Paracas, Ica & Huacachina: Private Day Tour with Lunch

Summary

Private Paracas, Ica & Huacachina day trip from Lima with wine

You’ll spot penguins at Ballestas Islands, taste local wines and pisco at a family-run vineyard in Ica, and race across Huacachina’s dunes by buggy on this private day trip from Lima. With lunch included and a local guide sharing stories along the way, you’ll catch moments—like sunset over endless sand—that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the salt in the air — not just a breeze, but that thick, briny smell you get when you’re close to the sea. We’d barely left Lima before our guide, Diego, started telling stories about Paracas and the Ballestas Islands. He had this way of pointing out things I would’ve missed — like how the fishermen wave at the boats every morning (I tried waving back; one guy actually grinned). The boat ride was louder than I expected, gulls screeching overhead and everyone craning for a glimpse of those Humboldt penguins. Sea lions flopped around on the rocks like they owned the place. It’s weirdly calming to watch them — even with all the chatter and camera clicks.

I didn’t know much about Peruvian wine before this day trip from Lima to Paracas and Ica. At the winery, we met Señora Rosa who poured us tiny glasses of sweet red and then pisco that burned a little going down (she laughed when I coughed — “es fuerte,” she said). The vineyard smelled earthy, almost dusty under the midday sun. Lunch was loud — families talking over each other, plates clinking — but somehow it felt like we belonged there for an hour or so. There was a toast with pisco; my Spanish is shaky but everyone cheered anyway.

Huacachina looked unreal at first — just this green-blue lagoon surrounded by sand dunes that go on forever. Kids were selling bracelets near the water, and our guide told us a local legend about a mermaid (I only caught half of it because someone’s dog kept barking). Then came the buggies: honestly, I thought I’d be scared but it was mostly laughter and sand in my teeth. Sandboarding is harder than it looks; my landing was… let’s say memorable. The sun started dipping behind the dunes as we headed back toward Lima, everything golden and quiet for a minute or two. I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paracas and Ica Adventure

• Boat tour to Ballestas Islands
• Wine and Pisco tasting at winery
• Lunch at Catador Restaurant
• Visit Huacachina Oasis and photos
• Tubular ride and sandboarding in dunes

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Paracas & Huacachina tour?

Yes, pickup is included from any hotel or address in Lima.

Are meals provided during the day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at El Catador restaurant with drinks.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available for lunch.

Is this tour private or shared?

The full day is private except for the Ballestas Islands boat ride which may be shared due to safety requirements.

What activities are included in Huacachina?

Buggies (tubular vehicles), sandboarding on dunes, time to explore and take photos at the oasis.

How long does it take to get from Lima to Paracas?

The drive from Lima to Paracas typically takes about 3–4 hours each way depending on traffic.

Are wine and pisco tastings part of this tour?

Yes, you’ll visit a local winery for both wine and pisco tastings in Ica.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants can join using specialized seats or strollers; service animals are also allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Lima, all transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, guided yacht tour to Ballestas Islands (with possible sharing), entry fees for all activities including buggies and sandboarding at Huacachina Oasis, a full lunch with drinks (vegetarian options available), plus wine and pisco tasting at a local winery before returning home in the evening.