Full Day Tour in Ica, Ballestas Islands and Huacachina

A Complete Day in Ica, the Ballestas Islands, and Huacachina

This tour offers a full immersion into some of Peru’s most striking sights — combining marine wildlife, authentic pisco tastings, and thrilling desert adventures — all in about 17 hours. For around $140 per person, you’ll visit Lima’s nearby gateway, then set off early in the morning with a pick-up from your hotel in San Isidro or Miraflores. This is a jam-packed day that covers everything from the mysterious sand figure called The Candelabro to the adrenaline rush of sandboarding in Huacachina.

What we find particularly appealing is how this tour manages to balance nature, culture, and fun, making it ideal for those who crave a well-rounded Peruvian experience. We love the seamless logistics, with early starts and reliable transportation, ensuring you maximize your day. The small group size (max six travelers) keeps things intimate, personalized, and easier to enjoy comfortably.

One possible drawback? The full schedule means a long day without much downtime, so it might not suit travelers seeking a more relaxed pace. Also, if you’re planning to stay in Huacachina afterward, you’ll want to consider luggage arrangements, as the tour limits you to a small backpack unless you pay extra for a larger suitcase.

This tour is perfect for adventure-seekers, culture enthusiasts, or anyone eager to tick off multiple Peruvian highlights in a single, well-organized day. If you’re comfortable with early mornings and packed itineraries, you’ll find this trip rewarding and good value for money.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covers marine wildlife, wine tasting, and desert adventure in one day
• Small-group format enhances comfort and personalized attention
• Includes transportation and guided commentary, making logistics hassle-free
• Highlights include the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina sand dunes, and Pisco distilleries
• Long but rewarding day, with early start and late return
• Excellent reviews praise professionalism, guides like Pamela, and unforgettable views

Exploring the Full Day Tour in Ica, the Islands, and Huacachina

When you sign up for this tour, you’re signing up for a true adventure that covers a lot of ground — literally and figuratively. The day begins bright and early at 5:00 AM, when your guide picks you up from your hotel in San Isidro or Miraflores. The early start means you’ll beat much of the traffic and crowds, setting a brisk pace for the day ahead.

The Journey to the Marine Marvels: Ballestas Islands

Your first significant stop is the marina dock, where you’ll embark on a boat ride through the Ballestas Islands. This part of the trip is a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts. Expect to see sea lions basking on rocks, Humboldt penguins waddling along the shores, and flocks of guano birds filling the sky. The boat ride typically lasts about two hours, giving you plenty of time to admire the abundant marine life and capture photos.

A fascinating aspect is the stop at The Candelabro, a large sand figure carved into the hillside. Your guide will share different theories about its origins — some say it’s an ancient geoglyph, others believe it’s a navigational marker. The views of this mysterious figure, set against the desert landscape, are worth the early wake-up alone.

Several reviews emphasize how much travelers appreciate the knowledge and enthusiasm of guides, with comments like “professionalism in schedule and tours” making the experience feel seamless and enjoyable. The boat ride, combined with the chance to see dolphins or playful sea lions, makes for a memorable start to your day.

Tasting Peru: The Culturpisco Experience

After the marine adventure, the tour shifts towards Culturpisco, a local distillery where you’ll sample pisco, wine, and creams. The tasting experience offers a glimpse into Peru’s famous spirit, which is a national pride and essential to many local cocktails. Not only will you get to taste different varieties, but you’ll also learn about the production process.

The visit typically lasts around two hours, giving you enough time to savor the drinks and enjoy some traditional snacks. Many reviews highlight how friendly and knowledgeable the staff are, and how the tasting adds a delightful cultural touch to the day. If you’re a fan of wines and spirits, this stop is both educational and delicious — a good value included in the tour price.

The Dunes of Huacachina: Sandboarding and Adventure

From the vineyards, you’ll head to the Huacachina Oasis, a stunning desert lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes. Here, the thrill begins with a ride on the tubulars, large inflatable vehicles that zoom up and down the dunes. This part of the tour is all about adrenaline — expect to feel the wind in your hair and plenty of laughs.

For those craving even more excitement, sandboarding offers a chance to slide down the dunes on a board, similar to snowboarding but on sand. You’ll get a few runs from the top of the dunes — an activity that many travelers find exhilarating and worth the short climb. For many, the photographs of the oasis with the dunes in the background are some of the most memorable shots of the day.

The adventure sports last about two hours, after which you’ll have some free time to walk around the oasis, browse local shops, or simply soak in the surreal landscape.

Returning to Lima

By late afternoon, around 6:30 PM, you’ll begin the return trip to Lima, arriving between 10:30 and 11:00 PM. The long day might leave you tired, but also with a wealth of stories and photos. Many travelers appreciate the smooth logistics and the fact that the small group makes for a more personal experience, as noted in glowing reviews praising professionalism, punctuality, and good organization.

Deep Dive into the Experience

Transportation and Comfort

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a relief after a hot day in the desert or on the boat. Given the long hours, comfortable transport and punctual pickups are crucial, and many reviews commend the tour operators for these aspects. However, the vehicle capacity is limited to one small suitcase or backpack per person unless you pay extra for larger luggage — something to keep in mind if you’re planning to stay longer in Huacachina.

Guides and Group Size

With a maximum of six travelers, the tour feels intimate, allowing for better interaction and tailored explanations. Guides like Pamela receive praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and professionalism, which can really elevate your experience. Many reviews mention feeling well taken care of, from the first contact to the end of the day — an indication of attentive service.

Cost and Value

At $140, this is a fairly comprehensive day trip considering the wide range of sights and activities included, from wildlife and cultural tastings to adventure sports. When you factor in transportation, guide, entrance fees, and activities, it compares favorably with booking each segment separately. Travelers have expressed high satisfaction with the value for money and the overall organization.

What to Expect and Be Aware Of

Prepare for an early start and a full schedule — this is a busy day, but one filled with diverse experiences. It’s ideal for active travelers who don’t mind a long day and want to maximize their time in southern Peru. If you’re into wildlife, scenic landscapes, and lively adventures, this tour hits all those marks.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day adventure suits travelers who want to see multiple highlights in one go — perfect for those with limited time or who prefer a guided experience that takes care of logistics. It’s especially fitting if you enjoy wildlife encounters, cultural tastings, and adrenaline-pumping activities.

The small-group setup and knowledgeable guides, like Pamela, ensure a personalized touch that many travelers find comforting and engaging. The inclusion of marine wildlife, wine tasting, and desert sports makes it a versatile trip that appeals to varied interests.

While the long hours might be a challenge for some, the reviews consistently praise the professionalism, punctuality, and overall organization, making it a reliable choice for a memorable Peruvian day trip. Just remember to pack light if you’re planning to stay in Huacachina afterward, or budget for extra luggage storage.

This tour offers real value, authentic experiences, and a chance to see some of Peru’s most iconic spots — all in one exciting day.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 5:00 AM with hotel pickups in San Isidro or Miraflores, so be prepared for a very early start.

What is included in the price?
Price includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, all fees and taxes, a certified guide, and activities like the boat ride on the Ballestas Islands, wine and pisco tasting, and sandboarding.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there is time allocated for lunch at the pisco route stop, giving you the chance to choose your preferred spot.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of six travelers, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed experience.

Can I stay longer in Huacachina after the tour?
Yes, but you’ll need to arrange your luggage. They limit you to a small backpack unless you pay an extra $30 for a large suitcase.

How long is the boat ride at the Islands?
The boat ride lasts approximately two hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy the marine life and scenery.

What is the best thing about this tour?
Most travelers praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, the stunning views of the dunes and marine wildlife, and the overall sense of adventure and cultural insight packed into one day.

To sum it up, if you’re eager to experience a mix of wildlife, culture, and thrill on your trip to Peru, this full-day tour is a solid choice. It’s designed for those who appreciate efficient organization, enjoy active pursuits, and want to get a taste of everything that makes southern Peru special. Just be ready for a full day — the memories and photos will be worth it.