Tour overview
This full-day tour is the easiest way to see the highlights south of Lima in a single day. You start in Paracas with a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, known as the "poor man's Galápagos" for their huge numbers of sea lions, Humboldt penguins and seabirds. On the way you'll pass the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph. Next you head to Ica to visit a pisco winery with a tasting, and you finish at the Huacachina oasis, riding the dunes in a buggy and sandboarding at sunset. Magone Viajes takes care of your transport, boat, winery, buggy and guide, so you can make the most of every minute.
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Best time to travel Year-round. December to April brings more sunshine and calmer seas
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Maximum altitude About 400 m / 1,310 ft (Ica and Huacachina)
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Physical difficulty Easy, but it's a long day with many hours on the road
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Minimum number of passengers 1 adult
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Maximum number of passengers 20 adults in shared service
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Booking lead time 2 to 3 days in advance
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Permits Paracas pier boarding fee, Paracas National Reserve fee if visited, and Huacachina desert entrance fee. Prices on request
Highlights
- Paracas, Ica and Huacachina in one day from Lima.
- Route: Lima, Paracas, the Ballestas Islands, Ica and Huacachina, then back to Lima.
- A 2-hour boat trip to the Ballestas Islands and the Candelabra.
- A pisco winery with a tasting in Ica.
- Dune buggies and sandboarding in Huacachina.
- Price on request per person.
Itinerary
Pickup in Lima
We pick you up from your hotel in Miraflores or San Isidro at around 4:00 to 4:30 a.m. and drive about 3.5 hours down the Pan-American Highway to Paracas.
Ballestas Islands
From El Chaco pier we board the boat at 8:00 a.m. First we pass the Candelabra, then reach the islands, where you'll see sea lions, Humboldt penguins and thousands of birds. The trip takes about 2 hours, and there's no landing on the islands.
Paracas National Reserve or free time
Depending on the program, we tour the Paracas National Reserve with its beaches and cliffs, or you have free time on the El Chaco boardwalk.
Lunch
Lunch in Paracas or Ica, included or on your own depending on the program.
Ica winery
We visit a traditional winery, learn how pisco is made and taste piscos, wines and pisco creams.
Huacachina dune buggies and sandboarding
We arrive at the Huacachina oasis, hop in the buggy to ride the dunes, try sandboarding and watch the sunset over the desert.
Return to Lima
We head back at dusk and drop you at your hotel at around 10:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Tips
- Bring a jacket for the boat, since the morning wind at sea is cold.
- Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses all day.
- If you get seasick or carsick, take a pill before you set off.
- Wear a hat or hood on the boat, because the island birds fly over it.
- Keep your phone and camera in a bag on the dunes, since sand gets into everything.
- Carry cash in soles for fees, if not included in the program, snacks and winery purchases.
What's included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Miraflores or San Isidro.
- Tourist transport from Lima to Paracas and Ica, and back to Lima.
- Magone Viajes guide.
- Boat trip to the Ballestas Islands.
- Winery visit with tasting.
- Dune buggy ride and sandboard in Huacachina.
- Lunch, if included in the program.
Not included
- Paracas boarding fee and National Reserve fee, if not included. Prices on request.
- Huacachina desert entrance fee. Price on request.
- Lunch, if not included.
- Breakfast and dinner.
- Tips.
- Travel insurance.
- Any services not listed in this program.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth doing in one day?
Yes, if you're short on time, though it's a long day with about 8 hours of driving in total. For a more relaxed pace, Magone Viajes offers a 2-day version with a night in Paracas or Huacachina.
What if the sea is rough?
If the port authority cancels departures, the Ballestas trip is rescheduled or replaced with the Paracas National Reserve.
Can you land on the Ballestas Islands?
No. They're a protected area and can only be seen from the boat.
Is the dune buggy ride safe?
Yes, with your seatbelt on and an experienced driver. If you have back problems or are pregnant, let us know.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes, from an age that depends on the program and always with an adult. Tastings are for travelers 18 and older only.
Can I stay in Paracas or Huacachina instead of returning to Lima?
Yes. Let us know when you book, and we'll adjust your return.
