Peru
Paracas , Huacachina Full Day
Summary
Full Day Paracas, Ica & Huacachina from Lima – Ballestas Islands, Sandboarding & Pisco Tasting
Day 1:
Lima – Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Ica – Huacachina – Sandboarding – Lima
Depart early from Lima and travel to Paracas for a boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands and views of the Paracas Candelabra. Continue to Ica to visit the Noelia Chocolate Factory and Huacachina Oasis, enjoy a dune buggy and sandboarding adventure, participate in a traditional wine and pisco tasting, and return to Lima in the evening.
Itinerary
Full Day: Lima – Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Ica – Huacachina – Sandboarding – Lima
Highlight of the day: Combine marine wildlife, desert landscapes, Huacachina adventures, and traditional Ica flavors in one full-day excursion from Lima.
Hotel Pickup in Lima
Between approximately 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Lima and begin the journey south toward Paracas.
Hotels located in Miraflores are highly recommended for convenient pickup arrangements.
Arrival in Paracas
At approximately 9:30 a.m., we will arrive in Paracas and continue to the El Chaco pier.
From here, we will board a speedboat for our excursion to the Ballestas Islands.
Ballestas Islands Boat Tour
The excursion lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
During the boat journey, we will first observe the famous Paracas Candelabra, an enormous geoglyph located on the coastal hillside.
Your guide will explain some of the theories associated with its origin and significance.
We will then continue toward the Ballestas Islands, an important marine wildlife area.
Depending on natural conditions, we may observe species such as:
- Sea lions
- Humboldt penguins
- Flamingos or parihuanas
- Different species of seabirds
Sea lions may sometimes approach the boats, while penguins and numerous seabirds can often be observed around the islands and rocky formations.
Because all wildlife lives freely in its natural environment, specific sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Departure to Ica
At approximately 12:00 p.m., we will leave Paracas and continue toward Ica.
Arrival is expected at approximately 1:00 p.m..
Lunch
You will have time to enjoy lunch in Ica.
Lunch is not included in the tour price.
Noelia Chocolate Factory
We will visit the Noelia Chocolate Factory, where you will have the opportunity to taste traditional sweets and regional products.
Depending on availability, tastings may include:
- Chocotejas
- Alfajores
- Jams
- Artisanal cookies
- Filled mousse products
- Other traditional sweets
Huacachina Oasis
At approximately 3:00 p.m., we will continue to the famous Huacachina Oasis, located approximately 5 km from the center of Ica.
You will have time to walk around the lagoon, enjoy the desert surroundings, and take photographs of this unique oasis.
Dune Buggy & Sandboarding Adventure
The program includes an exciting tubular or dune buggy excursion through the dunes surrounding Huacachina.
During the activity, you will have the opportunity to experience sandboarding on the desert dunes.
Please follow the instructions provided by the local staff and use the corresponding safety equipment during the activity.
Winery Visit & Pisco Tasting
At approximately 6:00 p.m., we will visit a traditional winery in Ica.
During the visit, you will have the opportunity to sample some of the region’s most representative products, which may include:
- Wines
- Piscos
- Pisco creams
- Macerated beverages
- Mistelas
The tasting is accompanied by the traditional expressions and lively style characteristic of the Ica region.
Return to Lima
At approximately 7:00 p.m., we will begin the return journey from Ica to Lima.
Arrival in Lima is expected at approximately 10:00 p.m., depending on traffic and road conditions.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel or confirmed drop-off point.
Meals included: None.
End of our services.
Options Pricing
Starting at $ .00 USD Per Person
Tour availability and prices are subject to the travel date, number of passengers, transportation availability, and operating conditions.
This is a full-day tour from Lima with visits to Paracas, the Ballestas Islands, Ica, and Huacachina.
Please note: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are not included in the standard tour price.
The scheduled winery tasting is included. Additional alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water, and personal purchases are not included unless specifically stated.
The standard tubular or dune buggy excursion and sandboarding activity in Huacachina are included according to the itinerary.
Wildlife sightings during the Ballestas Islands excursion cannot be guaranteed because animals live freely in their natural environment.
Departure and return times may vary according to traffic, road conditions, sea conditions, weather, and other operational circumstances.
Please contact us for current availability and the applicable price for your travel date.
Inclusions
Included in Your Full Day Paracas, Ica & Huacachina Tour from Lima:
- Hotel Pickup:
Pickup from your hotel in Lima. Hotels located in Miraflores are highly recommended for easier pickup coordination. - Tourist Transportation:
Scheduled tourist transportation from Lima to Paracas, Ica, and return to Lima according to the itinerary. - Professional Guide:
Bilingual official tour guide during the scheduled guided portions of the program. - Paracas:
Visit to the Paracas area and El Chaco pier. - Ballestas Islands:
Boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, including views of the Paracas Candelabra and opportunities for marine wildlife observation. - Noelia Chocolate Factory:
Visit and tasting of traditional sweets and regional products. - Huacachina Oasis:
Visit to the Huacachina Oasis and free time around the lagoon. - Dune Buggy Adventure:
Tubular or dune buggy excursion through the Huacachina dunes. - Sandboarding:
Standard sandboarding activity during the Huacachina excursion. - Winery Tasting:
Tasting of selected wines, piscos, pisco creams, macerated beverages, mistelas, and other available regional products. - Return to Lima:
Scheduled transportation from Ica back to Lima and transfer to your hotel or confirmed drop-off point.
Not Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Alcoholic beverages outside the scheduled winery tasting
- Soft drinks and additional beverages
- Bottled water unless specifically provided
- Personal expenses
- Personal purchases at the winery or chocolate factory
- Tips for guides, drivers, boat crew, and other staff
- Services or activities not specified in the itinerary
What to bring
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
- Travel Essentials
- Original passport or identification document
- Tour confirmation
- Travel insurance information
- Cash in Peruvian soles for meals, personal expenses, and tips
- Small daypack
Clothing
- Lightweight and comfortable clothing
- Breathable shirts
- Comfortable pants or shorts
- Light jacket or sweater for the early-morning departure and evening return
- Quick-drying clothing for desert activities
Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Closed shoes suitable for the Huacachina dune activity
Sun Protection
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Hat or cap
- Lip balm with sun protection
Personal Equipment
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera or smartphone
- Portable power bank
- Protective case or secure bag for electronics during dune activities
Health & Personal Items
- Personal medications
- Basic first-aid items
- Motion sickness medication if you are sensitive to boat travel and if recommended by your healthcare professional
- Hand sanitizer
Recommended for Huacachina
- Closed comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sun protection
- Water
- Lightweight clothing
- Secure storage for your phone and camera during the buggy ride
Important Tips:
- Prepare for a very early departure from Lima.
- Bring enough money for lunch and other personal expenses.
- Use strong sun protection throughout the day, especially in Ica and Huacachina.
- Keep loose personal belongings secure during the dune buggy activity.
- Bring a light jacket for the early morning and return journey to Lima.
- Follow your guide’s instructions during both the boat and dune activities.
before you go
How long is the Paracas, Ica & Huacachina Full Day Tour?
This is a full-day excursion from Lima.
Hotel pickup begins between approximately 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., and arrival back in Lima is expected at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Where does the tour begin?
The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Lima.
Hotels located in Miraflores are highly recommended for easier pickup coordination.
Do we return to Lima on the same day?
Yes.
This is a full-day program with return transportation from Ica to Lima in the evening.
No hotel night is included in this itinerary.
What is included in the Ballestas Islands tour?
The excursion includes a speedboat trip departing from the El Chaco pier in Paracas.
During the approximately 1-hour-and-40-minute excursion, you will see the Paracas Candelabra and continue toward the Ballestas Islands for marine wildlife observation.
Will I definitely see sea lions and penguins?
No specific wildlife sighting can be guaranteed.
Sea lions, Humboldt penguins, flamingos, and numerous seabirds may be observed depending on weather, sea conditions, season, and wildlife activity.
Is the Paracas National Reserve included?
The detailed itinerary includes the Paracas coastal area, El Chaco pier, and the Ballestas Islands boat excursion.
A separate land tour through the Paracas National Reserve is not described in this program and should not be considered included unless separately confirmed.
Is lunch included?
No.
Lunch in Ica is not included in the tour price.
You will have time to purchase lunch independently.
What is included at the Noelia Chocolate Factory?
The visit includes the opportunity to taste traditional products such as chocotejas, alfajores, jams, artisanal cookies, filled mousse products, and other available sweets.
The exact tasting selection may vary.
Is the dune buggy activity included?
Yes.
According to the tour inclusions, the tubular or dune buggy adventure in Huacachina is included.
Is sandboarding included?
Yes.
The standard sandboarding activity is included as part of the Huacachina dune excursion.
Follow the instructions of the local staff and participate according to your comfort level.
What does the winery tasting include?
The scheduled winery experience may include tastings of wines, piscos, pisco creams, macerated beverages, mistelas, and other regional products.
The exact products available may vary.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
Only the alcoholic products offered as part of the scheduled winery tasting are included.
Additional alcoholic beverages purchased separately are not included.
What time do we leave Ica?
The return journey from Ica to Lima is scheduled for approximately 7:00 p.m.
The exact departure time may vary according to the confirmed operating schedule.
What time will we arrive in Lima?
Arrival in Lima is expected at approximately 10:00 p.m.
The exact arrival time may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
What should I wear for Huacachina?
Wear lightweight and comfortable clothing, closed shoes suitable for sand activities, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
We also recommend securing cameras, phones, and loose belongings before beginning the dune buggy excursion.
Should I bring motion sickness medication?
If you are sensitive to boat travel, you may wish to bring the motion sickness medication you normally use, provided it has been recommended or approved for you by your healthcare professional.
Can the schedule change?
Yes.
Departure and return times may vary because of traffic, road conditions, sea conditions, weather, boat operations, and other operational circumstances.
Your guide and local operating team will coordinate any necessary adjustments during the tour.
