#1 Full Day Tour From Lima: Paracas and Huacachina Oasis

Lima , Peru

#1 Full Day Tour From Lima: Paracas and Huacachina Oasis

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(2935 reviews)

18h

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About this experience

INCREDIBLE & AUTHENTIC Day Trip from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina at local prices!

This day trip from Lima includes the following incredible experiences:

1.⁠ ⁠A once-in-a-lifetime visit to Huacachina Desert Oasis with free time to explore the Oasis

2.⁠ ⁠Dune Buggy up & Sandboard finishing with a spectacular Sunset view in the middle of the Desert.

3.⁠ ⁠A trip to the Ballestas Islands in Paracas! See Sealions, Penguins and more in their natural habitat.

4. A visit to a local pisco vineyard to learn how pisco is made and taste different varieties.

We only use large comfortable buses...other budget operators use smaller minivans.

Over 1,500 Tripadvisor reviews, the #1 ranked budget operator!

Available options

Full Day with Meeting Point

Fixed Meeting Point in Lima

Full Day with Pickup/Dropoff

Hotel Pickup & Dropoff

What's included

Visit to a local pisco vineyard with pisco tasting

Roundtrip with Air Conditioning, clean restroom, USB Ports, and a large storage room

2 hour Guided Ballestas Islands Boat Trip in Paracas

Pick up and drop off (with pickup/dropoff option)

Free time to explore Huacachina Oasis

Dune Buggy and Sandboarding Tour

Bilingual professional tour guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meet the bus OPPOSITE the JW Marriott hotel, Malecon de la Reserva 615, Miraflores. Please wait near the small information kiosk. Make sure to be there by 5:45 am. The bus departs at 6:00 am.

Stop 2

Go on the 2-hour boat tour of the islands, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The Ballestas are a smaller version of the Galapagos and are just as great. You’ll see sea lions, penguins, and lots of birds all in their natural habitat. If you’re lucky, you may even see a dolphin or three!

Stop 3

After Paracas, continue your journey to a local pisco vineyard, where you will learn how Peruvian pisco is made and taste the different varieties produced there. You will have time here to have lunch, and try local gastronomy! (lunch not included).

Depart to Huacachina, you will have some free time before going on the buggy and sandboarding tour, so you can explore around the oasis.

Go up the dunes on a buggy and sandboard down! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the only natural desert oasis in South America.

Stop 6

Departs from Huacachina at 7:00 pm, arriving in Lima around 11:45 pm.

We will drop off passengers at the same place we pick up from, at approximately arrival 11:30 pm.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Local Tax (Paracas: 16 soles, Huacachina: 4 soles )

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

141 reviews

5★

105

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

2,794 reviews

5★

2628

4★

131

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please bring breakfast with you (direct bus).

Please don’t be late, as bus must leave on time to do Ballestas Islands at 10:00 am.

Bring sunscreen, it is hot all year round in Paracas and Huacachina.

Food is not included, although we have discounts in many restaurants.

See itinerary for hour by hour plan.

Warm weather all year round. Light-weight jumper/jacket for speedboat ride to Ballestas. Closed-toe footwear for Sandboarding.

Minimum age is 7 years

The bus will arrive back in Lima, at JW Marriott at around 11:30 pm

The tour runs with slight adjustments during the following holidays: Easter weekend (April 17-20) and Peru's Independence Day celebrations (July 25-28). The pick-up time will be 1 hour before the usual time

Meeting point

Passengers must be ready OPPOSITE the JW Marriott hotel, Mal. de la Reserva 615, Miraflores, from 05:45 am (wait near the small information kiosk). The bus departs here at 6:00 am.

About Lima

Lima, the capital of Peru, is a vibrant city where colonial architecture meets modern skyscrapers. Known for its rich history, diverse cuisine, and stunning coastal views, Lima offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty. The city's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit for its well-preserved colonial buildings and museums.

Top Attractions

Historic Center of Lima

The Historic Center of Lima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the city's colonial architecture and rich history. It's home to numerous churches, museums, and plazas.

Historical Half day to full day Free to $10 (for museum entries)

Miraflores

Miraflores is a upscale district known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife. It's also home to the Parque del Amor and the Larcomar shopping center.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to $50 (for shopping and dining)

Barranco

Barranco is a bohemian district known for its art galleries, street art, and vibrant nightlife. It's a great place to experience Lima's creative side.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to $30 (for dining and drinks)

Huaca Pucllana

Huaca Pucllana is an ancient pyramidd built by the Lima Culture around 200 AD. It's a fascinating archaeological site located in the heart of Miraflores.

Historical 1-2 hours $5

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ceviche

A dish made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, spiced with ají or chili peppers, and served with side dishes such as sweet potato, corn on the cob, and lettuce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish, citrus, and chili peppers. Can be made gluten-free and dairy-free.

Lomo Saltado

A Peruvian dish consisting of marinated beef stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, and fries, served with rice. It's a fusion dish that combines Peruvian and Chinese flavors.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef, onions, tomatoes, and fries. Can be made gluten-free with modifications.

Aji de Gallina

A Peruvian dish consisting of a creamy chicken stew made with aji amarillo (yellow chili pepper) sauce, garlic, and walnuts, served with rice and potatoes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains chicken, dairy, and nuts. Can be made gluten-free.

Popular Activities

Surfing Paragliding Hiking Beach lounging Spa treatments Hot springs Museum visits Historical tours

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the summer season in Lima, characterized by warm temperatures and sunny days. It's the best time for outdoor activities and exploring the city's beaches.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

220VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Lima is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use official taxis or app-based services
• Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas
• Be cautious when using ATMs

Getting there

By air

Jorge Chávez International Airport • 11 km from city center

By bus

Plaza Norte, Plaza Sur

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is efficient and affordable, but can be crowded during peak hours. It's a good option for getting around quickly.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Beat

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Miraflores Barranco San Isidro

Day trips

Pachacamac

40 km from Lima • Half day

Pachacamac is an ancient archaeological site located south of Lima. It was an important religious center for the Inca civilization and features several temples, pyramids, and museums.

Paracas and Ballestas Islands

250 km from Lima • Full day

Paracas is a coastal town known for its stunning natural beauty and wildlife. The Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the 'poor man's Galapagos', are home to a variety of seabirds, sea lions, and other marine life.

Huaral

80 km from Lima • Full day

Huaral is a small town located north of Lima, known for its colonial architecture, hot springs, and traditional festivals. It's a great place to experience authentic Peruvian culture and hospitality.

Festivals

Fiesta de la Candelaria • February 2 Festival Internacional de Cine de Lima • August Inti Raymi • June 24

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Try a ceviche-making class to learn about Peruvian cuisine and culture
Visit the Larco Museum to see the largest private collection of pre-Columbian art in Peru
Explore the street art and murals in Barranco for a unique cultural experience
Take a day trip to Pachacamac to learn about Inca history and explore ancient ruins