Lima: Ballestas Islands Tour, Huacachina & Ceviche Cooking Class

Exploring Peru’s Natural and Culinary Wonders in a Single Day

If you’re after a full-day adventure that combines stunning scenery, authentic cuisine, and local flavor, this tour from Lima to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina might just be your best bet. For around $120, you’ll spend about 17 hours exploring some of the most iconic sights in southern Peru, from the marine life of the Ballestas Islands to the dunes of Huacachina. The tour is packed with memorable moments, and what we appreciate most are the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to taste regional wines, pisco, and ceviche—all authentic flavors that define this part of Peru.

Two highlights really stand out: first, the chance to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and pelicans up close during the boat ride, and second, the exhilarating experience of sandboarding in Huacachina. These elements offer real adventure and photo-worthy moments. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the early start—around 4:00 am—meaning you’ll need to be prepared for a long day. This tour suits active travelers who are eager to cover diverse attractions in a single trip, especially those interested in nature, food, and local culture.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary covers marine wildlife, desert dunes, and local wine, offering a well-rounded Peruvian experience.
• Early starts mean a long day, but it maximizes sightseeing time.
• Guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging commentary.
• Authentic tastes include regional wine, pisco, and a ceviche demonstration.
• Group size is limited to 20, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Value for money considering the transportation, guided tours, tastings, and activities included.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

The Dawn of Adventure: Pickup and Transit

The day kicks off early—around 4:00 am to 5:00 am—when your guide will pick you up from your hotel in San Isidro, Miraflores, or Barranco. This might seem painfully early, but it’s necessary to make the most of the day. Sharing transport with a small group keeps the experience intimate, and the drive out of Lima offers a glimpse of the city waking up while you prepare for an action-packed day.

The one-hour drive to Paracas is a good opportunity to relax and get a head start on the itinerary, with the promise of a scenic stop en route to recharge. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which adds convenience, especially if you’re staying in central districts.

Paracas and the Ballestas Islands: Nature’s Marvels

Once in Paracas, you’ll have a chance to grab a quick breakfast (not included), giving you some fuel before heading out on the water. The speedboat ride to the Ballestas Islands is the first major highlight. Here, you’ll find yourself amid a thriving ecosystem of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and other seabirds, with the backdrop of dramatic cliffs and rock formations.

The guided tour of the islands is typically very informative, with guides sharing insights about the local wildlife and geography. Many visitors mention the stunning views and lively marine life, noting that the boat trip is a real high point. You’ll also see the Candelabro geoglyph, a mysterious figure etched into the desert hillside, visible from the sea—an intriguing sight and a great photo opportunity.

The Wine and Ceviche Experience in Ica

From Paracas, the journey continues to Ica, where the visit to a local winery called El Catador Bodega Turistica is a highlight. Here, you’ll explore the art of wine and pisco production, with knowledgeable staff explaining the process and offering tastings. Many reviews highlight the quality of the wines and piscos, with visitors appreciating the chance to sample regional specialties, accompanied by snacks like chocotejas and tiles.

The lunch break follows, offering a chance to sample typical Peruvian dishes, often with soft drinks included. This meal helps recharge your energy for the next segment of the day.

Huacachina: The Desert Oasis and Dune Adventure

The final major stop is Huacachina, a surreal oasis in the middle of the desert, surrounded by towering dunes. This is the part of the tour that combines natural beauty with adrenaline-fueled fun. You’ll walk to the dunes for a buggy ride, which is both thrilling and scenic. Many say this ride offers fantastic views of the desert landscape and a rush of excitement.

Sandboarding is the last activity—an activity that’s easier to enjoy than to master. The tour provides about two hours of free time to explore the oasis, relax, or take more photos. The setting sun often paints the dunes in golden hues, making it a perfect end to the day.

Return to Lima

Leaving Huacachina around 10:30 pm, you’ll head back to Lima, arriving close to midnight. Though the return is long, many find the experience worth the effort—filled with unforgettable memories of wildlife, desert adventures, and delicious regional flavors.

What We Love About This Tour

The tour’s balance of activities is one of its greatest strengths. You get a boat trip that feels immersive and authentic, with close-up views of Peru’s marine life, and a visit to a local winery that offers insights into Peru’s famous wine and pisco. The sandboarding in Huacachina provides a dose of fun and adventure, making the day feel dynamic and engaging.

Another aspect that earns praise is the guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm. Many reviews appreciate guides like Shinia, who make complex topics accessible and share interesting facts, adding depth to the experience.

Considerations and Practical Tips

While the tour’s early start and long hours might be a challenge for some, it’s worth it for the comprehensive experience you gain. The group size—limited to 20 travelers—helps maintain a friendly atmosphere and personalized attention. However, there’s little free time at some stops, so if you’re someone who prefers to explore at your own pace, this might feel a bit rushed.

The cost includes most activities, tastings, and entrance fees, which makes it a good value considering the diversity of experiences packed into one day. However, meals like breakfast and dinner aren’t included, so packing a small snack or planning for some extra spending might be wise.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This experience appeals most to adventurous travelers eager to see a variety of Peru’s landscapes and tastes in a single day. If you’re interested in wildlife, outdoor activities, and authentic regional cuisine, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of what southern Peru has to offer. It’s also suited for those who don’t mind early mornings and long days but want a guided, structured way to maximize their sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at hotels in San Isidro, Miraflores, and Barranco.

How long is the boat ride at the Ballestas Islands? The boat trip is part of a guided tour, with the main focus on viewing wildlife and the geoglyph, lasting roughly an hour.

Are meals included? Breakfast and dinner are not included, but lunch with drinks and soft drinks is provided during the visit to Ica.

What activities are available at Huacachina? You’ll be able to participate in sandboarding and ride dune buggies, with about two hours of free time to explore the oasis afterward.

How much time is spent at each stop? Expect around 1 hour in Paracas, about 3 hours at the winery including tasting and lunch, and roughly 7 hours at Huacachina including activities and free exploration.

Is this tour suitable for all ages? Yes, it’s designed for most travelers, with activities like boat rides and sandboarding appropriate for active individuals (children should be supervised).

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

To sum it up, this tour offers a lively and diverse day out that balances wildlife viewing, cultural tasting, and desert adventure. It’s a great option for curious travelers who want to see the highlights of southern Peru in a single, well-organized trip. You’ll leave with a richer understanding of the region’s natural beauty, culinary traditions, and vibrant landscapes—plus plenty of photos to prove it. Perfect for active explorers eager to pack in a full day of authentic experiences.