Looking for a getaway full of coastal nature and adventure? The Ballestas Islands & Huacachina Oasis 1-Day Tour from Lima is an exceptional Full Day excursion: cruise alongside sea lions and penguins in Paracas 🛥️, marvel at the enigmatic Candelabro geoglyph 🏜️, and ride buggies and sandboard down the massive dunes of Huacachina Oasis 🌵. All in one day with private transfers and absolute comfort!
This full-day tour begins early in the morning, departing from Lima towards the coast of Paracas, where we will board a modern speedboat to explore the marine sanctuary of the Ballestas Islands. Along the way, we will view the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph carved into the desert sand. Once at the islands, you will come into close contact with Humboldt penguins, playful sea lions, and thousands of guano birds in their natural habitat.
Afterward, we will travel inland to the Ica region to visit the famous Huacachina Oasis. Here, you can enjoy a traditional lunch, walk along the palm-fringed lagoon, and experience pure adrenaline by riding across the massive desert dunes in buggies and sandboarding down the slopes. At the end of the afternoon, we will begin our return journey to Lima in a private, air-conditioned tourist vehicle for your ultimate comfort.
| Criterion | Ballestas & Ica from Lima (Full Day) | Paracas Only (Full Day) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Duration | 1 day (18-19 hours) | 1 day (12-14 hours) |
| Main Highlights | Ballestas Islands, El Candelabro, Huacachina Oasis, Ica Dunes | Ballestas Islands, El Candelabro, Paracas National Reserve |
| Adventure Sports | Dune buggies & Sandboarding included | Not included (only walking/boat tour) |
| Transfers Included | Pick-up from central hotels in Lima | Pick-up from central hotels in Lima |
🥾 Road Distance: 300 km (186 miles) from Lima
⏱️ Duration: 18-19 hours in total
⛰️ Maximum Altitude: 406 m (1,332 ft) in Huacachina
🍽️ Meals: Not included
Your adventure begins early in the morning, between 04:30 and 05:20 hrs., with a direct pick-up from your hotel in Lima (Miraflores, San Isidro, or Historic Center) to start a comfortable journey in a private air-conditioned vehicle to Paracas.
Around 09:30 hrs., we will arrive at the port of Paracas to board a modern speedboat to the Ballestas Islands. During the boat cruise, we will admire the enigmatic Candelabro geoglyph carved into the desert sand, and as we approach the islands, we will spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various marine birds in their natural habitat.
At noon, we will transfer to the city of Ica to visit the spectacular Huacachina Oasis. Here, you will have free time to enjoy a traditional lunch (not included) and walk around this beautiful lagoon surrounded by palm trees.
At 16:00 hrs., the adrenaline begins with an adventure circuit in dune buggies, exploring the massive desert dunes of Ica and practicing sandboarding down the sandy slopes.
Finally, at 17:30 hrs., we will begin our return journey in our air-conditioned vehicle, arriving back in Lima at approximately 22:30 hrs. for the drop-off at your hotel, concluding this unforgettable day excursion.
Those who arrive late or do not attend will forfeit the tour with no refund option. The tour is conducted in shared private transport.
Selected hotels in Lima (Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco, and Downtown)
04:30 – 05:20 am (depending on hotel location)
