Lima to Paracas & Huacachina: Ballestas Islands, Dune Buggy & Sandboarding

Summary

From Lima to desert oasis—wildlife, waves, and windswept dunes in one long day

You’ll leave Lima before sunrise and watch sea lions and penguins on a Ballestas Islands boat tour, then race across giant dunes at Huacachina Oasis by buggy and board. There’s time for ceviche by the lagoon, sunset over sand hills, and stories from your local guide—all in one long day you’ll remember whenever you find sand in your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s the bus?” I asked, squinting at the headlights outside the JW Marriott in Miraflores. It was barely 6am and already there were a couple of sleepy faces clutching coffee cups near the kiosk. Our guide, Diego (he had this easy way of making everyone laugh), checked us off his list and we rolled out of Lima while the city was still half-asleep. I’d packed a sandwich but forgot about breakfast until we hit Paracas—somehow hunger sneaks up on you when you’re distracted by the coast flashing by outside.

The Ballestas Islands boat ride was louder than I expected—sea lions barking, gulls everywhere, and that salty Pacific wind whipping my hair into knots. Diego pointed out tiny Humboldt penguins waddling between rocks. He told us stories about the “Candelabra” geoglyph carved into the hillside—nobody really knows who made it or why, which somehow made it feel even stranger. The air smelled like sea spray and bird guano (not exactly perfume), but seeing dolphins pop up beside the boat made me forget all that for a second.

We had some free time in Huacachina before the dune buggies—enough to wander around the oasis lagoon and try ceviche from a tiny stand (I think they used extra lime just for me). The buggy ride itself? Wild. Our driver grinned like he knew every bump by heart; we flew up dunes so steep my stomach dropped each time. Sandboarding was harder than it looked—my first try ended with sand everywhere (and I mean everywhere). But standing at the top of those endless golden hills as the sun started to dip… I still think about that view sometimes when Lima feels too busy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour to Paracas and Huacachina

• Meet bus opposite JW Marriott hotel
• Boat tour of Ballestas Islands
• Travel from Paracas to Huacachina
• Free time at Huacachina Oasis
• Dune buggy and sandboarding tour
• Return to Lima from Huacachina

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Lima to Paracas & Huacachina?

The tour starts at 6:00 am in Miraflores and returns around 11:30 pm.

Is hotel pickup included for this Lima to Paracas & Huacachina tour?

Pickup is included from a central point opposite JW Marriott in Miraflores.

What animals can I see on the Ballestas Islands boat tour?

You’ll see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, dolphins (if lucky), and many birds.

Is food included on this day trip?

No meals are included but there are discounts at several restaurants along the way.

Is sandboarding suitable for beginners?

Yes—the dune buggy & sandboarding activity is suitable for most fitness levels.

What should I bring for this Paracas & Huacachina day trip?

Sunscreen, closed-toe shoes for sandboarding, light jacket for boat ride, snacks or breakfast.

Are there restroom facilities on the bus?

Yes—the bus has a clean restroom onboard.

Can children join this tour?

The minimum age is 7 years old; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transport with air conditioning (and USB ports!), pickup and drop-off at Miraflores, a two-hour guided Ballestas Islands boat trip in Paracas with a bilingual guide, free time to explore Huacachina Oasis before heading out on a dune buggy and sandboarding adventure. Meals aren’t included but there are local discounts along the way before returning late evening to Lima.