Embark on an exhilarating day trip from Lima to the breathtaking landscapes of Paracas and Huacachina. Witness the abundant wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, savor Peruvian flavors, and experience the thrill of sandboarding down the towering dunes. This well-organized itinerary provides comfortable transportation, allowing you to learn about the natural wonders of these iconic destinations. Discover why this journey through Peru’s enchanting scenery is a must-add to your travel plans.
Good To Know
- Comprehensive one-day trip from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina, offering a mix of wildlife viewing, sandboarding, and pisco tasting experiences.
- Boat tour to Ballestas Islands, known as the "Poor Man’s Galápagos", to observe diverse marine life such as Humboldt penguins and sea lions.
- Thrilling sandboarding adventure in the stunning Huacachina desert oasis, featuring towering sand dunes and exhilarating descents.
- Pisco tasting and traditional Peruvian lunch in Ica, providing an immersive cultural experience.
- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation throughout the trip, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Overview of the Trip
This day trip whisks travelers away from Lima to the stunning natural wonders of Paracas and Huacachina.
It’s a small group experience with a maximum of 14 people, allowing for a more intimate and personalized adventure.
The itinerary includes a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands to see diverse wildlife, followed by sandboarding and a buggy tour in the Huacachina oasis.
Along the way, guests will enjoy a pisco tasting and a delicious lunch in Ica.
With air-conditioned transportation, hassle-free transfers, and all fees included, this day trip offers an exhilarating and well-organized way to explore these remarkable Peruvian destinations.
Itinerary and Timing
The day trip departs from Lima hotels in Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro between 4:45 and 5:10 AM. The 3.5-hour drive to Paracas is followed by a 1-hour journey to Ica. The highlight is the 1.5-hour boat tour to the Ballestas Islands to see wildlife. After lunch and pisco tasting in Ica, the group heads to Huacachina for a thrilling sandboarding experience around 4:00 PM. The return trip to Lima takes approximately 4.5 hours.
| Timing | Location | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 4:45 – 5:10 AM | Lima | Pickup |
| 3.5 hours | Paracas | Travel |
| 1.5 hours | Ballestas Islands | Boat tour |
| 4:00 PM | Huacachina | Sandboarding |
Transportation and Amenities
The day trip includes air-conditioned transportation throughout the experience.
Travelers are provided with hassle-free transfers from their hotel or a designated meeting point, in this case, the JW Marriott Hotel Lima.
All fees and taxes are included in the package, along with breakfast and dinner.
The tour ensures a comfortable and convenient journey, allowing participants to focus on the exciting activities and sights without worrying about the logistics.
With the amenities and transportation taken care of, visitors can fully enjoy the day’s adventures, from the Ballestas Islands boat tour to the thrilling sandboarding experience in Huacachina.
Boat Tour to Ballestas Islands
After departing Lima, travelers embark on a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, a haven for diverse wildlife.
This 1.5-hour excursion provides the opportunity to observe an array of seabirds, penguins, and sea lions in their natural habitat. The Ballestas Islands are often referred to as the "Poor Man’s Galápagos" due to the abundance of marine life.
Highlights of the boat tour include sightings of Humboldt penguins, Peruvian boobies, pelicans, and playful sea lions. The boat navigates through the rocky formations, allowing for up-close encounters with the resident wildlife.
This remarkable wildlife experience is a must-see for nature enthusiasts on the Paracas and Huacachina day trip.
Pisco Tasting and Lunch in Ica
Following the boat tour, travelers wrap up the day with a pisco tasting and lunch in the city of Ica.
After arriving in Ica, the group enjoys a traditional Peruvian lunch. This is followed by a pisco tasting, where they learn about the production and history of this renowned Peruvian spirit.
Pisco is a grape-based brandy that’s a source of national pride in Peru. Travelers have the opportunity to sample different varieties of pisco and identify the unique flavors and aromas.
This experience provides a fitting conclusion to the day’s activities, allowing travelers to savor the local cuisine and culture before the return trip to Lima.
Sandboarding in Huacachina
Capping off the day’s activities, travelers venture to the desert oasis of Huacachina. Here, they’ll experience the thrill of sandboarding down the massive dunes.
The adrenaline-fueled adventure includes:
- Strapping on a board and climbing to the top of the towering sand dunes
- Gliding down the slopes at exhilarating speeds, leaving trails in the golden sand
- Catching air and performing tricks as they navigate the undulating terrain
- Taking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape
- Capturing unforgettable memories and photos to share with friends and family
This sandboarding experience is the perfect finale to a day filled with discovery and excitement in Paracas and Ica.
Return Trip to Lima
The return journey to Lima caps off the day’s adventures.
Departing Huacachina around 4:30 PM, the air-conditioned vehicle embarks on the approximately 4.5-hour drive back to the capital.
Along the way, travelers can reflect on the highlights of the day – the boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, the thrill of sandboarding down the dunes, and the pisco tasting in Ica.
The comfortable transportation ensures a smooth and hassle-free journey, allowing participants to sit back and enjoy the scenic Peruvian countryside.
Reviews and Ratings
Travelers have left an overwhelmingly positive impression of the Paracas and Huacachina Sandboard Day Trip, with 16 reviews awarding the experience an impressive overall rating of 5.0 out of 5.
The highlights include:
- Excellent tour guides, Carlos and Hugo, who provide exceptional service and expertise
- The thrilling sandboarding experience in the Huacachina dunes
- A well-organized itinerary that seamlessly blends various activities into a memorable day
- The stunning natural beauty of the Ballestas Islands and the Ica region
- Travelers emphasizing the variety of experiences and the overall value of the day trip.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- 2-Day Private Trekking Route Through Marcahuasi
- Lima: Tour the Best of Lima in 1 Day
- 2-Day Private Trekking Route Through Rupac
- Barranco Bohemian Fusion: Visit – Cook and Taste – Rooftop
- Peru in 10D: Lima-Nasca-Humantay Lake-Machupicchu||4* Hotel|
- From Lima: 3-Day Paracas, Huacachina, and Nazca Lines Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary doesn’t seem to be customizable, as it’s a pre-arranged day trip with a set schedule. However, travelers can contact the tour provider to inquire about any potential flexibility or special requests within the existing tour structure.
Can the Tour Be Booked for Private Groups Only?
The tour can be booked for private groups, though customization options may be limited. Travelers should inquire with the tour provider about the availability and pricing for a private group experience.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Day Trip?
The maximum group size for this day trip is 14 travelers. It’s a small group experience designed to provide a more personalized and intimate tour.
Are Food and Beverages Provided During the Tour?
The tour includes breakfast and dinner. It also features a lunch in Ica after the boat tour, as well as a pisco tasting session.
Can the Tour Be Booked in Languages Other Than English?
The tour can be booked in multiple languages, including Spanish, as it’s a small group experience. Travelers can inquire about language options when booking to ensure the tour meets their needs.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Full Day Paracas – Ica – Oasis Huacachina
- Colonial Casa Aliaga, Central Museum & Pisco Tasting
- Full Day Tour Sandboarding in Huacachina From Lima
- Pantanos De Villa Wildlife Refuge Tour in Lima
- Entrance Ticket to the Museum of Art of Lima – MALI
- 8 Days Peru All The Senses: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu & Titicaca Lake
- All Inclusive Private Excursion to Caral From Lima
- City Tour – Panoramic Bus (Departure From Larcomar)
- Private Tour With Curator in Lima Art Museum – MALI
- 7-Day Peru Deep Dive: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu Tour
- Magic Water Show and Dinner Show
- Lima’S Most Charming Hoods: Private Half Day With Local Guide
- Alternative Food and Socio-Cultural Experience in Lima
- 8-Day Peru From Lima: Cusco, Puno, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca
- Yoga Classes in Miraflores, Lima
The Sum Up
This thrilling day trip from Lima offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure. The boat tour on the Ballestas Islands, pisco tasting in Ica, and sandboarding in Huacachina create an unforgettable journey through Peru’s stunning landscapes. With comfortable transportation and a well-organized itinerary, this is an excellent choice for those seeking to explore the highlights of Paracas and Huacachina.