Full Day Exclusive Service from Lima: Visit Paracas and Huacachina

If you’re looking to escape the hustle of Lima for a day and explore some of Peru’s most iconic sights, this full-day tour offers a well-rounded taste of natural beauty, wildlife, and adventure. For $129 per person, you’ll start bright and early with hotel pickup in Lima—whether from Miraflores or San Isidro—and spend your day discovering the Ballestas Islands, tasting local wines and piscos, and finally chasing the sunset over the Huacachina Oasis.

What we really appreciate about this trip is how it balances nature, local culture, and adventure. You get a chance to see wildlife like sea lions and Humboldt penguins up close, enjoy a delicious local lunch paired with wine tasting, and then hit the dunes for some classic sandboarding and dune bashing. The overall flow is smooth, with plenty of time at each stop, making this a popular choice for travelers craving a packed but manageable day.

One potential consideration is the long drive from Lima—about 4 hours each way—which means you’ll want to pack some patience for the journey. Also, the scheduled activities involve some physical activity, so wear comfortable shoes if you plan on sandboarding or walking around the oasis.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a rundown of Ica’s highlights in one day without the hassle of organizing transport and guides themselves. It’s ideal if you crave wildlife encounters, scenic desert landscapes, and authentic local flavors, all wrapped into a single, well-organized trip.

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Key Points

All-in-one experience: Combines wildlife, cultural, and adventure activities.
Comfortable transportation: Round-trip transport from Lima included.
Expert bilingual guides: English and Spanish support throughout the day.
Local flavors: Tasting of pisco and wine at a local winery.
Adrenaline rush: Dune bashing and sandboarding in Huacachina.
Flexible options: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

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Exploring the Highlights of the Tour

Start with Lima Pickup and Journey to Paracas

The tour begins with hotel pickup in either Miraflores or San Isidro**, making it straightforward for city-based travelers. Expect an early start, but knowing your transport is sorted allows you to relax from the get-go. The drive to Paracas takes approximately four hours, so bring snacks, a playlist, or your favorite travel read—just be prepared for the lengthy bus ride.

Once you arrive in Paracas, the first big highlight is heading out on a fast boat to the Ballestas Islands. This part of the tour is often the most memorable, with binoculars provided so you can get close-up views of wildlife like sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seagulls. The boat ride usually lasts about an hour, giving you a chance to enjoy the sea breeze and keep your camera ready for the iconic “Candelabro” figure drawn in the sand, visible from the boat.

The Wildlife and the Candelabro

One of the key reasons travelers love this tour is the opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat. The Ballestas Islands are sometimes called the “Galápagos of Peru” for their impressive bird colonies and marine mammals. Reviews often mention how up-close encounters with sea lions and penguins are the highlight, especially if you’re a nature lover.

The boat ride itself is smooth, but the waters can be choppy on some days, so if you’re prone to seasickness, pack accordingly. The tour guide, like Julia or Carlos, is usually attentive and eager to point out interesting facts about the islands and their ecology, making the experience both fun and educational.

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Authentic Flavors at CulturPisco Winery

Back on land, you’ll head to Ica to enjoy a lunch and wine tasting at CulturPisco. This stop is particularly appreciated for its relaxed atmosphere and the chance to sample local wines and piscos—Peru’s national spirit. The lunch is usually a set menu, giving you a taste of regional cuisine, and the wine tasting allows for a deeper appreciation of Peru’s viticultural heritage.

Guests often comment on the quality of the wines, noting that the tastings are generous and flavorful. This stop also offers a break from the bus ride and a chance to learn about the local production process. The guide typically shares interesting tidbits about the history of pisco and how it’s made, adding cultural depth to the experience.

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The Desert Adventure at Huacachina

The final leg of the trip takes you to the Huacachina Oasis, a tiny natural wonder in the middle of the desert. Here, the real thrill kicks in with dune bashing—a bumpy, adrenaline-fueled ride in buggy vehicles. As the buggies zoom over the dunes, you’ll feel the rush of wind and the thrill of speed.

Following the dune bashing, you’ll have the option to sandboard down the dunes. The basic boards provided are easy to use, even for beginners, and many reviews mention how fun and exhilarating this activity is, despite some falls and laughs along the way.

As the sun begins to set, the atmosphere becomes almost magical. Watching the desert hues change as the sun dips, and the dunes glow with a warm orange, makes for a perfect photo moment. The tour ends with plenty of time to walk around or simply sit back and appreciate the landscape.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Transport and Group Size:
Transport is included in the price, with pick-up and drop-off at your hotel—making for a stress-free experience. The group size is generally manageable, and the bilingual guide ensures you’re always informed.

Timing and Duration:
The day runs around 12 hours, so expect an early start and a full schedule. The trip is designed to give you ample time at each stop—around three hours for the boat tour, two and a half hours for lunch and tasting, and another two and a half hours at Huacachina.

Cost and Value:
At $129, the tour offers a comprehensive experience without the hassle of organizing separate tickets or transport. The inclusion of wildlife viewing, lunch, wine tasting, dune bashing, sandboarding, and hotel transfers makes it a solid value for a full-day adventure.

Potential Drawbacks:
The long travel hours mean some may find the journey tiring, especially if you’re not used to long bus rides. Also, activities like sandboarding involve some physical effort, so plan accordingly.

Weather and Clothing:
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for the desert, and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and sandboarding. On windy days, expect the dunes to be quite breezy.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This full-day trip is perfect if you’re eager to see a variety of landscapes and wildlife in one go. It appeals especially to those who enjoy outdoor adventures and are curious about Peru’s natural and cultural offerings. If you like a mix of scenic boat rides, local tastings, and dune sports, this tour offers a well-rounded experience.

Travelers with limited time but a desire to get a taste of both coast and desert will find this trip offers great value and a memorable snapshot of Ica’s treasures. It’s also quite suitable for first-time visitors wanting a guided, hassle-free day that checks all the boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early do I need to wake up for this tour?
The tour typically starts early in the morning, with pickup times depending on your hotel location, but you should be prepared for a long day with an early start.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel in Lima is included, with pickups in Miraflores or San Isidro. If your hotel is in downtown Lima or Barranco, expect a small additional fee.

What is the duration of the whole trip?
The entire day is approximately 12 hours, including travel, sightseeing, lunch, and desert activities.

Are there any physical activity requirements?
Sandboarding and dune bashing do involve some physical activity and balance. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the activities are suitable for most healthy travelers.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, a bilingual guide, wildlife boat tour, entrance tickets, binoculars, lunch, wine and pisco tasting, sandboards, and a first aid kit.

Are the guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication regardless of your language preference.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, some water, and comfortable clothing. If you’re planning to sandboard, wear shoes you don’t mind getting sandy.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Lima offers a fantastic way to see some of Peru’s most celebrated sights in a single day. The combination of wildlife, cultural tasting, and desert adventure makes it a well-balanced trip for those eager to pack as much as possible into a short visit. The seamless logistics, expert guides, and diverse activities mean you can relax and enjoy rather than stress over planning.

If you’re after an authentic experience that blends nature, local flavors, and a dash of adrenaline, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a full, guided day that showcases the highlights of the Ica region without the headaches of figuring out transport, tickets, or timings themselves.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a lover of landscapes, or just looking for a memorable day outside Lima, this trip offers solid value and plenty of memorable moments. Just be prepared for a long day and some physical activity—those dunes wait for no one!