked many theories over the years.

You’ll love the chance to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and myriad seabirds. The boat’s proximity to wildlife allows for some fantastic photo opportunities—especially if you’re quick with your camera. The tour emphasizes the rich marine ecosystem, making it clear why this area is a natural treasure.

Paracas and Its Scenic Class

After the boat trip, a short 35-minute stop at Paracas provides some free time to stretch your legs and take quick photos of the coastal landscape. The scenic views here add to the overall sense that you’re witnessing a special part of the world.

More Great Tours Nearby

Ica: Culture, Wine, and Pisco

The next stage is a one-hour drive to Ica, where a delicious lunch awaits, often at a local restaurant or winery. The tour frequently offers a wine and pisco tasting, giving you a taste of Peru’s famous beverages. The guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, sharing stories about the local wine-making traditions, which adds an authentic cultural dimension.

One reviewer noted, “They organized a great lunch at Nietto winery before the pisco tasting,” highlighting how the experience blends food and drink with cultural education.

While you're exploring Lima, here are other experiences we've looked into

The Dunes of Huacachina

From Ica, the trip continues to the Huacachina Oasis, a small desert town famous for its vast sand dunes and scenic lagoon. Arrival here allows you to board dune buggies—a thrill that many travelers find unforgettable. The sandboarding activity is optional but highly recommended for those seeking a dash of adrenaline; sliding down the dunes on a board, with the sunset lighting up the horizon, is a picture-perfect moment.

You’ll love the views from the top of the dunes—the endless sands stretching into the horizon—and the chance to stroll around the oasis, take photos, or do some shopping.

Return Journey and Reflection

By 5:30 PM, you’ll start heading back to Lima, arriving around 10:30 PM. The day is long, but the memories made along the way—marine wildlife, desert adventures, and local flavors—make it worthwhile. One reviewer summed it up: “It was a great trip. Although lunch was not included, they organized a great lunch at Nietto winery before the pisco tasting. The desert was great and my son is still raving about the sandboarding!”

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This day trip offers exceptional value by combining several of Peru’s highlights into one seamless experience. The bilingual guides ensure you don’t miss out on important details or stories, making the trip accessible to international travelers. The activities included—boat rides, dune buggies, sandboarding, and tastings—are carefully curated to provide a well-rounded taste of the region.

The long hours might be a consideration for those with limited stamina, but if you’re eager for an active, engaging day, it’s a perfect match. Families with older children, couples seeking adventure, or solo travelers interested in wildlife and landscapes will all find plenty to love here.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Morning: The Marine Wildlife Experience

The day kicks off early, and the first major stop is the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Galápagos of Peru” for their diverse wildlife. Sailing around these islands gives you close-up views of sea lions lounging on rocks, penguins waddling about, and a variety of seabirds soaring overhead. Your guide will share stories about the marine ecosystem and point out the El Candelabro, a figure carved into the desert sands, whose origins remain a local mystery.

Midday: Cultural and Tasting Delights in Ica

Post boat tour, the drive to Ica allows for a quick refreshment and a chance to sample Peruvian wines and pisco. The lunch is typically well-reviewed, with some tours organizing meals at notable wineries. The tasting experience is informative, with guides explaining how local varieties are produced and their significance in Peruvian culture.

Afternoon: The Desert Dunes and Oasis

Arriving at Huacachina, the scene transforms into a desert playground. The dune buggies whip up the sand, taking you to dizzying heights for panoramic views. Sandboarding down the dunes offers both fun and a bit of a workout—think of it as a sandy roller coaster. The oasis itself provides a peaceful spot to relax and photograph the dreamy landscape.

Evening: Reflection and Return

The drive back to Lima is a good time to reflect on the day’s adventures. The long trip is balanced by the diversity of experiences, from marine wildlife to desert thrills and local wines.

Authentic Experiences Highlighted in Reviews

Travelers repeatedly mention the knowledgeable guides who make the experience engaging and informative. One reviewer appreciated how well-organized the trip was, emphasizing the packed itinerary with activities and cultural tastings. Others mention the stunning views of the dunes and the lively atmosphere of the boat ride, often capturing great photos.

The sandboarding and dune buggy rides are consistently praised for their exhilaration and novelty, making the trip not just educational but also physically exciting. The wine and pisco tastings at Ica are noted as a delicious cultural highlight, with guides sharing stories that enhance the tasting experience.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Bring a windbreaker for the boat ride and dune activities, as it can get windy or chilly.
Be prepared for a long day—wear comfortable shoes and bring snacks if desired.
The tour does not include breakfast or lunch, so consider bringing some snacks or eating before your pickup.
Since it’s a full-day trip, arrive ahead of schedule for pickup to ensure a smooth start.
The activities are suitable for most, but not wheelchair accessible, so plan accordingly if mobility is an issue.

The Sum Up

This From Lima to Paracas, Ica & Huacachina day trip offers a rich, varied experience packed into just over 17 hours. For those eager to see marine life, desert landscapes, and sample local wines without multiple reservations or extra planning, this tour delivers on all fronts.

The combination of expert guides, well-organized itinerary, and exciting activities makes it ideal for adventurous travelers who appreciate authenticity and value. While the long hours may be tiring, the dazzling sights and memorable moments—like sandboarding down the dunes or watching penguins in their natural habitat—are worth every minute.

If you’re craving a comprehensive taste of Peru’s coast and desert in a single day, this trip makes a compelling choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy being active, love wildlife, and want a taste of local culture and flavors in one seamless outing.

FAQ – Your Practical Questions Answered

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
You should be prepared to be picked up at your designated location before the scheduled time in your booking confirmation, usually early in the morning around 5:00 AM.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes pickup from selected locations, transportation, a bilingual guide, boat tickets for the Ballestas Islands, activities like dune buggy rides and sandboarding, and tasting experiences at the winery.

Are meals included?
No, breakfast and lunch are not included in the base price. However, the tour often organizes a nice lunch and a wine/pisco tasting, which many travelers find adds value.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The activities, including boat rides and sandboarding, are generally suitable for older children and teenagers who can handle the physical aspects. It’s not wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
A windbreaker is recommended because it can be windy on the boat and in the desert. Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also good ideas.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride to the Ballestas Islands lasts approximately two hours, offering plenty of time to see marine wildlife and take photos.

Can I customize the itinerary or choose specific stops?
This tour is designed as a guided, fixed itinerary. If you have special requests, you might want to look for private tours or different packages.

How long is the drive back to Lima?
Expect to arrive back in Lima around 10:30 PM, after a full day of activities. Be prepared for a long day, but one filled with varied experiences.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, many families enjoy this tour, especially those with older children who can appreciate wildlife, adventure activities, and scenic views.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
While the tour runs year-round, consider local weather—generally, the dry season from May to October offers clearer skies and more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.

This tour strikes a fine balance between adventure, culture, and natural beauty, making it a superb way to deepen your understanding of Peru’s coast and desert landscapes—all in just one day.