Ballestas Islands, Winery & Huacachina Oasis Private Tour

The Ballestas Islands, Winery & Huacachina Oasis Private Tour offers an unforgettable 15-hour adventure from Lima. Travelers will embark on a scenic boat tour, encountering diverse marine life and marveling at ancient geoglyphs. The experience continues with a guided winery tour and tastings, followed by a traditional Peruvian lunch. But the real thrill comes when participants get to enjoy exhilarating dune buggy rides and sandboarding in the stunning Huacachina desert oasis, capped off with a breathtaking sunset. This tour promises to take visitors on an extraordinary journey they won’t soon forget.

Key Points

• A private full-day tour from Lima that showcases the natural wonders of Ballestas Islands, a local winery, and the stunning Huacachina sand dunes.
• Includes a boat tour to observe diverse marine life such as blue-footed boobies, Humboldt penguins, and sea lions, as well as the Candelabro geoglyph.
• Offers a guided winery visit with tastings of award-winning wines and traditional Peruvian piscos, followed by a traditional Peruvian lunch.
• Provides an opportunity to experience the thrill of dune buggy rides and sandboarding in the breathtaking Huacachina desert landscape.
• Concludes with a captivating desert sunset, creating a memorable end to the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This private tour from Lima offers an opportunity to explore the Ballestas Islands, a local winery, and the captivating Huacachina Oasis.

Priced at $265 per person, the tour lasts 15 hours and includes round-trip transfers from centrally located Lima hotels. A knowledgeable guide provides commentary in both Spanish and English to a small group capped at 15 participants.

Highlights include a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to see marine life, a winery visit with tastings, and an adventure in the Huacachina sand dunes with sandboarding and buggy rides.

The tour includes breakfast, lunch, and refreshments, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing Lima at 4:30 AM, the tour provides breakfast and entertainment on board as it whisks participants to Paracas by 7:30 AM.

The highlight of the morning is a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, where visitors can encounter a variety of marine life, including blue-footed boobies, guanay guano birds, Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and fur seals.

Along the way, the tour offers a glimpse of the Candelabro geoglyph, a navigational guide from the Nazca culture.

After the island exploration, the group visits a local winery for a tour and tasting of the region’s renowned wines and piscos. A delicious Peruvian lunch with drinks is included before the adventure continues to the stunning Huacachina sand dunes for sandboarding and dune buggy rides.

Ballestas Islands Experience

The Ballestas Islands, a renowned natural sanctuary off the coast of Paracas, welcome visitors on an exhilarating boat tour.

Travelers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life, including:

• Blue-footed boobies, with their distinctive webbed feet and striking plumage
• Guanay guano birds, known for their crucial role in Peru’s guano industry
• Humboldt penguins, native to the Peruvian and Chilean coasts
• Curious sea lions and fur seals, basking on the rocky shores

The tour also offers a glimpse of the enigmatic Candelabro geoglyph, a mysterious ancient symbol that has long captured the imagination of visitors to the region.

Winery Tour and Tasting

After exploring the captivating Ballestas Islands, the tour transitions to a winery nestled among the rolling hills. Guests are invited to embark on a guided winery tour, learning about the region’s long-standing viticulture traditions. The experience culminates in a tasting session, where travelers savor a selection of locally produced wines and piscos. This immersive encounter with Peruvian terroir provides a delightful complement to the day’s adventures.

Winery Tour Highlights
Guided tour of facilities	Learn about grape varieties	Explore fermentation process	Discover winemaking history
Sample award-winning wines	Taste traditional Peruvian piscos	Appreciate local terroir	Engage with knowledgeable staff

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Peruvian Lunch Included

Following the winery experience, guests enjoy a delightful Peruvian lunch with drinks included.

The lunch features a selection of traditional Peruvian dishes, showcasing the diverse and flavorful cuisine of the country. Guests can expect to savor:

• Ceviche – fresh seafood marinated in citrus juices
• Lomo Saltado – stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and French fries
• Aji de Gallina – shredded chicken in a creamy, spiced sauce
• Quinoa salad – a nutritious and wholesome side dish

The included drinks, such as Pisco sours or local beers, complement the Peruvian flavors, providing a well-rounded culinary experience for the tour participants.

Huacachina Sand Dunes

Having explored the picturesque Ballestas Islands and indulged in the winery’s local delights, the tour takes a thrilling turn as guests arrive at the captivating Huacachina sand dunes. Towering golden dunes stretch out as far as the eye can see, creating a breathtaking desert landscape. Guests can choose to embark on a heart-pounding dune buggy ride or try their hand at sandboarding, gliding down the slopes at exhilarating speeds. As the sun dips below the horizon, the group gathers to witness a magnificent desert sunset, a fitting end to a day filled with adventure and natural wonders.

Activity	Duration	Included?
Dune Buggy Ride	30 minutes	Yes
Sandboarding	30 minutes	Yes
Sunset Viewing	1 hour	Yes

Sunset in the Desert

As the sun dips below the horizon, the group gathers to witness a magnificent desert sunset, a fitting end to a day filled with adventure and natural wonders.

The golden rays dance across the rolling dunes, casting long shadows and painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple. The serene silence is occasionally broken by the gentle whispers of the wind, creating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

The group takes in the breathtaking scenery, captivated by the beauty of the moment:

• The sun’s reflection shimmering on the surface of the Huacachina lagoon
• Vibrant colors cascading over the undulating dunes
• The silhouettes of palm trees swaying against the vibrant backdrop
• A sense of awe and wonder at the natural splendor unfolding before them.

Important Information

Though not suitable for individuals with back problems, the tour offers a range of inclusions that make it an attractive option.

Recommended items for participants include comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a camera to capture the stunning natural landscapes.

The tour includes a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, a winery tour and tasting, a sandboarding and dune buggy experience in the Huacachina Oasis, as well as breakfast, lunch, and refreshing drinks.

With a small group size and a professional tour guide providing commentary in both English and Spanish, this private tour provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Peru’s natural and cultural highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized to My Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to the customer’s specific interests. The tour provider offers flexibility to tailor the itinerary and activities based on the traveler’s preferences and needs within the overall tour structure.

What Are the Best Months to Visit the Ballestas Islands?

The best months to visit the Ballestas Islands are between December and April. During this time, visitors can observe a wide variety of marine life, including sea lions, penguins, and migratory birds, in their natural habitat.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

The tour has a small group size limited to 15 participants, so there’s no minimum number required. This ensures a more personalized experience for each guest on the private tour.

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

No, participants cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a breakfast box, Peruvian lunch with drinks, and refreshments throughout the day as part of the package.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Travelers With Disabilities?

The tour may not be fully accessible for travelers with disabilities. It’s noted as not suitable for individuals with back problems. Travelers should check with the tour operator about any accessibility accommodations before booking.

Recap

The Ballestas Islands, Winery & Huacachina Oasis Private Tour offers a memorable 15-hour adventure from Lima. Guests can encounter diverse marine life, explore a renowned winery, and experience thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding in the stunning desert oasis. With a guided boat tour, wine tastings, a Peruvian lunch, and a breathtaking sunset, this tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into Peru’s natural and cultural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: