Full day | Paracas- Huacachina ALL included | From Lima

Experience the Best of Peru in One Day: Paracas, Huacachina, and Winery Tour

Planning a day trip from Lima that captures Peru’s diverse landscapes and flavors? This full-day tour offers just that—starting early in Miraflores with pickup at 4:30 am, you’ll journey southward to visit the famous Ballestas Islands, where marine wildlife like penguins and sea lions can be spotted in their natural habitat. Afterward, you’ll switch gears to the dunes of Huacachina, where adrenaline-pumping sandboarding and buggy rides await. Completing the day with a visit to a local winery, sampling Peru’s renowned piscos and wines, this tour promises a full immersion into the country’s natural beauty and local culture—all for $78 per person.

What we love about this experience is how it balances nature, adventure, and culinary delights in one packed day. The guided boat trip at the islands is a highlight—an opportunity to see dolphins and sea lions up close—and the dunes of Huacachina offer both tranquil views and exhilarating rides. Plus, the wine and pisco tasting adds a delicious, authentic touch to the journey.

One potential consideration is the early start and long day—this tour runs over 16 hours, so it’s best suited for travelers with good stamina and a sense of adventure. The group size is small, capped at 15 travelers, making it easier to stay engaged and receive personalized attention.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers craving a glimpse of Peru’s wildlife, stunning desert scenery, and local flavors in one go. It’s especially perfect if you’re short on time but want a comprehensive experience that touches on Peru’s key highlights beyond Lima.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Includes boat tours, dune rides, sandboarding, and wine tastings.
• Authentic Encounters: See penguins, sea lions, and marine birds at the Ballestas Islands.
• Adventure in the Dunes: Buggy rides and sandboarding in Huacachina provide adrenaline and fun.
• Local Culture: Tasting local piscos and wines at a vineyard deepens your understanding of Ica’s traditions.
• Early Departure: Starts at 4:30 am, so be prepared for a long but rewarding day.
• Limited Group Size: Max 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal, engaging experience.

In-Depth Review of the Paracas-Huacachina Tour

Getting Started: Early Morning Pickup and Transport

The tour begins with pickup in Miraflores, specifically at Av. José Pardo 130, with options in Larcomar and San Isidro. Expect to leave promptly at 4:30 am, so an early night is advisable. The transportation is a comfortable tourist van, though one review mentions the driver’s high speed, which might influence your comfort level—so if you’re sensitive to rapid driving, it’s worth considering.

Once on the road, the 4-5 hour drive south to Paracas offers a chance to catch up on sleep or enjoy the scenery. The small group size (up to 15) helps keep the journey intimate. It’s important to note the price of $78 covers nearly everything, including taxes and fees, making it a straightforward budget option for a full day’s adventure.

The Islas Ballestas: Marine Wildlife Encounter

The first major stop is the ballestas islands, often called the “Poor Man’s Galápagos” for their stunning wildlife. The boat tour lasts approximately 2 hours and is included in the price. You’ll cruise around rugged islands teeming with thousands of sea lions, penguins, and sea birds, with a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and rock formations.

Travelers consistently praise this part of the tour—kudos go to the knowledgable guides who share insights about the wildlife and geology. One reviewer, Senevilay, called the experience “amazing,” noting the chance to see penguins and sea lions up close. Others mentioned the fun and informative boat ride as a highlight, emphasizing that the small group makes it more personal.

Huacachina: Dunes and Adventure Sports

After the islands, the focus shifts to Huacachina, the desert oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes. Here, you’ll spend about an hour enjoying buggy rides—both quiet sightseeing and adrenaline-fueled spins—and trying sandboarding. For many, this is the most memorable part. The bumpy, high-speed dune buggies provide a thrill, while the quiet moments offer magnificent views of the endless dunes.

The reviews highlight how fun and sporty the dune activities are. Tayna_D called the dune experience “incredible” and “very fun,” especially the buggies. The free admission to the dunes means you can choose your own adventure, whether you prefer calm scenic rides or high-speed thrills.

Visiting a Winery: Tasting Peru’s Famous Pisco and Wines

The final stop is at El Catador Bodega, where you get a chance to sample Peru’s national drinks—pisco and wine. The visit is about an hour, with tastings included, and a chance to learn about the vineyards of Ica (if it’s grape season). Travelers like Kendy_M appreciated the “good food and wine tasting,” noting that this cultural element adds a special flavor to the trip.

Many reviews mention the warm, friendly guides who share local phrases and insights, making the tasting experience fun and authentic. It’s a delightful way to wind down after a busy day and deepen your appreciation for Peru’s wine-making traditions.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers all taxes and fees, eliminating surprises, and supplies tourist cups for the boat and vineyard visits. However, lunch isn’t included, so bringing snacks or planning to buy food along the route is advisable. The tour ends back at the original meeting point, with a likely arrival around 9 pm, completing a 16-17 hour day.

What the Reviews Say

Overall, feedback is quite positive. Kendy_M called it a “great experience,” and Senevilay described it as “highly recommend[ed].” The small-group format and knowledgeable guides received praise, making the long day more manageable and enjoyable.

On the flip side, some travelers noted a lack of English in some parts of the tour, and an experience where the guide’s behavior caused some delays, but these are exceptions rather than the norm. Pricing is seen as reasonable considering the comprehensive nature of the tour.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure suits travelers who are energetic and curious about natural wildlife, desert landscapes, and Peruvian wine. If you enjoy a mix of sightseeing, active fun, and cultural tasting, it’s a fantastic value. Because of the early start and long hours, it’s best for those comfortable with a full-day excursion. It’s also ideal for those traveling in a small group seeking a more personalized experience.

Final Thoughts on Value and Experience

For $78, this tour offers an impressive amount of diverse sights and activities—marine wildlife, desert adventure, and local drinks—all in one day. It’s a good choice for travelers who want to make the most of their limited time outside Lima, especially if they appreciate guided insights and small-group intimacy.

However, be prepared for a long day and the early wake-up call. The tour’s strength lies in its balance of nature, adventure, and culture, making it a well-rounded introduction to some of the southern Peruvian highlights.

If you’re after a fun, active day that mixes wildlife, adrenaline, and local flavors, this tour delivers in spades. It’s a chance to experience Peru’s stunning landscapes and authentic traditions without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included in the tour price?
Yes, pickup is offered at Av. José Pardo 130 in Miraflores, including Larcomar and San Isidro.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins early, at 4:30 am, so be ready for a full day.

How long does the boat trip last?
The boat tour at the Ballestas Islands lasts approximately 2 hours, with all tickets included.

Are the activities suitable for children or less active travelers?
Most activities like boat rides and sightseeing are suitable for most travelers. Sandboarding and buggy rides are more active but optional depending on your comfort.

What’s included in the tour fee?
All taxes and fees, boat tickets, buggies, sandboarding, and wine/pisco tastings are included.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t included, so plan to bring snacks or buy food along the route.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the tour.

How many people usually join this tour?
Groups are small, with a maximum of 15 travelers, providing a more personal experience.

Is the tour suitable for non-Spanish speakers?
Most reviews highlight guides who are knowledgeable, but some mention limited English. It’s best for travelers comfortable with some non-English guidance.

This full-day adventure from Lima provides a well-rounded glimpse of Peru’s wildlife, desert landscapes, and local flavors. Whether you’re seeking thrill, nature, or cultural insights, it’s a tour that packs in plenty without breaking the bank. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure—and your camera!