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Explore the coastal wildlife of the Ballestas Islands and the massive sand dunes of the Ica desert on these combined trips. Choose from single-day excursions from Lima or multi-day adventures featuring dune buggies, sandboarding, and local pisco tastings.
Free Cancellation Visit the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis for wildlife, pisco tasting, and sunset dune buggy rides.
Free Cancellation Discover the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis on a full-day desert adventure from Lima.
Free Cancellation A luxury day trip from Lima featuring the Ballestas Islands, a historic vineyard lunch, and sunset in the desert dunes.
Free Cancellation See the wildlife of the Ballestas Islands and ride dune buggies in Huacachina on this full-day trip from Lima.
Free Cancellation A structured day trip from Lima to the Paracas coast and Huacachina desert with three available service levels.
Free Cancellation Explore Peru’s heritage on a guided tour featuring comfortable transport and door-to-door service.
Free Cancellation A two-day guided trip from Lima covering the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina’s dunes, and a flight over the Nazca Lines.
Free Cancellation Escape Lima to explore the marine wildlife of the Ballestas Islands and sandboard the dunes of the Huacachina Oasis.
Free Cancellation A two-day tour of the Ballestas Islands, Paracas National Reserve, and the desert dunes of Huacachina.
Free Cancellation A 3-day group trip from Lima featuring a Nazca Lines flight, Paracas wildlife boat tour, and Huacachina sandboarding.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Paracas — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Tours to Paracas and Huacachina offer a massive contrast of landscapes, taking you from a marine-rich coastal desert to towering sand dunes in a single day. You will spend the morning spotting wildlife on the Pacific Ocean and the afternoon racing across the desert in dune buggies.
Board a morning speedboat to the 'Poor Man's Galapagos' to see hundreds of barking sea lions, nesting Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seabirds clinging to rocky outcrops.
View a massive, 600-foot-tall ancient geoglyph etched into the sandy hills of the peninsula. Dating back over 2,500 years, it is only fully visible from the water.
Strap into a V8-powered dune buggy for a high-speed, rollercoaster-like ride across massive 100-foot sand dunes surrounding a remote desert oasis.
Grab an artisanal sandboard and slide face-first down steep desert dunes. It is a thrilling activity suitable for beginners and adrenaline junkies alike.
Stop at a traditional vineyard in the Ica valley to learn about the distillation process of Peru's national spirit and enjoy a guided tasting session.
End your day watching the sun dip below the vast sea of sand. Premium tours often include a magical sunset picnic or a toast right on the dunes.
Most Paracas and Huacachina tours are full-day trips departing from Lima. Because these are long, 16-to-18-hour days, choosing the right tour type and knowing what is included is crucial for a comfortable trip.
The standard day trip from Lima lasts about 16 to 18 hours, returning around midnight. If you want a slower pace, 2-day and 3-day itineraries are available, which often add a flight over the Nazca Lines.
Since the drive from Lima takes about 3.5 to 4 hours each way, check your transport. Premium operators use large luxury buses with onboard restrooms, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi, while budget tours use smaller vans.
Read the fine print on entrance fees. Premium tours usually include the local taxes (like the 16 PEN Paracas fee and 8 PEN Huacachina fee), while classic budget tours often require you to pay these in cash on the day.
The dune buggy and sandboarding portion of the tour is extremely bumpy and physically demanding. It is strictly not recommended for pregnant travelers, people with spinal injuries, or those with poor cardiovascular health.
While the Ballestas Islands boat tour is great for all ages, the dune buggy and sandboarding activities have a strict minimum age requirement of 7 years old for safety reasons.
Most tours offer direct hotel pick-up and drop-off, but only if you are staying in specific tourist districts like Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro, or Downtown Lima. Pick-ups start very early, usually between 4:20 AM and 6:00 AM.
You need layers. Bring a windbreaker for the chilly, wet boat ride in the morning, and light clothes, a sunhat, and closed-toe shoes for the hot desert in the afternoon. A waterproof phone pouch is highly recommended for the boat.
Almost all major operators offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, giving you flexibility if your travel plans change.
| Classic Full-Day Tour | Premium Sunset Experience | 2-Day Nazca & Coast Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 16-18 hours | 17 hours | 48 hours |
| Best for | Budget travelers | Comfort & Romance | Comprehensive explorers |
| Includes | Transport, Guide, Boat Tour, Buggy Ride (Excludes local taxes/fees) | Luxury Bus, All Taxes/Fees, Sunset Picnic, Buggy, Boat Tour | Nazca Lines Flight, Hotel Transport, Boat Tour, Buggy, Vineyard |
| Price from | $50 - $60 | $95 - $135 | $265 |
Paracas National Reserve: Open daily to tourists from 09:00 to 16:00 via the Santo Domingo Checkpoint.
Ballestas Islands: Boat tours operate strictly in the mornings from 06:00 to 13:00. Most tourist departures are scheduled between 08:00 and 10:00 when the ocean is calmest.
Huacachina Oasis: The oasis itself is open 24/7, but dune buggy tours generally run from 10:00 to 17:00, with the 16:00 slot being the most popular for catching the sunset.
From Lima: The journey south to Paracas takes about 3.5 to 4 hours by bus along the Pan-American Highway (260 km). Reputable operators like Cruz del Sur and Peru Hop offer daily departures.
Between Paracas and Huacachina: Huacachina is located about 75 km south of Paracas, taking roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes by car or bus. Most guided tours handle this transfer seamlessly.
Flights: There are no direct commercial flights from Lima, but private charter flights can land at the nearby Pisco Airport, just 15 minutes from Paracas.
Weather: The warm summer months from December to February offer the best beach weather, with hot, sunny, and clear days.
Wildlife Viewing: If you want to see Humboldt penguins, visit between April and November when they are most active. Sea lions are visible year-round.
Time of Day: Always book the earliest possible boat tour (around 08:00 AM) for the Ballestas Islands. The ocean is much calmer in the morning, reducing the risk of seasickness and tour cancellations due to high winds.
Paracas Reserve: The main entrance plaza and certain viewpoints like the Guardhouse Viewpoint have paved, wheelchair-accessible paths. However, natural beaches and rocky lookouts are difficult to navigate.
Boat Tours: Boarding the speedboats requires navigating uneven docks and steps, which can be highly challenging without personal assistance.
Huacachina: The dune buggies are not accessible for wheelchair users and are strictly not recommended for pregnant travelers, elderly visitors with fragile health, or anyone with spinal injuries due to the extreme bumping.
On the Road: Premium tour buses (like Peru Hop) feature onboard restrooms, air conditioning, and USB ports. Budget vans do not have restrooms, relying on gas station stops.
Paracas Interpretation Center: Located near the reserve entrance, this modern facility offers clean restrooms, archaeological exhibits, and information about the local ecology.
Food & Drink: Meals are rarely included in standard tour prices, but tours stop at local vineyards in Ica and restaurants in El Chaco where you can purchase lunch. Many operators offer exclusive discounts at partner restaurants.
The journey from Lima to Paracas takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours by road. The route covers about 260 kilometers (162 miles) heading south along the flat coastal Pan-American Highway.
It depends on the tour tier you book. Premium tours usually include all local taxes and entry fees, while classic or budget tours often require you to pay the Paracas Reserve fee (approx. 16 PEN) and Huacachina fee (8 PEN) in cash on the day.
Yes, but there is a strict minimum age requirement of 7 years old for the dune buggies and sandboarding. The ride is very fast and bumpy, so parents must ensure kids are securely strapped in and wearing helmets.
While you will see hundreds of sea lions all year long, Humboldt penguins are migratory. The best time to spot them on the Ballestas Islands is between April and November.
The two-hour boat ride goes into open ocean waters which can be quite choppy, especially later in the morning. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is highly recommended to take medication at least 30 minutes before boarding.
Dress in layers. You will need a windbreaker or light jacket for the chilly, windy morning boat ride, but light, comfortable clothing for the hot desert in the afternoon. Closed-toe shoes are a must for sandboarding.
No, visitors are strictly prohibited from disembarking on the islands or swimming with the animals. The islands are a protected marine sanctuary, so you will observe the wildlife from the safety of the speedboat.
The Paracas Candelabra is a massive, 600-foot-tall prehistoric geoglyph etched into a desert hillside on the peninsula. It dates back over 2,500 years and you will get a great view of it from the boat on your way to the islands.
If you book a premium tour with operators like Peru Hop, you will travel on a luxury bus equipped with an onboard restroom, Wi-Fi, and USB ports. Budget tours typically use smaller sprinter vans that do not have bathrooms.
Most full-day tours are very long, returning to Lima between 11:30 PM and midnight depending on traffic. Because of this, tour operators strongly advise against booking any flights out of Lima on the same day.
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This full-day trip departs from Lima on spacious buses equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi to keep you connected during the drive. The first stop is Paracas for a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, where you can observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various seabirds in their natural environment. Following the boat tour, you will visit a local vineyard to see how pisco is produced and sample several varieties of Peru's national spirit. The afternoon is spent at the Huacachina Oasis for a dune buggy and sandboarding excursion led by local experts. This part of the trip is timed to conclude with a toast in the desert as the sun sets over the dunes. Throughout the day, local Peruvian hosts provide insights into daily life and culture that go beyond what is found in standard guidebooks, ensuring a more authentic experience while traveling between locations.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day excursion from Lima takes you to the coastal wildlife of Paracas and the desert landscapes of Ica. The journey begins at the Ballestas Islands, where you can observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various bird species in their natural habitat. Afterward, you will visit a local pisco vineyard to learn about the traditional distillation process and sample several varieties of Peru's national spirit. In the afternoon, the tour continues to Huacachina, the only natural desert oasis in South America. You will have free time to explore the lagoon before heading into the dunes for a high-speed buggy ride and sandboarding session, timed to catch the sunset over the desert. Travel is provided in large, comfortable buses rather than the smaller minivans often used by other operators. This tour is managed by a top-ranked budget operator with a history of serving over 1,500 travelers.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This day trip departs from Lima in a luxury bus equipped with air conditioning, USB ports, an onboard restroom, and 24/7 GPS speed monitoring. The morning begins with a two-hour boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to view the Candelabra geoglyph and local marine wildlife. Following the coast, the tour stops at La Caravedo, the oldest vineyard in the Americas, for a guided pisco distillery tour and a traditional Peruvian lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the Huacachina Oasis before heading into the desert for two hours of sandboarding and dune buggy riding. We are the only operator that provides safety helmets and maintains a dedicated emergency backup plan for the desert activities. The experience concludes with a private picnic during sunset in the dunes. This is an all-inclusive package covering all entrance fees, transport, meals, and professional English-speaking guides.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day trip from Lima takes you to the coast and desert of southern Peru. The morning starts with a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions and Humboldt penguins, followed by a tasting of local wine and pisco in Ica. In the afternoon, you will head to the Huacachina Oasis for a dune buggy tour and sandboarding session before watching the sunset over the desert. Several package options are available to suit your schedule. The Classic tour focuses on the main highlights, while the premium upgrade includes a visit to the Paracas National Reserve. For a more secluded experience, the Exclusive Sunset Campfire includes a picnic in the dunes as the day ends.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Travel from Lima to the Paracas coast and the Huacachina desert in a single day. This tour is organized to handle regional logistics, allowing you to see the Pacific coastline and the Ica sand dunes without managing multiple bus transfers or local guides on your own. We offer three service tiers: Essential, Premium, and Private. The Essential option covers basic transport only. Full activities, such as the Ballestas Islands boat excursion, desert sand buggies, and door-to-door hotel pickup, are only included if you select the Premium or Private packages. Please review the specific inclusions for each tier before booking. The Premium and Private levels provide a more comprehensive itinerary with higher service standards, while the Essential tier is designed for travelers who prefer a simpler, budget-focused approach.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Our tours use comfortable vehicles equipped with reclining seats and music for the journey. A bilingual guide accompanies you throughout the entire trip, offering information and assistance from the moment you depart until you return. We provide door-to-door service, starting with a pickup from your hotel or the initial meeting point and concluding with a drop-off at the same location. The experience focuses on sharing local Peruvian traditions through a well-paced itinerary.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This two-day trip from Lima covers the major sights of Peru’s southern coast. You will begin with a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions and penguins, followed by a visit to a vineyard in Ica for a tour and tasting. The first day ends at the Huacachina oasis, where you can ride dune buggies and go sandboarding on the desert slopes. The second day is centered around a flight over the Nazca Lines to view the ancient geoglyphs from the air. The tour includes door-to-door transport from your accommodation in Lima and the services of local guides throughout the journey. All logistics, including boat rentals and flight arrangements, are managed for you.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Leave the city’s historic architecture behind for a day focused on the natural landscapes of southern Lima. The trip starts at the coast in Paracas, where you'll visit the Ballestas Islands to observe local marine life and take in the expansive ocean views. It’s an opportunity to see a side of Peru that contrasts sharply with the urban environment of the capital. The itinerary then moves into the desert to the Huacachina Oasis. You’ll have the chance to glide down the massive sand dunes on a sandboard and explore the unique desert ecosystem. Between activities, the group will stop for a tasting of more than 15 different types of Peruvian spirits, offering a broad introduction to the region's traditional flavors. This tour is designed for those who prefer active travel and social interaction. Rather than following a standard museum route, you'll spend the day outdoors with other travelers, capturing photos of the dunes and the sea while experiencing the varied terrain of the Ica region.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This two-day trip covers the wildlife and desert scenery of Peru’s southern coast. On the first day, you will take a boat to the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, penguins, and dolphins. The tour then continues to the Paracas National Reserve to view the desert cliffs along the ocean. The second day focuses on the Huacachina oasis, where you will ride through the sand dunes in a buggy and go sandboarding. An optional ATV upgrade is also available for this portion of the trip. All transportation and entry fees are included in the total cost, so you do not need to arrange separate tickets or transit.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This three-day group trip departs from Lima to explore the wildlife and desert landscapes of Peru’s southern coast. The itinerary begins in Paracas with a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, where you can see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various marine birds. From there, you will travel to the Huacachina oasis to ride through the desert in a dune buggy and try sandboarding on the steep dunes. The journey continues to Nazca for a flight over the ancient geoglyphs, providing the necessary elevation to see the massive figures etched into the ground. This tour includes all ground transportation, two nights of lodging, and guided activities at every destination. Local guides provide historical context for the sites, and all logistical details are handled to ensure a smooth trip between the coast and the desert.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish