Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis Half-Day Tour

Experience the best of Peru’s natural wonders on this captivating half-day tour. Set out on a thrilling speedboat ride to the Ballestas Islands, where you’ll witness the abundant wildlife, including sea lions and penguins. Afterward, explore the enchanting Huacachina Oasis, a true desert oasis, where you can soar over the dunes on a dune buggy and glide down the sand on a sandboard. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, this adventure provides an unforgettable glimpse into the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. Discover why this tour has become a popular choice for those seeking to enjoy the beauty of Peru.

Key Points

• A half-day excursion that combines visits to the Ballestas Islands and the Huacachina Oasis, priced from $118 per person.
• Highlights include a speedboat trip to the Ballestas Islands, dune buggy rides, and sandboarding at the Huacachina Oasis.
• The tour includes pickup and drop-off from hotels in Paracas or Pisco and has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• Along With the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis, the tour also includes a visit to a local vineyard for Pisco and wine tasting.
• The tour is available in English, Spanish, and Italian, with a duration of approximately 5 hours, and is not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis Tour is a half-day excursion that takes visitors on a journey through the natural wonders of Peru’s Paracas region.

Priced from $118 per person, the tour lasts approximately 5 hours and is available in English, Spanish, and Italian.

Pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in Paracas or Pisco, and guests can take advantage of a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour highlights the Ballestas Islands, known for their diverse marine life, and the picturesque Huacachina Oasis, offering dune buggy rides and sandboarding.

Along the way, visitors will also explore the city of Ica, including a vineyard for wine and Pisco tasting.

Itinerary Highlights

Spanning the day’s itinerary, visitors first embark on a speedboat trip from Paracas Harbor to explore the Ballestas Islands. Home to an abundance of marine wildlife, the islands offer a chance to spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of seabirds.

Travelers then stop at the Paracas Peninsula to view the mysterious El Candelabro geoglyph. Next, the tour ventures to the city of Ica, where a vineyard visit provides an opportunity to taste traditional Peruvian wines and Pisco.

After touring the cathedral, main square, and regional museum, the journey culminates at the stunning Huacachina Oasis. Here, adventurers can enjoy a thrilling dune buggy ride and try their hand at sandboarding down the dramatic sand dunes.

Ballestas Islands

Embarking on a speedboat from Paracas Harbor, visitors embark on a captivating exploration of the Ballestas Islands.

This wildlife-rich archipelago, often referred to as the "Poor Man’s Galápagos," offers a chance to witness an abundance of marine life.

Cruising along the islands, guests can spot colonies of sea lions, a variety of seabirds, and the enigmatic El Candelabro, a massive geoglyph etched into the Paracas Peninsula.

The tour grants access to up to three of the islands, allowing visitors to venture into their hidden caves and coves, seeing the islands’ natural wonders.

With an English/Spanish-speaking guide providing insights, this excursion showcases the breathtaking biodiversity and geological marvels that make the Ballestas Islands a must-see destination.

City of Ica

After exploring the captivating Ballestas Islands, the tour continues to the vibrant city of Ica.

Here, visitors have the opportunity to visit a local vineyard and learn about the traditional production of Pisco, Peru’s national spirit. The tour includes a tasting of these renowned wines and Pisco.

Plus, the group will have the chance to explore the historic Cathedral of Senor de Luren, the main square, and the Regional Museum of Ica, which showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage.

This part of the tour provides a well-rounded experience, blending natural wonders with the city’s architectural and gastronomic delights.

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Huacachina Oasis

Leaving the cultural delights of Ica behind, the tour now takes visitors to the mesmerizing Huacachina Oasis.

This stunning desert lagoon is surrounded by towering sand dunes, offering a unique and thrilling experience. Guests will hop aboard a dune buggy and soar over the dunes, then have the chance to try sandboarding – gliding down the golden slopes.

The serene palm-lined lagoon provides a picturesque backdrop to this adventure. Whether seeking adrenaline-fueled fun or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery, the Huacachina Oasis promises an unforgettable highlight of the tour.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in the tour price are pickup and drop-off services, boat transportation for the Ballestas Islands, a private vehicle for the Huacachina portion, and an English/Spanish-speaking guide.

Visitors also receive a bottle of water and entrance fees, which amount to 20 Soles (cash only). However, meals aren’t included.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or those with mobility impairments.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen.

Pets, oversize luggage, smoking, large bags, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Important Information

Travelers’ passports or IDs, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen are essential items to bring on this tour.

Pets, oversize luggage, smoking, large bags, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Punctuality is key, as the tour operates on a tight schedule. Participants should be prepared for a moderately active day, with some walking and climbing involved.

Weather conditions can vary, so dressing in layers is recommended.

Customer Reviews

The Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants. According to a 4.7/5 overall rating based on 9 reviews, the tour offers excellent value for money and top-notch organization. Customers have consistently praised the safety and service aspects as well, with ratings of 5/5 and 4.5/5 respectively. While some noted the tour took longer than the advertised 5 hours, the majority highlighted their enjoyment of the wildlife, wine tasting, and dune activities.

Metric	Rating
Overall	4.7/5
Value for Money	4.5/5
Safety	5/5
Service	4.5/5
Organization	5/5

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers may not bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provider includes a bottle of water, but all other meals and beverages are not provided and not allowed to be brought onto the tour.

Do I Need to Book the Tour in Advance or Can I Just Show Up?

It’s recommended to book the tour in advance, as spaces are limited. Travelers can’t just show up, as the tour requires pre-planning and reservations. However, the tour does offer a ‘Reserve now & pay later’ option for added flexibility.

Is There an Age Limit for Children on the Tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old. Pregnant women and those with mobility impairments are also not recommended to participate. Travelers should check the age restrictions before booking the tour.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?

Participants can take photos and videos during the tour. However, smoking, alcohol, and large bags are not allowed. The tour is not suitable for children under 5 or those with mobility issues.

How Reliable Is the Tour Company in Terms of On-Time Departures and Arrivals?

The tour company is highly reliable, consistently delivering on-time departures and arrivals. Reviewers praise the tour’s organization, noting the smooth logistics and punctuality throughout the experience.

Recap

This half-day tour offers a captivating blend of Peru’s natural wonders. Visitors will marvel at the Ballestas Islands’ vibrant wildlife and then enjoy the enchanting Huacachina Oasis, where thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding await. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this adventure provides an unforgettable exploration of the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, all within a manageable 5-hour timeframe.

You can check if your dates are available here: