Paracas and Huacachina Oasis Full Day Tour from Lima
Overview
This long day trip takes you from Lima down the coast to the seaside town of Paracas and the desert oasis of Huacachina. You take a two-hour boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, penguins and seabirds, stop at a traditional local vineyard, then reach the dunes of Huacachina near Ica. A bilingual guide and a comfortable coach are included, and the buggy ride and sandboarding, hotel pickup and taxes depend on the option you choose.
Highlights
- Boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins and seabirds
- Visit a traditional local vineyard on the way to the desert
- Huacachina oasis and the giant sand dunes of the Ica Desert
- Dune buggy ride and sandboarding in the premium option, with sunset over the dunes
- Bilingual English-speaking guide and a comfortable coach with reclining seats
- Hotel pickup in some options, or a fixed meeting point in Miraflores
Full Description
Ballestas Islands from Paracas
The Ballestas Islands are a group of rocky islands off the Paracas Peninsula, often called the poor man's Galapagos. On a two-hour boat tour, you see thousands of seabirds, colonies of sea lions and, with luck, Humboldt penguins. You cannot land on the islands, but the boat goes close to the rocks.
On the way, the boat passes the Paracas Candelabra, a huge figure drawn on a sand hillside whose age is still debated. This is the highlight for many visitors, and it answers a common question about how to visit the Ballestas Islands from Lima on a day trip: the tour is a well-known way to do it. Wear a jacket, as it is cool on the water.
Paracas town and the coast
Paracas is a small port town on a bay of the Pacific, with a boardwalk and restaurants near the pier where the boats leave. It is the gateway to the Paracas National Reserve, where desert meets ocean, although this tour focuses on the islands rather than the reserve.
The drive from Lima takes about four hours, along the Panamericana road through the desert coast, and there are no stops before Paracas, so bring water and snacks for breakfast. In the town you have time for lunch after the boat trip; lunch is not included. Bring some cash for small purchases.
Vineyard stop and Ica region
After Paracas the coach continues inland to the Ica region, known for its farms and vineyards in the middle of the desert. The tour includes a visit to a traditional local vineyard, where you see how the estate is run and take a break before the desert.
This part of the day is relaxed and gives you time to stretch, take photos and have lunch, which is not included. The Ica valley is one of the driest parts of the coast, and irrigation makes it green, which is a surprising contrast with the dunes nearby.
Huacachina oasis, dune buggy and sandboarding
Huacachina is a small lagoon surrounded by palm trees and huge sand dunes near Ica, and it is one of the few natural desert oases in South America. The dunes rise up to more than a hundred metres, and the view from the top at sunset is one of the best of the tour.
In the premium option, a two-hour dune buggy ride and sandboarding session is included. In the other options it is not included, and you can join it on site for an extra cost if you wish, or simply walk around the lagoon. Wear closed shoes, bring sunscreen and put your camera in a sealed bag against the sand.
Itinerary
- Pickup or meeting point in LimaHotel pickup in Miraflores in some options, or a fixed meeting point.
- Drive to ParacasAbout four hours by coach along the desert coast.
- Ballestas Islands boat tourAbout two hours to see sea lions, penguins, seabirds and the Candelabra.
- Vineyard stopA visit to a traditional local vineyard, with time for lunch.
- HuacachinaExplore the oasis; dune buggy and sandboarding in the premium option.
- Return to LimaCoach back to Lima in the evening and drop-off.
What's included
- English-speaking bilingual guide
- Comfortable coach with reclining seats, toilets and USB charging
- Visit to a traditional local vineyard
- 2-hour boat tour in Paracas
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Dune buggy ride and sandboarding at Huacachina
- Local taxes in Paracas and Huacachina
- Meals and beverages
- Tips
Not suitable for
- Children under 7 years
- Pregnant women
- People with mobility impairments
- Travellers who cannot spend many hours on a coach
Meeting point
In the premium option and the guided option with hotel pickup, you are collected from your hotel in Lima; the guided option uses hotels in the Miraflores area. In the fixed-meeting-point option, you meet at a set place in Miraflores. The pickup time is confirmed after booking, and the start is very early in the morning.
Important information
- Bring your passport or ID, sunscreen, a hat and a warm jacket for the boat.
- Bring water, snacks and some cash; there are no stops on the way to Paracas.
- Meals, drinks and tips are not included.
- The dune buggy ride and sandboarding, and the local taxes in Paracas and Huacachina, are included only in the premium option.
- The Ballestas boat tours can be cancelled by the port authorities because of the sea; you would be offered another date or a refund.
- Holiday dates such as Easter and Independence Day can change pickup times.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Paracas and Huacachina tour cost?
The price depends on the option you choose: premium all-inclusive, guided with hotel pickup, or guided from a fixed meeting point. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child.
Is hotel pickup included?
In the premium option and in the guided option with hotel pickup, yes. In the fixed-meeting-point option, no.
How long is the tour?
About eighteen hours, from the very early pickup to the late return to Lima.
Is the tour suitable for children?
We do not recommend it for children under 7 because of the long hours and the dune ride. Child prices are shown in the booking panel.
What is the difference between the options?
All options include the coach, the guide, the vineyard visit and the Ballestas boat tour. The premium option also includes the dune buggy ride and sandboarding, and the taxes and entry fees.
What should I bring?
Passport or ID, sunscreen, a hat, a warm jacket, water, snacks and some cash.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes if there is space. Because the departure is very early, book the day before whenever you can.
Can I see the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina in one day from Lima?
Yes, this tour does exactly that, but it is a very long day with about eight hours on the coach.
Is lunch included?
No. Meals and drinks are not included, and there is time to eat in Paracas or at the vineyard stop.
