Departures are usually from central locations such as Plaza Norte or La Rambla in San Borja.
Ica, Paracas and Huacachina
AvailabilityDaily departures, subject to availability
TransportTourist transport
GuideProfessional guide included
Available languagesSpanish and English, subject to availability
Service typeGroup service
Cancellation policyAsk about the booking conditions
Maximum altitude406 m a.s.l.
DifficultyModerate
DurationFull day
Travel from Lima to Paracas to visit the Ballestas Islands on a modern speedboat and see their impressive marine wildlife. Then continue to Ica to discover the Huacachina oasis, surrounded by dunes and desert landscapes. Enjoy free time and, optionally, go for the adventure of sandboarding and dune buggy rides.
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Throughout the itinerary you will discover the destination’s most representative places accompanied by our local team. Each day combines guided visits, scenery, culture and time to rest, with assistance from the beginning to the end of the journey.
Itinerary
It is a 3 to 4 hour ride by tourist bus to Paracas, with a quick stop on the way for a light breakfast.
You will board a speedboat at the pier in Paracas Bay. On the way you will see the famous Candelabra geoglyph drawn in the sand. Then you will reach the islands to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins and thousands of seabirds.
Time to stretch your legs, buy souvenirs or take photos by the sea.
Transfer to the city of Ica.
Visit a local artisanal winery. You will enjoy a traditional lunch (such as sopa seca or carapulcra) and take part in a fun free tasting of local wines, piscos and creams.
Time to walk around the beautiful natural lagoon surrounded by tall palm trees and sand dunes.
You will ride the dune buggies on an adrenaline-filled trip up and down the desert dunes. You will also slide down the sand on boards (sandboarding) and watch the desert sunset before heading down.
The bus starts the journey back to Lima. Some agencies make a short stop in Chincha for the toilets or to buy traditional sweets such as chocotejas.
The tour ends at the same drop-off points as in the morning.
Important note: Times are approximate and may change depending on the operating conditions of the day.
Included
What is included
- Hotel pickup
- Tourist transport
- Professional guide
- Entrance to the Ballestas Islands
- Wine tasting
- Dune buggies and sandboarding
What is not included
- Meals not mentioned
- Tips
Recommendations
Before booking
- Book as far in advance as possible.
- Minimum of 2 participants.
- Bilingual service in Spanish and English.
- Check the difficulty level and required physical condition.
- Check the cancellation policy before booking.
Before travelling
- Bring the original document used for booking.
- Bring a light backpack for essential items.
- Wear comfortable footwear suitable for the activity.
- Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat and clothing for changing weather.
- Carry cash for personal expenses.
Legal and safety requirements before travelling
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book the tour?
We recommend booking as early as possible; ideally up to 24 hours before.
Can I do the tour without a travel agency?
Depending on the tour and the activities included, some services require entrance tickets or permits bought in advance, or hiring authorised operators. We recommend checking the specific conditions of the programme before visiting on your own.
What is the best time of year to travel?
The dry season usually offers more stable weather, better suited to outdoor activities. However, our programmes run for most of the year, always subject to weather conditions, availability and the rules of the relevant authorities.
How difficult is the tour?
The difficulty level is moderate. The tour combines vehicle transfers and light walks with adventure activities such as sandboarding and dune buggy rides.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. We recommend valid travel insurance that covers medical assistance, emergencies, cancellations and, if needed, adventure activities. Each traveller should choose insurance that fits their own needs and circumstances.
How many people are in the group?
Group size is approximately 15 to 25 people, depending on availability and the programme booked. If you would like a more personalised experience, we also offer private service, subject to availability and service conditions.
What happens if the tour is cancelled due to the weather?
The safety of our travellers is our top priority. If weather conditions put the tour at risk, our team will assess the situation and, following the authorities' instructions and each service's policies, will offer the available alternatives, which may include rescheduling, changing the itinerary or another solution according to the booking conditions.
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