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The best of Peru’s coast and desert in just one day with our Huacachina and Ballestas Islands day trip from Lima. Travel south along the Pacific to Paracas for a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, where you’ll spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seabirds. Then head to the stunning Huacachina Oasis for an unforgettable desert adventure, including dune buggy rides and sandboarding.




Moderate
Hike, Culture, Adventure
50m
Group Service
Tour name: Huacachina and Ballestas Islands Day Trip from Lima
Starting point: Pickup from Lima Hotel/Airbnb
Ending Point: Drop-off in Lima
Departure: Daily
Trip Duration: 4:00 am to 9:00 pm
Transportation: Comfortable on-board service
Our Huacachina and Ballestas Islands Day Trip from Lima is a full-day adventure combining coastal wildlife and desert thrills. Explore the Ballestas Islands by boat, then experience dune buggy rides and sandboarding in the stunning Huacachina Oasis.
On this tour, we’ll take you to the stunning Paracas National Reserve, located on Peru’s southern coast. Known for its natural beauty, rich wildlife, and archaeological significance, this place offers a unique experience. We’ll visit the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, penguins, and many bird species. You’ll also have the chance to explore the desert, beaches, and cliffs, spot flamingos, and discover the mysterious Paracas Candelabra, an ancient geoglyph carved into the hillside.
Next, we’ll head to Huacachina, a beautiful desert oasis near Ica, surrounded by towering sand dunes. This breathtaking spot offers exciting activities like sandboarding and dune buggy rides across the dunes. You’ll also have time to relax by the peaceful lagoon at the heart of the oasis, while enjoying stunning views of the desert. And don’t miss out on one of the most incredible sunsets, with the dunes as your backdrop.
Pick up and departure
Your adventure begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Lima. We then drive south to Paracas Bay, a journey of approximately 261 km (about 4 hours).
Ballestas Islands tour
Upon arrival at the Paracas tourist pier, you’ll board a modern boat for an exciting tour of the Ballestas Islands. During the boat ride, we’ll pass by “El Candelabro,” a mysterious figure carved into the sand, visible only from the water or the air.
You’ll also have the chance to spot various marine animals, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and large colonies of guano birds. After the tour, we’ll return to the pier, where you’ll have some free time to rest or explore the beautiful bay.
Guided visit to Ica City
Next, we’ll transfer to Ica for a guided tour. We’ll visit a local winery where you’ll learn about the traditional process of making Peruvian wines and piscos. You’ll also enjoy a tasting of these local drinks.
Lunch
We’ll treat you to a delicious traditional lunch, featuring the best of Ica’s regional cuisine. (Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request).
Visit to Huacachina Oasis
After lunch, we’ll head to the famous Huacachina Oasis, also known as “The Oasis of America.” Here, you’ll experience thrilling adventures in the desert, including dune buggy rides and sandboarding down the dunes. You’ll have free time to take photos and explore the oasis at your leisure.
Return to Lima
In the afternoon, we’ll begin the journey back to Lima, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel upon arrival.
Snacks or any additional drinks that are not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Group Service: The price per person is US$110.
Availability: Departures are available daily and 100% guaranteed. Once you’re booked, your trip is confirmed, there are no cancellations!
Booking Process: To secure your spot, simply send us your personal details along with a 30% deposit. The remaining balance will be paid when you arrive in Cusco.
Posted on Tripadvisor Ben ToothVerified "Amazing experience with Incas Expeditions on the Slcante Trek. From the logistics to the knowledgeable guides, everything was planned out. We were able to fully appreciate the region's rich history and scenic splendor during the walk. Great value for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Highly recommended for hikers of all skill levels.Posted on Tripadvisor René LehrerVerified An Unforgettable Journey Through Cusco. Incas Expeditions went above and above! Transportation, lodging, and guiding were excellent, and their staff made everything run smoothly from the minute we arrived in Cusco. Every ruin was brought to life with stories by our guide, who was quite educated about Inca history. Highlights of my trip included the walk to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley excursion. Throughout the entire process, I felt motivated, informed, and safe. Excellently suggested.Posted on Tripadvisor Diego Fernando RVerified Amazing Inca Trail Salkantay Trek tour with friends I booked with my friends the Inca Trail Salkantay Trek tour with a group of friends and it was an experience that changed my way of seeing the Andean tours. The first day we walked around the city of Cusco and started the Inca Trail and camped at night but one of my friends got hurt during the last day in the Salkantay Pass and the guides were ready with their first aid kit and the attention was great! I recommend you to have a good stamina for this kind of multi-day treks. This tourism agency in Cusco is the best for trekking to Machu Picchu, thank you very much Incas Expeditions!Posted on Tripadvisor Arianna OVerified The best travel guide We traveled with our teenage children and chose the short Inca trail with camping because it offered the right balance of adventure and comfort. It was our kids' first time camping and they loved it! The porters and guides were very friendly and always made sure we were ok. The trail itself was breathtaking, especially the views of Wiñay Wayna. At night, we stargazed and shared stories by the tent. I want to thank Incas Expeditions who took care of the logistics and even the food! My family and I will be returning to Cusco in a few months and we are happy to do the tour with you again :)Posted on Tripadvisor Belén LázaroVerified My experience on the Cusco day tour I'm going to tell you about my experience with Incas Expeditions. The truth is that they exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived in Cusco, everything was perfectly organized. The guides were not only professional but also incredibly passionate about Peruvian culture and history, which made each tour feel personal and unique. They were also very attentive and helped me arrange some free time to explore on my own, which I truly appreciated. If you're looking for Peru tour packages, Incas Expeditions is, without a doubt, the best option. An incredible experience from start to finish!Posted on Tripadvisor Departure58624235970Verified An unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu My partner and I had always dreamed of visiting Machu Picchu, but we wanted to make this experience something unique. From the first contact with Incas Expeditions, everything was perfect. The team was incredibly attentive and helped us create a personalized itinerary that suited our preferences, and the guides explained the history and even taught us a little Quechua. Arriving at Machu Picchu was a dream come true, and having the opportunity to explore it so intimately on our personalized tour was something we will never forget. We definitely recommend Incas Expeditions to any couple who wants to experience the magic of Machu Picchu in a unique and worry-free way.Posted on Tripadvisor Russ MVerified This was the best and most amazing tour. This was the best and most amazing tour. I wonder how I hadn't come across it sooner. Everything they did was perfect, from the accommodation to the hospitality—they did a great job.Posted on Tripadvisor Nenuz MVerified We both enjoy this tour together with our kids. We both enjoy this tour together with our kids. It was an awesome feeling and experience. Guide were friendlily from the beginning to the end and we were took to my place. They're the best.
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Embark on a visual journey of our Huacachina and Ballestas Islands Day Trip. From the tranquil oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes to the vibrant marine life of the Ballestas Islands, this gallery captures the beauty and excitement of your adventure.