Paracas, Ica, and the Huacachina Oasis offer a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences just a short drive from Lima. Travelers can marvel at the Ballestas Islands’ diverse wildlife, indulge in the region’s renowned wines, and embark on an exhilarating adventure in the mesmerizing desert oasis. This full-day tour provides a convenient and comfortable way to explore these enchanting destinations, but the true allure lies in the stories these stunning landscapes have to tell.
About Your Stay
- This full-day tour from Lima allows visitors to explore the Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina desert oasis regions using a touristic van.
- The tour includes wildlife viewing at the Ballestas Islands, wine tasting at a local vineyard, and sandboarding activities in the Huacachina desert.
- Breakfast, lunch, round-trip transfers, accident insurance, and an English/Spanish-speaking guide are included in the tour package.
- The tour operates daily from April 1, 2022, to September 15, 2025, with pickup available from select hotel locations or a meeting point in Miraflores.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly and allows service animals, with most travelers able to participate in the full-day excursion.
Tour Overview and Highlights
This full-day tour from Lima takes visitors to the stunning Paracas and Ica region.
The tour’s highlights include wildlife viewing at the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions and Humboldt penguins. Guests will also enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard in Ica and an exploration of the Huacachina desert oasis by 4×4 and sandboarding on the dunes.
The private guide ensures a personalized experience throughout the day. With round-trip transfers, a touristic van, accident insurance, and a certified English/Spanish guide, this tour provides a comprehensive and convenient way to discover the natural and cultural wonders of this remarkable region.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Lima.
Inclusions
The tour includes round-trip transfers from Lima, ensuring a convenient start and end to the day.
Visitors can look forward to:
- Riding in a touristic van for transportation throughout the tour
- Accident insurance coverage for peace of mind
- An expert, certified English/Spanish tour guide to provide a personalized experience
- Boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, including port tax
The day also includes a visit to a local vineyard for pisco and beverage tasting, as well as an exploration of the Huacachina desert oasis with related taxes covered.
Breakfast and lunch are provided, rounding out the inclusive experience.
Meeting and Pickup Information
Pick-up for the Paracas, Ica and Huacachina Oasis Tour is available from hotels in the Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco districts of Lima.
Alternatively, travelers can meet at the LarcoMar Shopping Center in Miraflores. Confirmation of the pickup service is required.
The tour operates daily from April 1, 2022, to September 15, 2025, with pickup times between 4:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
Travelers should confirm the exact start time with the local provider.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible and allows service animals.
It can be accessed via public transportation, and most travelers can participate.
Tour Schedule
The Paracas, Ica and Huacachina Oasis Tour is available daily from April 1, 2022, to September 15, 2025, with operating hours between 4:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
Guests should confirm the start time with the local provider prior to the tour.
The tour includes:
- Wildlife viewing at the Ballestas Islands
- Wine tasting at a local vineyard in Ica
- Exploration of the Huacachina desert oasis by 4×4 and sandboarding on the dunes
- A folkloric show at a Chincha vineyard
Pickup is available from hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco, or from the LarcoMar Shopping Center in Miraflores.
Confirmation of pickup service is required.
Wildlife Viewing at Ballestas Islands
On the Ballestas Islands, travelers can observe a diverse array of wildlife.
This natural sanctuary is home to vast colonies of sea lions, which can be seen lounging on the rocky shores or playfully swimming in the surrounding waters.
Visitors may also spot Humboldt penguins, known for their distinctive black and white plumage, as they nest and forage for food.
The islands are also inhabited by a variety of seabirds, including guano birds and cormorants, which add to the vibrant ecosystem.
The boat tour provides an up-close encounter with this rich marine life, offering a unique glimpse into the natural wonders of Peru’s coastal region.
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Wine Tasting at Local Vineyard
After the wildlife viewing at the Ballestas Islands, the tour then typically takes visitors to a local vineyard in Ica for a wine tasting experience.
At the vineyard, guests can explore the grounds and learn about the winemaking process.
The tasting includes:
- Sampling a variety of the vineyard’s signature pisco and local beverages
- Discovering the unique flavors and aromas of the region’s wines
- Gaining insights into the history and traditions of Ica’s winemaking culture
- Enjoying a complimentary folkloric show that showcases the local music and dance.
This wine tasting provides a delightful interlude, allowing travelers to savor the rich heritage and flavors of the Ica region.
Exploration of Huacachina Desert Oasis
Following the visit to the local vineyard, the tour then heads to the enchanting Huacachina desert oasis.
At the oasis, travelers will explore the stunning sand dunes by 4×4 vehicle. They’ll have the chance to try their hand at sandboarding, gliding down the towering dunes.
The Huacachina oasis, with its tranquil lagoon surrounded by palm trees, provides a serene contrast to the vast desert landscape. This unique natural wonder is a highlight of the tour, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s otherworldly beauty.
Taxes for the Huacachina visit are included in the tour price.
Additional Information
The tour is generally not wheelchair accessible, though strollers can be accommodated.
Service animals are allowed, and the tour is accessible via public transportation.
Most travelers can participate in the full-day excursion. This is a private tour, so only your group will be joining.
Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience. The tour cost starts from $100.00 per person, with a lowest price guarantee.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Accessible via public transportation
Questions About Your Stay
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour is a private experience, so the group size is limited to only your party. The tour details do not specify a maximum group size, suggesting it’s flexible to accommodate your group’s needs.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?
The tour has no age restrictions. All ages are welcome to participate. Families and children can enjoy the activities and sights alongside adult travelers on this private group tour.
Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary can be customized to meet the traveler’s preferences. The private nature of the tour allows for adjustments to the schedule and activities to accommodate individual interests and needs.
Is Photography Allowed During the Boat Tour?
Yes, photography is allowed during the boat tour of the Ballestas Islands. Guests are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the diverse wildlife, including sea lions and Humboldt penguins, as well as the stunning natural scenery.
Will There Be Stops for Bathroom Breaks During the Long Drive?
The tour includes bathroom stops during the drive. The itinerary allows for periodic breaks, ensuring travelers’ comfort throughout the day. Specific details on the frequency and locations of restroom stops should be confirmed with the local provider prior to the tour.
Final Verdict On This Stay
This full-day tour from Lima to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina Oasis provides an opportunity to experience the stunning natural beauty of the region. Visitors can marvel at the wildlife on the Ballestas Islands, enjoy a wine tasting, and embark on an exhilarating 4×4 adventure and sandboarding in the desert oasis, creating unforgettable memories along the way.
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