Lima: Ballestas Islands Tour, Huacachina & Ceviche Cooking Class

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Lima with the Ballestas Islands Tour, Huacachina Oasis, and a Ceviche Cooking Class. Discover the stunning wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, including penguins and seabirds, before exhilarating sandboarding and buggy rides in the picturesque Huacachina desert oasis. Conclude your journey by learning the art of ceviche preparation in a hands-on cooking class led by a professional chef, where you’ll savor the flavors of Peru and learn about its rich culinary culture. Dive deeper to uncover the details that make this tour a truly remarkable experience.

About Your Stay

• Explore the natural wonders of Lima, including the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina oasis, and a ceviche cooking class.
• Observe diverse wildlife, dramatic rock formations, and recreational activities at the Ballestas Islands.
• Experience sandboarding, sand buggy rides, and culture at the Huacachina desert oasis.
• Learn the secrets of Peru’s iconic seafood dish, ceviche, through a hands-on cooking class.
• Enjoy amenities like hotel pickup, shared transportation, and meals throughout the comprehensive tour experience.

Overview of the Tour

This tour provides an exciting opportunity to explore Lima’s natural wonders and cultural experiences.

Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll visit the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the "Poor Man’s Galapagos," to witness a diverse array of wildlife.

You’ll also venture to the stunning desert oasis of Huacachina, where you’ll try your hand at sandboarding and enjoy a thrilling ride in a sand buggy.

The highlight of the day is a ceviche cooking class, where you’ll learn the secrets behind Peru’s iconic seafood dish.

With hotel pickup and drop-off, shared transportation, and included meals, this tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Lima’s top attractions.

Highlights of the Ballestas Islands

One of the highlights of this tour is the guided exploration of the Ballestas Islands, often dubbed the "Poor Man’s Galapagos." Visitors can spot an incredible array of seabirds, including Humboldt penguins, Peruvian boobies, and Inca terns, among many others.

Wildlife Sightings	Geological Features	Recreational Activities
Humboldt penguins	Dramatic rock formations	Boat tours
Peruvian boobies	Sea caves	Photography
Inca terns	Arches and cliffs	Exploring the islands

The boat tour provides an up-close look at the diverse marine life and geological wonders of this protected area, offering a glimpse into the vibrant ecosystem of Peru’s coastal region.

Exploring Huacachina Oasis

After exploring the captivating Ballestas Islands, the tour continues on to the enchanting Huacachina Oasis.

This unique desert oasis, surrounded by towering sand dunes, offers an exhilarating experience. Guests can try their hand at sandboarding, gliding down the dunes on specially-designed boards.

For a more leisurely adventure, they can hop onto sand carts, also known as buggies, for an adrenaline-filled ride through the golden sands.

The tour also includes a tasting of local delicacies such as chocotejas and tiles, as well as a wine and pisco tasting, providing a well-rounded culture.

With the perfect blend of adventure and cultural exploration, the Huacachina Oasis promises an unforgettable stop on this comprehensive Lima tour.

Ceviche Cooking Class Experience

The tour’s culminating experience is the ceviche cooking class, where participants learn the art of crafting this iconic Peruvian dish.

During the class, travelers:

• Observe a live demonstration by a professional chef, revealing the key techniques and ingredients for making authentic ceviche.

• Partake in the preparation process, getting hands-on experience in slicing, marinating, and seasoning the fresh seafood.

• Savor the freshly prepared ceviche, accompanied by traditional Peruvian sides, to appreciate the flavors of this beloved local delicacy.

• Gain insights into the cultural significance and history of ceviche in Peruvian cuisine.

• Have the opportunity to ask questions and learn tips for recreating the dish at home.

Inclusions and Accessibility

This tour package includes an extensive array of amenities and experiences. Travelers will enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, shared transportation, and guided tours of the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina. The tour also features a sandboarding and sand cart experience, tastings of local delicacies, and a ceviche cooking class demonstration with tasting. Lunch, breakfast, and dinner are provided. While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it is stroller-friendly and allows service animals. Infants must sit on laps, and the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems. The tour is suitable for most travelers of all ages.

Inclusions	Accessibility
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Not wheelchair accessible
Shared transportation	Stroller accessible
Guided tours	Service animals allowed
Sandboarding and sand carts	Near public transportation
Tastings and cooking class	Infants must sit on laps

Booking and Cancellation Policy

How does the booking and cancellation policy for this tour work? Customers can receive confirmation of their booking immediately after reserving their spot.

They also have the option to reserve now and pay later. Importantly, this tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing for flexibility.

• Confirmation received at time of booking
• Reserve now, pay later option available
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
• Cancellation policy provides flexibility for travelers
• Booking and payment process is straightforward

Guest Reviews and Feedback

Typically, the tour receives positive feedback, with travelers often recommending it.

While the overall rating is a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars, some guests were disappointed that the "ceviche cooking class" was actually a demonstration rather than a hands-on cooking experience.

However, many praised the wine and pisco tasting, describing it as a highlight of the tour.

The host has acknowledged this feedback and committed to improving the tour descriptions for better clarity moving forward.

Improving the Tour Experience

To enhance the tour experience, the host could consider several improvements. Some suggestions include:

• Clarifying the ceviche class activity in the tour description, whether it’s a full hands-on cooking class or a demonstration, to set accurate expectations for guests.

• Expanding the wine and pisco tasting experience, potentially offering more variety of local spirits and providing more detailed information about the products.

• Considering an optional upgrade for a private or small-group tour to offer a more personalized experience.

• Soliciting more detailed feedback from guests to identify specific areas for improvement, such as the quality of the included meals or the pacing of the day’s activities.

• Ensuring the availability of necessary accommodations, such as stroller access, for guests with special needs.

Questions About Your Stay

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers. The shared tourist transport means the group size is limited to ensure a comfortable experience for all participants.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Travelers can’t bring their own food and drinks on this tour. The tour includes a lunch with a drink and soft drink, as well as a ceviche cooking class demonstration and tasting. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. Visitors can take photos of the Ballestas Islands, sand dunes, and other sights. However, they should be mindful not to disturb wildlife or disrupt the tour experience. Check with the tour guide for any specific photography guidelines.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Clothing or Equipment?

You’ll want to dress comfortably and wear closed-toe shoes for the sand activities. Bring sun protection like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The tour includes some outdoor elements, so layers are recommended to adjust to changing weather conditions.

Can I Customize or Personalize the Tour Itinerary?

Unfortunately, this tour doesn’t allow for much customization. The itinerary is pre-set, though you can request small adjustments. For more flexibility, consider booking a private tour or working with the provider to design a custom experience.

Final Verdict On This Stay

This unforgettable tour offers a captivating blend of nature, adventure, and culinary exploration in Lima. Witness the stunning wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, soar over the picturesque Huacachina Oasis, and master the art of ceviche preparation – an immersive experience that showcases the best of Peru’s natural and cultural wonders. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or food lover, this tour provides an unforgettable journey that will leave you with lasting memories.