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Southern Peru

Huacachina oasis, Ballestas islands and Vineyard

Duration1 Day
DifficultyEasy
Group sizeMax. 15

Overview

Don't miss it! Departing from Lima! 🌅 🐧 Explore the fascinating Ballestas Islands. Taste Peruvian wines and piscos. 🍷 🏜️ Experience the thrill of the dunes in the magical Huacachina Oasis. An unforgettable experience, from the sea to the desert! ✨

Don't miss it! Departing from Lima! 🌅

🐧 Explore the fascinating Ballestas Islands.

Taste Peruvian wines and piscos. 🍷

🏜️ Experience the thrill of the dunes in the magical Huacachina Oasis.

An unforgettable experience, from the sea to the desert! ✨

General conditions

Schedule & Long-Distance Driving: This is an intensive full-day trip (approx. 14 to 16 hours) departing early from Lima (around 4:30 AM–5:00 AM). Travel times along the Pan-American Highway are subject to daily traffic and road conditions.
ID / Passport Mandatory: You must bring your original physical passport or official national identity card. It is required for transport boardings, marina security checkpoints in Paracas, and desert buggy registration.
Maritime Port Weather Conditions: Ballestas Islands boat excursions depend strictly on harbor master (Capitanía de Puerto) safety clearance. If sea conditions force port closure, an alternative land activity or applicable partial refund for the boat segment will be processed.
Dune Buggy & Sandboarding Safety: Desert buggy rides involve high speeds and steep dunes. Participants must wear provided seatbelts and helmets. This activity is not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with severe back/neck conditions, or those with heart conditions.
Inclusions & On-Site Taxes: Package covers tourist transport, guided visits, Ballestas boat tickets, vineyard tasting, and buggy access. Local marina entrance fees (Paracas port tax) and Huacachina desert conservation taxes are paid directly on-site in cash (Peruvian Soles) unless pre-bundled.

Itinerary

•BALLESTAS ISLANDS, VINEYARD AND OASIS – DEPARTURE FROM LIMA

Experience a magical day amidst the sea, the desert, and the flavors of Peru!

🚐 Departure from Lima – Adventure Begins

We'll pick you up at your hotel at 5:00 AM to begin an incredible day.

At 5:30 AM, we depart from Lima for Paracas, in the comfort and safety of our tourist vehicles.

🐧 Ballestas Islands – The “Mini Galapagos of Peru”

In Paracas, embark on a boat tour and discover the fascinating Ballestas Islands, home to penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and hundreds of seabirds.

During the tour, admire the mysterious Candelabra of Paracas, an impressive geoglyph etched into the sand over 170 meters tall.

🍷 Ica Vineyards – Tradition and Flavor

We continue to Ica, where you'll visit traditional wineries and learn about the production of Peruvian wines and piscos.

Enjoy tasting different varieties and toast to life with the best flavors of the desert. 🥂

🏜️ Huacachina Oasis – Dune Adventure

In the heart of the desert, the Huacachina Oasis awaits you with golden dunes and surreal landscapes.

Feel the adrenaline rush on an exciting buggy ride and venture into sandboarding, gliding down the dunes under an unforgettable sunset. 🌅✨

🌙 Return to Lima

After a day full of excitement and discoveries, we return to Lima, arriving around 10:00 PM.

Relax and take home memories that will forever mark your trip to Peru. 💛

What's included

Included

• Tourist transportation – Group service
• Entrance fees to the Ballestas Islands, the vineyard, and the Huacachina Oasis
• Professional guide throughout the trip
• Sandboarding and buggy ride in the Huacachina dunes

Not included

• Food and beverages

What to bring

Layer Your Clothing: Mornings on the ocean during the Ballestas Islands boat ride are windy and cold, while the Huacachina desert is hot and sunny by afternoon. Wear light clothes underneath and bring a windbreaker jacket to take off as temperatures rise.
Protect Against Motion Sickness: If you are sensitive to motion sickness, take preventive medication prior to both the morning boat tour (due to sea swell) and the afternoon dune buggy ride (due to sudden drops and turns on the sand dunes).
Protect Your Cameras & Phones: Fine desert sand and salt spray from the ocean can easily damage electronics. Keep cameras and phones in sealed zip bags or protective covers when not taking photos, especially during the dune buggy ride.
Wear Closed-Toe Shoes: Dust and hot sand make sandals uncomfortable during sandboarding. Wear comfortable sneakers or athletic shoes with tall socks.
Bring Local Cash (Peruvian Soles): Small vendors, public restrooms, street snacks, and local port/desert entry taxes require local cash in small bills, as card processing in remote desert stops can be limited.

Frequently asked questions

How long is this day tour, and what time do we return to Lima?

This full-day coastal excursion lasts between 14 and 16 hours. Departure from Lima is early in the morning (between 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM), and return arrival back at your Lima hotel is typically between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM depending on traffic.

Do I need prior experience for sandboarding in Huacachina?

No experience is necessary. Professional dune buggy drivers guide you to safe dunes where beginners can try sandboarding lying down flat on the board (belly-boarding), which allows easy speed control and is suitable for all fitness levels.

Are meals included in this tour package?

The vineyard stop includes guided wine and Pisco tastings. Standard packages typically leave lunch as an open choice so guests can select from traditional local restaurants at the vineyard or near the Huacachina oasis lagoon.

Is this tour affected by high altitude?

Not at all. The entire route remains along the Pacific coast and low desert regions (at or near sea level), making altitude sickness a non-issue.

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