Paracas, Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Tour from Lima

Lima , Peru

Paracas, Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Tour from Lima

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(20 reviews)

14h - 15h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Get ready for a complete adventure in Ica and its surroundings! In addition to the excitement of the Huacachina dunes, your trip includes a visit to the stunning Ballestas Islands, in the beautiful Paracas National Reserve. Here you will embark on an exciting boat tour around the islands, where you will witness Peru's incredible marine biodiversity.

As you sail through the crystal-clear waters, you will be able to admire colonies of playful sea lions resting on the rocks, seabirds such as Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seagulls, pelicans, and boobies that make this place their home. Also, don't miss the iconic Candelabro, an enigmatic figure carved in the sand that dominates the coast and whose origin is still a mystery.

Book now and combine the best of the desert, ocean, and adventure in one spectacular adrenaline-filled trip!

Available options

Paracas, Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Tour from Lima

Pickup included

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Initial boarding point. It is located at the intersection of Av. Larco and Armendariz, in front of the Larcomar Shopping Center. The trip to Paracas will take approximately 3 hours.

We will arrive in Paracas around 9:30 am, and then board the boat for the tour to Ballestas Island.

Stop 3

Boat ride to the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions and Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat. There we will have a tour of approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, where we will also be told about the famous and mysterious "Candelabro" that we will see on the hill, as well as all the marine fauna that inhabits the place.

We will depart from Paracas to the Nietto Wine and Pisco Winery for a delicious lunch and tasting. The trip lasts 1 hour and is enlivened by the vehicle.

In this place we will be able to enjoy the best of Peruvian cuisine. Then, we will try the most delicious Peruvian wines and piscos, we will have a very fun and relaxing time.

We will visit the famous Huacachina Oasis in Ica before entering the desert with 4x4 buggies. We will be able to appreciate its enigmatic shape while we board the dune buggies.

It's time for the extreme part of the excursion and where your adrenaline will be at its limit. We will jump over the most beautiful dunes in sand trucks and then at the top of the dunes you can go sandboarding.

Stop 8

From Ica, we will begin our return on a full day full of adrenaline back to the starting point in Lima. The return trip takes approximately 4 hours and may vary slightly in case of traffic congestion in Lima.

What's not included

Lunch

Breakfast

Pickup hotels from Miraflores is an additional cost of +$10 per person.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.3

18 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

In case you wish to pick up from Miraflores hotels, this will cost an additional $10 per person.

Meeting point

Crossing between Larco and Armendáriz avenues. In front of the Larcomar Shopping Center.

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