Paracas, Ballestas Islands & Huacachina Full Day Tour

• Tour Type: Nature, wildlife, and adventure.
• Duration: Full Day (1 day).
• Difficulty Level: Easy; the dune buggy activity involves sudden movements.
• Languages: English and Spanish.
• Departure Time: Approximately 4:30 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.
• Return Time: Approximately 10:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
• Availability: Year-round, subject to weather and sea conditions.
• Maximum Altitude: Approximately 406 m / 1,332 ft above sea level in Huacachina.
• Weather: Generally warm and sunny during the day, with cooler mornings in Paracas and occasional afternoon winds in the desert.
• Main Destinations: Lima – Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Ica – Huacachina – Lima.

Paracas, Ballestas Islands & Huacachina Full Day Itinerary

04:30 – 05:00 a.m. | Hotel Pickup and Departure from Lima

Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Lima. Board our tourist transportation and travel south along the Pacific coast toward Paracas, enjoying views of Peru’s coastal desert along the way.

09:30 a.m. | Ballestas Islands Boat Tour

Upon arrival in Paracas, we will head to El Chaco Pier to board a speedboat for a guided excursion to the famous Ballestas Islands, one of Peru’s best-known marine wildlife destinations.

During the journey, you will see the Paracas Candelabra, an enormous geoglyph carved into a desert hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

As we approach the islands, look for sea lions resting on rocky shores, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of seabirds, including pelicans, cormorants, and boobies. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions.

The boat excursion lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Visitors remain aboard the boat throughout the tour to help protect the islands’ ecosystem.

12:00 p.m. | Travel from Paracas to Ica

After returning to the pier, we will continue our journey toward Ica, a city famous for its desert landscapes, vineyards, and traditional sweets.

01:00 p.m. | Lunch in Ica

Enjoy free time for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try traditional Peruvian dishes. Lunch is not included in the tour price.

02:30 p.m. | Visit to Noelia Chocolate Factory

Visit the traditional Noelia Chocolate Factory, where you can sample regional specialties such as chocotejas, alfajores, artisanal cookies, jams, and other local sweets.

This stop offers an opportunity to learn about and taste some of Ica’s most popular traditional treats.

03:00 p.m. | Huacachina Oasis and Dune Buggy Adventure

Our next destination is the famous Huacachina Oasis, a natural lagoon surrounded by impressive golden sand dunes.

Enjoy time to explore the oasis, walk around the lagoon, and capture photographs of the desert scenery.

Then, get ready for an exciting dune buggy adventure across the dunes. Experience thrilling climbs and descents while admiring panoramic views of the surrounding desert.

Sandboarding may also be available during this activity. Please confirm whether it is included in your selected tour package before booking.

06:00 p.m. | Traditional Wine and Pisco Tasting

Visit a traditional winery in Ica and enjoy a tasting of regional products, including Peruvian pisco, local wines, pisco cream liqueurs, macerados (fruit-infused spirits), and mistelas (traditional sweet alcoholic beverages).

This experience provides an introduction to the region’s long-standing wine and pisco production traditions.

07:00 p.m. | Return Journey to Lima

After completing our activities in Ica, we will transfer to the bus station and begin the return journey to Lima.

10:00 – 10:30 p.m. | Arrival in Lima

Arrival in Lima, marking the end of our full-day adventure along Peru’s southern coast. The final drop-off arrangements will depend on the transportation service confirmed for your booking.

Important: All departure, activity, and return times are approximate and may change depending on traffic, weather conditions, sea conditions, and operational requirements. The Ballestas Islands boat excursion is subject to authorization from the relevant maritime authorities.

Paracas, Ballestas Islands & Huacachina Full Day Tour Price

80USD

What’s Included in the Paracas, Ballestas Islands & Huacachina Tour?

Included Services

• Official bilingual tour guide (English and Spanish).
• Hotel pickup in Lima, primarily from selected hotels in Miraflores.
• Tourist transportation from Lima to Paracas and Ica.
• Visit to the coastal town of Paracas.
• Guided boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands.
• Views of the Paracas Candelabra during the boat excursion.
• Visit to Noelia Chocolate Factory with traditional sweet tastings.
• Visit to Huacachina Oasis.
• Dune buggy adventure across the sand dunes of Huacachina.
• Visit to a traditional winery in Ica.
• Tasting of local wines, pisco, pisco cream liqueurs, and infused spirits.
• Return tourist transportation from Ica to Lima.

Not Included

• Breakfast.
• Lunch.
• Dinner.
• Additional drinks and refreshments.
• Personal expenses and optional purchases.
• Tips for guides and drivers.
• Any services not specifically mentioned in the included services.

Please Note: Sandboarding, applicable entrance fees or local tourist taxes, and the final hotel drop-off arrangements should be confirmed before booking, as these details are not explicitly specified in the original list of inclusions.

What to Bring for Your Paracas, Ballestas Islands & Huacachina Full Day Tour

• Small Backpack: Carry your personal belongings and essentials comfortably throughout the day.
• Comfortable Clothing: Wear lightweight, breathable clothes suitable for warm weather and desert activities.
• Light Jacket or Windbreaker: Recommended for the cool morning breeze in Paracas and the evening return journey.
• Comfortable Shoes: Wear closed-toe sneakers or walking shoes suitable for sandy terrain.
• Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended), sunglasses, and a hat or cap.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, especially during activities in the desert.
• Personal Medications: Bring any medication you regularly take. If you are prone to seasickness, consult a healthcare professional about appropriate medication before the boat excursion.
• Cash in Peruvian Soles: For meals, personal purchases, optional activities, and additional expenses.
• Camera or Smartphone: Capture photographs of the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina Oasis, and desert landscapes.
• Portable Charger: Keep your devices charged during the long day of travel.
• Light Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or other convenient snacks for the journey.
• Personal Hygiene Items: Bring tissues, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Paracas, Ballestas Islands & Huacachina Full Day Tour

What time does the tour start, and where is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup takes place between approximately 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., primarily from selected hotels in Miraflores, Lima. Your exact pickup time and location will be confirmed before departure.

Can I arrange pickup from another area of Lima?

Yes, pickup from other locations in Lima may be arranged upon request. Additional charges may apply depending on the distance and transportation availability. Please contact us in advance to confirm the details.

How long is the Paracas, Ballestas Islands & Huacachina tour from Lima?

The tour lasts approximately 17 to 18 hours, including transportation, sightseeing activities, and the return journey to Lima. Departure is scheduled for early morning, with arrival back in Lima expected between 10:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

What activities are included in the tour?

The tour includes a boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, a visit to Noelia Chocolate Factory, free time at Huacachina Oasis, a dune buggy adventure, and a tasting of traditional wines and pisco in Ica.

Is sandboarding included in the Huacachina experience?

Sandboarding is mentioned as a possible activity during the Huacachina visit. However, its inclusion must be confirmed before booking because it is not explicitly listed among the original included services.

How long does the Ballestas Islands boat excursion last?

The boat tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. During the excursion, you can admire the Paracas Candelabra and observe marine wildlife around the islands.

What animals can I see on the Ballestas Islands?

The islands are home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, cormorants, boobies, and other marine birds. Sightings vary depending on weather, season, and wildlife activity.

Can visitors walk on the Ballestas Islands?

No. The standard tourist excursion takes place entirely aboard the boat. Visitors are not permitted to disembark on the islands, helping preserve the protected marine ecosystem.

Is the tour suitable for children and older adults?

Most sightseeing activities are suitable for travelers of different ages. However, the boat excursion and dune buggy ride may involve waves, vibrations, and sudden movements. Travelers with medical conditions, mobility limitations, or concerns about these activities should consult us before booking.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The tour includes bilingual guiding services in English and Spanish.

Is the tour available throughout the year?

Yes, the tour is offered year-round. However, boat excursions to the Ballestas Islands depend on sea conditions and authorization from the maritime authorities. Strong winds or rough seas may result in changes or cancellations of the boat activity.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

No. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are not included. You will have free time to purchase lunch at a local restaurant in Ica.

Are entrance fees and local taxes included?

The original tour information does not clearly specify whether all entrance fees and local tourist taxes are included. Please confirm these charges before booking.

What should I wear for the Huacachina dune buggy adventure?

Wear comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A light scarf or face covering may also be useful for protection against blowing sand.

Does the tour include transportation back to my hotel in Lima?

Return transportation to Lima is included. However, the availability of a final transfer from the arrival point to your hotel should be confirmed when booking.

What happens if the Ballestas Islands boat tour is canceled due to bad weather?

If sea conditions are unsafe or maritime authorities suspend boat departures, the Ballestas Islands excursion may be canceled or modified. Any alternative arrangements will depend on the operator’s applicable policies and the circumstances on the day of travel.