Paracas, Ica & Huacachina: Ballestas Islands, Pisco Tasting & Dune Buggies

Summary

Ballestas wildlife, pisco vineyards and wild Huacachina dunes

You’ll start your day leaving Lima behind for Paracas’ wild coast, spotting sea lions and penguins on a Ballestas Islands boat ride. Afterward comes a hands-on pisco tasting at a family-run vineyard near Ica (with plenty of laughs), then adrenaline kicks in as you ride dune buggies and try sandboarding over Huacachina’s towering dunes. This trip is all about new flavors, wild landscapes, and good company.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — we almost missed our pickup in Lima because my friend forgot her sunglasses (again), but the guide just grinned and said he’d seen worse. The drive south felt longer than I expected, but the snacks helped (I’m still not sure what “frugos” is — some kind of juice?). When we finally reached Paracas and climbed onto the boat for the Ballestas Islands tour, the ocean air hit me right away — sharp and salty. Sea lions barked from the rocks like they were putting on a show just for us. Our guide pointed out Humboldt penguins waddling between them; I’d never seen penguins outside a zoo before. There was this weird silence when we passed the Candelabro geoglyph — everyone just stared. It’s huge, by the way.

After that, we headed to a small vineyard near Ica for a pisco tasting. The owner’s name was Luis (or maybe Luisito? He laughed when I tried to say it). He showed us how they make pisco — there’s this old wooden press that creaks when you touch it. We toasted with tiny glasses of something strong enough to wake up anyone who nodded off on the bus. Lunch was loud and messy; people from other groups joined our table without asking, which felt normal somehow. The main keyword here is “private wine tour bordeaux,” but honestly, nothing about this place felt French — it was pure Peru.

Huacachina came last — it looked fake at first, like someone painted an oasis in the middle of endless sand dunes just to mess with you. We piled into these dune buggies that sounded like lawnmowers on steroids and tore across sand hills taller than some buildings back home. Sandboarding was harder than it looks; my landing was… let’s call it memorable (I’m still finding sand everywhere). The sun started dropping behind the dunes while we took photos — golden light bouncing off everything. I didn’t expect to feel so small out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paracas, Pisco, and Huacachina tour

• Visit Ballestas Islands for wildlife tour
• See the Candelabro geoglyph
• Tour Nietto winery and taste Pisco
• Have lunch at the winery
• Arrive at Huacachina desert oasis
• Sandboard with instructor guidance
• Ride buggies on desert dunes
• Enjoy desert views and take photos

Top questions

How long does the Paracas Ica Huacachina day trip take?

The full day tour from Lima lasts approximately 16 hours including travel time.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included from central locations in Lima.

What animals can you see at Ballestas Islands?

You can see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and many seabirds at Ballestas Islands.

Do you get to try Peruvian pisco on this tour?

Yes, there is a pisco tasting at a local vineyard near Ica included in the itinerary.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Lunch is included at the vineyard along with tastings of local drinks.

Are dune buggies and sandboarding part of the experience?

Yes, both dune buggy rides and sandboarding are included at Huacachina desert.

Are entrance fees covered in the price?

All entrance fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Lima, all entrance fees for Ballestas Islands and Huacachina activities, morning snacks like cookies and juice, bottled water throughout the journey, guided tastings of pisco and wines at a traditional vineyard with lunch served onsite, plus all equipment for both dune buggy rides and sandboarding before returning to Lima in an air-conditioned vehicle.