Paracas, Ballestas Islands & Huacachina: Buggies, Sandboarding, Winery

Summary

South Peru’s wild coastlines, marine life and desert thrills in one day

You’ll start early in Lima for a day packed with marine wildlife at the Ballestas Islands, tasting pisco at a family-run winery near Ica, and wild buggy rides plus sandboarding at Huacachina Oasis—with plenty of laughs (and maybe sand) along the way. Expect salty breezes, desert sunsets, and stories you’ll want to tell later.

What’s the experience like?

“You guys ready for sunrise or just regretting that 4am wakeup?” That’s how our guide, Diego, greeted us outside the Ibis Larco in Miraflores. I was mostly awake thanks to the ocean air and a strong coffee clutched in my hand. The drive south from Lima to Paracas is long—three hours—but the bus was quiet and cool, and I watched the city lights fade into sand and scrub. By the time we hit Paracas port, the sun was up and there was this salty breeze that made me instantly hungry (breakfast isn’t included, so grab something quick if you’re like me and can’t function without food).

The Ballestas Islands were louder than I expected—sea lions barking over each other, pelicans swooping so close you could almost feel their wings. Diego pointed out these odd rock arches where birds nest by the thousands. There’s this sharp smell of guano (not gonna sugarcoat it), but it’s weirdly part of the whole experience. Afterward, we had a short bus ride to Ica and stopped at Cultur Pisco winery. Tasting pisco right from the barrel is nothing like what you get back home—warmer, almost sweet. The owner explained everything in Spanish first (Diego translated), and Li laughed when I tried to say “salud” with an accent. Lunch was on our own; I went for seco de cordero because why not?

Huacachina hit me harder than photos ever did—a green lagoon just sitting there in all that sand. We had about 40 minutes to wander before piling into these dune buggies that look straight out of Mad Max. The driver grinned like he knew something we didn’t (he did). Sandboarding is trickier than it looks; I wiped out twice but honestly didn’t care—sand everywhere but also pure joy. Watching sunset from up on a dune, legs shaking from adrenaline, was… well, I still think about that view sometimes.

The drive back to Lima was quiet—everyone half asleep or scrolling through photos. If you’re thinking about a Paracas Huacachina tour from Lima: yes, it’s a long day trip but somehow it feels bigger than just ticking off places. It’s more like collecting weird little moments—the sound of sea lions echoing off rocks, pisco burning your throat a little less after the second glass, sand stuck in your shoes for days after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paracas, Ica and Huacachina tour

• Meet at Ibis Larco Miraflores 4:00 a.m.
• Travel Lima to Paracas
• Breakfast and restroom break in Paracas
• Check-in at El Chaco port
• Boat tour to Ballestas Islands
• Bus ride from Paracas to Ica
• Guided tour and tasting at Cultur Pisco winery
• Free time for lunch at winery
• Arrive at Huacachina Oasis
• Buggie ride and sandboarding in Huacachina
• Return bus from Ica to Lima

Top questions

How long is the Paracas & Huacachina tour from Lima?

The tour lasts about 18 hours total, departing around 4:00 a.m. from Miraflores and returning between 10:30 p.m. and midnight.

Is breakfast or lunch included on this day trip?

No meals are included; you’ll have time to buy breakfast in Paracas and lunch at the winery restaurant near Ica.

Are buggies and sandboarding included in Huacachina?

Yes, both activities are included as part of your tour package at Huacachina Oasis.

Is hotel pickup provided in Lima?

The meeting point is outside Ibis Larco Miraflores hotel; pickup is not available from other locations.

Can infants join this tour? Are seats provided?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries due to bumpy rides.

How much luggage can I bring on this tour?

You can bring one small bag (max 10 kg); larger suitcases require an extra fee of $30.

What languages do guides speak during the tour?

The official tourism guide speaks Spanish with English translation provided as needed.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip air-conditioned transport from Miraflores in Lima to all destinations; guided boat trip to Ballestas Islands; entrance fees for buggies and sandboarding at Huacachina Oasis; guided visit with tastings at Cultur Pisco winery; plus free time for meals and exploring each stop before heading back late evening.