PRIVATE – Paracas & Huacachina tour from Lima
PRIVATE – Paracas & Huacachina tour from Lima
Duration
Full day
Difficulty
Easy
Group
from 2 to 8 people
Recommended Age
All ages
Experience one of Peru’s most unforgettable day trips combining wildlife, coastal landscapes, and desert adventure—all in a single day. Ideal for travelers with limited time
Your journey begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel in Lima. Sit back and relax as you travel along the scenic Pan-American Highway toward the coastal town of Paracas.
Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a boat excursion to the famous Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “Poor Man’s Galápagos.” During this two-hour tour, admire an incredible array of marine wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seabirds. Along the way, you’ll also spot the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph, an enormous figure etched into the desert hillside.
After your boat tour, enjoy some free time in Paracas to relax, explore the waterfront, or grab a snack before continuing inland.
Next, travel to Ica and discover the breathtaking Huacachina Oasis, a natural lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes. Here, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (not included) with stunning desert views.
In the afternoon, get ready for an adrenaline-filled adventure with a dune buggy and sandboarding experience. Ride across the vast desert dunes in a powerful buggy and try sandboarding down golden an exciting activity suitable for both beginners and thrill-seekers. As the day winds down, take in a spectacular desert sunset over Huacachina.
After some free time to explore the oasis and capture unforgettable photos, you’ll begin the return journey to Lima, arriving back at your hotel late in the evening.
Itinerary
What you will do and explore with us
- Pick-up from your hotel or bus station in Paracas – Your guide will meet you and provide a brief introduction to the adventure that awaits along the Peruvian coast.
- Transfer to the port of Paracas – Feel the sea breeze as you approach the pier, where modern speedboats are ready to take you across the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
- Speedboat excursion begins – Glide across the deep-blue ocean with panoramic views of the Paracas Peninsula, a protected reserve of stunning desert-meets-sea landscapes.
- Observation of the Candelabra geoglyph – En route, pause to admire this gigantic figure carved into the sandy hillside. Measuring over 180 meters in length, its origin remains a mystery, but many theories connect it to ancient cultures or navigational symbols.
- Exploration of the Ballestas Islands – Navigate around the rocky formations that serve as natural sanctuaries for marine wildlife. You’ll witness playful sea lions resting on the rocks, elegant Humboldt penguins diving for fish, and colonies of pelicans, cormorants, and terns that fill the skies. The sights, sounds, and smells of this thriving ecosystem create an unforgettable sensory experience.
- Free Time in Paracas After the tour, enjoy some leisure time to explore the bay, relax, or grab a quick snack.
- Visit to Ica & Huacachina Oasis Continue to Ica and visit the magical Huacachina Oasis, a natural desert lagoon surrounded by massive sand dunes. Enjoy lunch with panoramic views (optional).
- Dune Buggy & Sandboarding Adventure Experience one of Peru’s top activities with a dune buggy ride and sandboarding session in Huacachina. Ride across towering dunes and enjoy breathtaking desert landscapes—perfect for adventure lovers and photographers.
- Return to Lima Watch the sunset over the dunes before heading back to Lima. Arrival is typically between 9:00pm and 10:30pm
Includes
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Paracas
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Boat excursion to Ballestas Islands
- Safety equipment (life jackets)
- Buggy and sandboarding in the dune of huacahina
- Transportation back to Lima, drop off to the hotel
Not Included
- National Reserve tax (approx. 16 soles per person)
- Meals and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guide and boat crew
- Travel insurance
Recommendations
- This tour is suitable for all ages.
- Wear light clothing, a windbreaker, hat, and sunscreen.
- Bring sunglasses and a camera with extra batteries.
- Boats do not land on the islands to protect the ecosystem; all wildlife is observed from the boat.
- Tours usually operate in the morning (calmer seas).
Why travel with GreaTours Perú?
Every day, our specialists create personalized experiences tailored to each traveler’s profile, desires, and budget. These passionate professionals create experiences that are delivered on-site through a local network of concierges and privileged contacts. These tailor-made trips are flexible and include a wide range of premium services (VIP lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel diary, app, mobile Wi-Fi, table reservations, etc.).
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PRIVATE – Paracas & Huacachina tour from Lima
Full day