Experience the best of southern Peru in one day on this private, all-inclusive tour from Lima. For $210 per person, you’ll enjoy a carefully curated journey that covers the stunning Ballestas Islands, the exhilarating Huacachina desert oasis, and the region’s celebrated pisco vineyards. The tour lasts about 13 hours, with pickup included, making it an ideal way to maximize your Peruvian adventure without the hassle of planning every detail.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience: first, the expert guides who clearly know their stuff and make each stop engaging and informative. Second, the comprehensive inclusiveness—from boat rides and tastings to delicious meals—means you won’t be caught off guard by extra costs.

One thing to keep in mind is that the long travel time between Lima and the attractions could be tiring, especially if you’re not accustomed to full-day excursions. Yet, for those eager to pack multiple iconic sights into one day, this tour offers excellent value.

This experience suits travelers who want a convenient, well-organized way to see some of Peru’s most famous spots without sacrificing comfort. It’s perfect for those who appreciate guided insights, local flavors, and scenic adventures all bundled into a single day.

Key Points

All-inclusive: Meals, boat rides, and tastings are included, reducing extra planning.
Expert guides: Knowledgeable hosts enhance each stop with engaging commentary.
Comfortable transportation: A private SUV and boat ensure safety and convenience.
Long but rewarding day: Approximately 13 hours from start to finish.
Authentic experiences: Visit iconic sites like the geoglyph of the Candelabra and Huacachina dunes.
Great for busy travelers: Covers multiple highlights efficiently, ideal for those with limited time.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

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Beginning in Lima: Easy and Comfortable

The day kicks off early at 6:00 am, with a pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point. The journey begins with a 3-hour drive south, which might seem long, but the comfort of the vehicle and the scenic views along the way make it manageable. The included stop halfway for a quick stretch and supplies is a thoughtful touch that helps break up the trip and keeps everyone fresh.

Exploring the Ballestas Islands: Nature and History

Once you arrive in Paracas, the highlight begins with a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands. This archipelago is often called the “Poor Man’s Galápagos” because of its abundant wildlife. Expect to see Humboldt penguins, sea lions, pelicans, and even dolphins—your guide will point out these creatures, sharing stories of their ecological importance.

The real star of this stop is the Candelabra geoglyph, a mysterious 2,500-year-old figure carved into the hillside. It’s visible from the boat, and its purpose remains a subject of intrigue. The boat itself is modern and safe, aligning with all safety standards, which gives peace of mind.

Vineyard Visit in Ica: A Tasty and Educational Stop

Next, your journey takes you to the CulturPisco vineyard in Ica. This is where you’ll get to learn about the region’s famous pisco and wine production. The guides here are passionate, sharing the history and process behind making these spirits that are so integral to Peruvian culture.

You’ll have time to explore the vineyard grounds, take photos of the landscape, and understand the unique techniques used in the region. The included Peruvian cuisine—simple, flavorful, and well-prepared—complements the experience. Reviewers praise the excellent wine selection and the engaging explanations from guides who are clearly passionate about their craft. One reviewer noted, “Jessica was grRead more,” highlighting the personal touch from the guides.

Huacachina Dunes: Adventure and Sunset Magic

The final destination is the world-famous Huacachina oasis. Surrounded by towering sand dunes, this spot is a photographer’s paradise. Here, you’ll hop into dune buggies for an adrenaline-pumping ride over the dunes. Sandboarding at the high dunes is an optional but popular activity, especially among travelers seeking a thrill.

As the day winds down, you’ll witness one of the best sunsets in Peru. The shifting colors over the dunes create a magical atmosphere that promises to be a highlight of your trip. The tour allows around 2 hours here, providing enough time to soak in the scenery and take plenty of photos.

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Return to Lima with a Brief Stop

After sunset, the group heads back to Lima, making a quick stop in the coastal town of Asia to stretch legs and take in some last sights before the long drive back. The total travel time on the return trip is about 3 hours, which, while lengthy, rounds out the full-day experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Comprehensive and Well-Organized

This tour is designed for those who want to see a lot in one day without the hassle of booking separate transportation or meals. The private group format ensures a personalized experience, and the all-inclusive setup means you won’t need to worry about extra costs for food, tastings, or activities.

Knowledgeable Guides Making a Difference

Multiple reviews highlight guides like Jessica and Antonio, who go out of their way to accommodate special requests and bring a personal touch to the experience. Their insights make each stop more meaningful and help you understand the cultural and natural significance of each site.

Authentic and Fun Activities

Sandboarding and dune buggy rides add a fun, adventurous element to the trip, breaking up the sightseeing with some adrenaline. The wine and pisco tastings are also genuine, offering a taste of regional specialties that you might not find elsewhere.

Excellent Value for a Full Day

At $210, the price covers transportation, guided tours, meals, boat trips, and activities. Considering the number of stops and the inclusion of meals and tastings, this offers solid value—especially for travelers looking for a hassle-free, immersive experience.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is the long hours on the road, which could be tiring for some. Also, the schedule is quite packed, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to spend more time at each site, this might feel rushed.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This full-day adventure is perfect for active travelers eager to see multiple highlights without organizing each step themselves. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided insights and want to learn about local traditions like pisco making, or who love combining nature, culture, and a bit of adrenaline with their sightseeing.

If you’re in Lima for a limited time but want a broad overview of the Ica region’s natural beauty and cultural richness, this tour delivers in spades. It’s a fantastic way to get a taste of Peru’s diverse landscape—from wildlife-packed islands to surreal dunes—without the hassle of planning every detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your Lima hotel and private transportation in a comfortable SUV for the entire day.

How long is the total trip?
The total duration is approximately 13 hours, including travel, activities, and breaks.

What activities are included at each site?
Boat rides at the Ballestas Islands, vineyard tour and tasting, sandboarding, dune buggy rides, and sunset viewing at Huacachina.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a well-prepared Peruvian dish is included at the vineyard, along with tastings of local pisco and wine.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a private tour, so guides are generally flexible and can adjust timing or stops if requested.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for sandboarding, sun protection, camera, and a sense of adventure.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the long day and travel time with young kids.

Final Thoughts

This Private Full Day All-Inclusive tour from Lima offers a well-balanced mix of wildlife watching, cultural education, and outdoor adventure. The inclusion of expert guides, delicious local cuisine, and fun activities makes it an excellent choice for travelers wanting to make the most of their day in southern Peru.

While the long travel hours might not suit everyone, those who enjoy full-day excursions and want a hassle-free, immersive experience will find this tour rewarding. It’s especially fitting for curious travelers eager to combine nature, culture, and adventure into a single, well-organized package.

If you’re seeking a vibrant, authentic snapshot of Peru’s coastal desert, wildlife, and wine, this tour provides a fantastic introduction—full of memorable sights, tastes, and stories.