Paracas & Huacachina: Ballestas Boat, Pisco Tasting & Dune Buggy

Summary

Ballestas wildlife boat tour, pisco tasting and sunset sandboarding in Paracas and Huacachina

You’ll spot sea lions and penguins on a Ballestas Islands boat tour near Paracas before sampling pisco straight from an Ica vineyard—with lunch included if you want it. Then it’s wild dune buggy rides and sandboarding at Huacachina as sunset hits the oasis. Expect laughter, sandy shoes, and memories that stick around long after you’re back in Lima.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the slap of cold air when we stepped off the bus in Paracas—seabirds yelling overhead, all of us still half-asleep but kind of giddy. Our guide, Carla, handed out life jackets with a wink (“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to the breeze!”). The boat ride to the Ballestas Islands was louder than I expected—engines humming, waves smacking the hull. Sea lions lounged on rocks like they owned the place. I tried counting penguins (gave up at twelve). There’s this weird salty smell that sticks to your skin. I didn’t expect to laugh so much at pelicans fighting over fish scraps.

By late morning, we were already swapping stories on the bus—someone’s sunglasses flew off on the boat and everyone cheered when we found them under a seat. The drive through Ica is just endless sand and grapevines. At the vineyard, our host poured us tiny glasses of pisco and local wine; he showed us how to swirl it (“not too fast!”) before sipping. The first taste burned my throat a little—I probably made a face because Li laughed and said I looked like I’d bitten a lemon. Lunch was simple but good: chicken with rice and this tangy sauce I still think about sometimes.

Huacachina feels unreal—a green splash in miles of desert. The dune buggies are loud and rattle your teeth; Carla warned us to hold tight (“seriously, both hands!”). Sand gets everywhere—ears, shoes, even inside my phone case somehow. Sandboarding down those dunes was pure chaos; I went face-first once and came up spitting grit, but honestly? Worth it for that view at sunset—the whole oasis glowing gold while everyone just sat quiet for a second. It’s funny how tired you feel after all that wind and sun.

The ride back to Lima was mostly sleepy silence broken by someone sharing cookies from their bag (I took two). We got dropped off close to midnight—traffic was worse than usual but nobody seemed bothered. There’s something about seeing sea lions before breakfast and sand dunes after dinner that makes you forget about time for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paracas and Huacachina Day Trip

• Pickup from accommodation early morning
• Travel from Lima to Paracas (3 hours)
• Boat tour around Ballestas Islands (2 hours)
• Wine and Pisco tasting at local vineyard
• Dune buggy and sandboarding in Huacachina
• Watch sunset in Huacachina desert oasis
• Return bus trip to Lima and drop off

Top questions

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

The tour lasts about 17 hours including travel time; pickup starts early morning around 5am with return to Lima close to midnight.

Is hotel pickup included for this Paracas & Huacachina day trip?

Yes, hotel or hostel pickup is included from Barranco, Miraflores, or San Isidro districts in Lima.

What do you see on the Ballestas Islands boat tour?

You’ll see sea lions, penguins, migratory birds, and rock formations like the Candelabra geoglyph during the 2-hour boat ride.

Is lunch included on this Paracas & Huacachina day trip?

A local lunch is available as an option during the vineyard stop; snacks or takeaway food can be purchased as well.

Do you need experience for sandboarding in Huacachina?

No experience needed—sandboards are provided and guides help beginners during the combined dune buggy/sandboard session.

What should I bring for this full-day tour?

Sunscreen, sunglasses, bandana for sand protection, closed shoes for sandboarding, cash for meals/snacks; jacket recommended for boat ride.

Are there restrooms available during the trip?

The luxury bus has a clean restroom onboard; facilities are also available at stops throughout the day.

Can travelers with health issues join this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues due to bumpy dune buggy rides.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in central Lima districts, all entry fees for activities like the Ballestas Islands boat trip and vineyard pisco tasting (with wine), plus use of dune buggies and artisanal sandboards at Huacachina. You’ll have access to air-conditioned transport with USB ports and restroom onboard—and drop-off back at your accommodation late evening.