Experience the best of Peru in a single day with this full-day tour from Lima. You’ll visit the famous Ballestas Islands, ride dune buggies across the desert dunes at Huacachina, and enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard in Ica. Priced at around $72 per person and lasting approximately 16.5 hours, this adventure offers a mix of wildlife viewing, adrenaline-pumping activities, and cultural tastes.

What we love about this trip is how efficiently it packs multiple highlights into one day—we get to see the sea lions and Humboldt penguins on the islands and then switch gears to the desert dunes with sandboarding and buggy rides, which are both exciting and authentic. Plus, the wine tasting adds a flavorful touch, giving us a taste of local Peruvian spirits and wines.

A small consideration might be the long hours on the road, since it’s a full-day trip from Lima, with over three hours just getting to Paracas. It’s not ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed pace or have limited energy for a long day.

This tour suits travelers who love a mix of nature, adventure, and culture, and don’t mind a bit of a busy schedule. If you’re eager to see wildlife, try sandboarding, and sample regional wines, this could be a great fit. Keep in mind, it’s best for those comfortable with long days of sightseeing and a bit of travel between stops.

Key Points

Diverse Experiences: Combines wildlife viewing, desert adventure, and wine tasting in one day.
Authentic Wildlife: Spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds around the islands.
Adventure Activities: Sandboarding and dune buggy rides provide an adrenaline rush.
Cultural Flavors: Tasting local wines, pisco, and sweets highlights Peruvian flavors.
Long but Rewarding Day: Over 16 hours of exciting activities, with some long travel stretches.
Family Friendly: Suitable for active travelers, though long hours might be tiring for small children.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Lima to Ica Full-Day Tour

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

Starting the Day: From Lima to Paracas

The adventure begins early, with pickup from your Lima hotel or designated point. We appreciate that transportation is included, which takes a lot of the hassle out of planning. Expect a scenic drive south, with a brief stop for breakfast—though this can vary depending on timing. The journey to Paracas takes about three hours, and as we settle in, the anticipation builds for the day ahead.

The Ballestas Islands: Wildlife and Rock Formations

Once in Paracas, we head to the dock at Chaco, where we register and board our boat for the excursion to the Ballestas Islands. This is the first major highlight, and it does not disappoint.

On the roughly 90-minute boat tour, we are treated to stunning views of rock formations that resemble everything from whales to giant candelabra carved into the cliffs. Marine animals are abundant—sea lions lounge on rocks, Humboldt penguins waddle around, and seabirds soar overhead. The boat is equipped with life jackets, ensuring safety during the sea adventure.

Reviewers have praised this experience, with comments like, “Excellent trip to the islands and very exciting descents on the Poustinia,” appreciating the chance to see these charismatic animals in their natural habitat. However, some mention that the island tour focuses mainly on wildlife and scenery, and may feel a bit rushed if you’re expecting detailed explanations.

After the boat trip, we enjoy a quick local sweet tasting—chocoteja and other regional treats—before heading to Ica.

Wine Tasting at a Local Winery

Next, we visit a local wine cellar in Ica, a highlight for many. Here, you get to sample wines, pisco, pisco creams, and macerates. The tasting is usually led by friendly guides who share insights into Peru’s wine and spirit production, making it both educational and fun.

While reviews note that the quality of the wine tasting varies, with some describing it as “low quality,” most agree that it’s an enjoyable way to learn about the local spirits and toast with some funny and memorable quotes. This part of the trip adds a cultural and culinary dimension, perfect for those curious about regional flavors.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Desert Oasis of Huacachina

By mid-afternoon, we arrive at the Huacachina Oasis, a true highlight. Surrounded by towering dunes and lush palms, this desert oasis offers spectacular views and plenty of photo opportunities.

Here, we get activity options: sandboarding and dune buggy rides, which are the heart-pumping adventures of the day. The dunes are vast, and the bumpy ride across the sand dunes in a four-wheel buggy is both exhilarating and a bit humorous—expect some squeals and laughter.

Many travelers, including one reviewer who described it as “very exciting,” enjoy the adrenaline and the beautiful scenery. After the activities, we take time to visit the lagoon, snapping photos of the calm waters framed by dunes, and perhaps picking up some last-minute souvenirs.

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

Wrapping Up the Day: Return to Lima

Before heading back, we make a brief stop in Chincha, where you can use the restroom or grab some snacks. The return trip is long but generally comfortable, with the guide providing updates and likely some entertaining stories. We arrive back in Lima around 9:30 p.m., tired but full of memories.

Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

This tour uses round-trip transportation from Lima, eliminating the need for separate planning. The group size is typically manageable, ensuring you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the bilingual guides do their best to keep everyone engaged and informed.

While the itinerary can vary depending on traffic and weather, the tour is carefully planned to maximize what you see and do. The long travel time is balanced by the richness of the experiences, but it might be a stretch if you prefer a slow-paced day.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

One of the best parts of this tour is the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat. The boat trip offers close-up views of sea lions and penguins, which is a big draw for animal lovers. The sandboarding and buggy rides are authentic, unpretentious activities that give you a real taste of desert adventure.

The wine tasting in Ica, while sometimes critiqued for quality, still offers an authentic flavor of local spirits, with tasting sessions that are often lively and humorous. If you’re a fan of regional wines and spirits, this is a good way to deepen your understanding of Peru’s beverage traditions.

What to Expect in Terms of Value

At $72, this tour packs in quite a lot—wildlife, adventure, culture, and scenery—making it a decent value for an all-day excursion. Keep in mind, lunch and breakfast are not included, so budget for meals or snacks. The included activities, such as sandboarding and boat rides, are what really set this tour apart, especially for those seeking an active, engaging day.

Considerations Based on Reviews

While most reviews describe the experience positively, some mention disappointments—notably, the wine tasting sometimes being low quality or not as described. Always remember that some parts might be more about the experience than perfect execution. The long hours on the bus might be tiring, especially in hot weather, so bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to experience multiple facets of Peruvian landscapes in one day. It’s perfect for those who enjoy wildlife viewing, outdoor activities like sandboarding, and tasting local spirits. It’s also great for families or groups who want a lively, packed day with plenty of photo opportunities.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or travel with very young children, the long hours and physical activities might be a challenge. Also, if wine tasting is a highlight of your trip, be aware that some reviewers found the quality lacking, so temper expectations there.

FAQs

How long is the tour from Lima?
The entire trip lasts about 16.5 hours, including travel time, with pickups arranged 24 hours in advance. Expect to leave early and return late, around 9:30 p.m.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation from Lima and back, guides in Spanish and English, boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, a tasting of regional sweets, wine, pisco, and macerates, plus activities at Huacachina like sandboarding and buggy rides.

Are meals included?
No, breakfast and lunch are not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase meals during the day.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While it’s family-friendly for active kids, be mindful of the long hours and the nature of activities like sandboarding and bumpy buggy rides. Not recommended for very young children or babies.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, camera, water, and light clothing are essential. Baby carriages are not permitted, so plan accordingly.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving some flexibility if your schedule shifts.

To sum it up, this tour offers a lively taste of Peru’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and flavors in just one day. It’s best suited for travelers who thrive on activity and variety, and who are okay with a long day of sightseeing. If you’re looking for a way to see both the coast and the desert in one go, enjoy wildlife and outdoor adventures, and sample regional drinks, this tour strikes a good balance—just be prepared for the travel hours and variable experiences.