Paracas & Huacachina: Ballestas Islands, Vineyard & Sunset Picnic

Summary

From Lima to Paracas and Huacachina for sea lions, pisco and a desert sunset picnic

You’ll start before sunrise in Lima, spot sea lions on a Ballestas Islands boat tour, taste pisco at Peru’s oldest vineyard with lunch included, then ride dune buggies and try sandboarding above Huacachina oasis—ending with a sunset picnic on warm desert sand. It’s a full day with moments you’ll keep replaying long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the cold air on my cheeks as we shuffled onto the bus in Miraflores — it was barely 4:30am and Lima was still half asleep. Our guide, Lucía, handed out coffee (lifesaver) and double-checked everyone’s names in a way that made me feel like she actually cared if I wandered off. Three hours later, the sky cracked open over Paracas. The Ballestas Islands boat ride was wild — pelicans everywhere, sea lions barking like they owned the place, and that weird candelabra shape carved into the sand. I tried to take a photo but mostly just ended up with blurry birds.

After breakfast (pan con palta never tasted so good), we drove out to La Caravedo — apparently America’s oldest vineyard? I’d never heard of it but the pisco tour was actually fun; our host Miguel poured tiny glasses and told us about his grandfather stomping grapes here. The horses were beautiful but honestly I was more distracted by the smell of roasting ají and cilantro from the kitchen. Lunch was loud, everyone swapping stories in Spanish and English, and someone spilled their drink but nobody cared.

Huacachina looked unreal — like someone dropped a turquoise pond right in the middle of these massive golden dunes. We had some free time so I wandered off, shoes filling with hot sand, just watching a couple of local kids race down the slope yelling at each other (no idea what they were saying). Then came the dune buggy part. It’s hard to describe how it feels flying over those ridges — my stomach dropped more than once. Sandboarding? Let’s just say my technique needs work. Lucía laughed when she saw my face after my first wipeout.

The best part? That sunset picnic out on the dunes. They laid out blankets and baskets—nothing fancy but somehow perfect as everything turned orange-pink around us. There was this hush over the group except for one guy who kept trying to get his wine glass to stand upright in the sand (it never did). I still think about that light sometimes—how quiet it felt despite all of us being there together. The ride back to Lima was long but nobody really minded; we’d all seen something new that day, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paracas and Huacachina day trip

• Pick up from Lima districts early morning
• Breakfast before boat tour
• Boat tour at Ballestas Islands
• Visit La Caravedo vineyard and pisco tasting
• Enjoy Peruvian lunch at vineyard
• Free time exploring Huacachina Oasis
• Two-hour dune buggy and sandboarding
• Sunset picnic on the dunes
• Return bus trip to Lima and drop off

Top questions

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

The tour lasts about 18 hours including pickup around 4:30am and returning to Lima by 11:00pm.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro and downtown Lima.

What do you see on the Ballestas Islands boat tour?

You’ll see sea lions, penguins, pelicans and other marine life plus the Candelabra geoglyph.

Is lunch included during this Paracas & Huacachina tour?

Yes, an authentic Peruvian lunch is included at La Caravedo vineyard with vegetarian options available.

Do you need experience for sandboarding in Huacachina?

No experience needed—sandboarding is done on your stomach and guides help beginners.

Are entrance fees covered on this tour?

All entry fees for activities are included in your booking price.

Is there time to explore Huacachina oasis by yourself?

You get about 40 minutes of free time to wander around Huacachina before dune buggy rides begin.

What makes this Paracas & Huacachina tour different?

This tour includes a private visit to La Caravedo vineyard (not offered elsewhere) plus a sunset picnic on the dunes.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central districts in Lima aboard a luxury bus with AC and USB ports; all entry fees; a two-hour Ballestas Islands boat trip; an authentic Peruvian lunch with pisco tasting at La Caravedo vineyard; free time at Huacachina oasis; two hours of dune buggy riding and sandboarding (gear provided); plus a sunset picnic on the desert dunes before your evening return drop-off.