From Lima: Ballestas Islands, Adventure in Ica and Glamping

Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Lima, exploring the captivating Ballestas Islands and the enchanting oasis of Huacachina. This two-day excursion promises a thrilling blend of natural wonders, exhilarating sand activities, and a luxurious glamping experience. Discover the coastal marvels, from spotting sea lions and penguins to enjoying the dunes. But the journey doesn’t end there – uncover the rich winemaking heritage of Peru at the renowned Tacama Vineyard. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking scenery, adrenaline-fueled pursuits, or a touch of luxury, this tour has something to captivate every traveler.

Key Points

• This 2-day tour from Lima takes you to the Ballestas Islands, the sand dunes of Huacachina for adventure activities, and a glamping experience.
• The tour includes a speedboat tour to observe wildlife like penguins and sea lions in the Ballestas Islands.
• Adventure activities in Huacachina include dune buggy rides, sandboarding, and sand tubing, followed by a glamping experience with dinner and stargazing.
• The second day includes a visit to the Tacama Vineyard, where you can learn about wine and pisco production and enjoy a guided tasting.
• The tour is suitable for adults and not recommended for young children, the elderly, or those with health issues.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

What can travelers expect from this two-day adventure in Ica and the surrounding region?

The tour lasts for 2 days and is priced from $649 per person. It’s offered in Spanish and English for private groups, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve their spot without paying upfront.

The highlights include a speedboat tour of the Ballestas Islands, activities in the Huacachina sand dunes, and a glamping experience with dinner and stargazing.

Transportation, entrance fees, and select meals are included. However, the tour isn’t suitable for young children, those with back/heart issues, wheelchair users, or the elderly.

Itinerary Highlights

On the first day, travelers are picked up from their hotel in Lima and transported to Paracas.

They’ll take a speedboat tour of the Ballestas Islands, observing penguins and sea lions. Next, they’ll visit the El Candelabro geoglyph before heading to Huacachina, where they’ll enjoy activities like dune buggies, sandboarding, and sand tubing.

As the sun sets, they’ll take in the desert views before a glamping experience with a welcome drink, grill dinner, and starry night sky.

The next day starts with breakfast in the desert, followed by a visit to the Tacama vineyard to learn about wine and pisco production and enjoy a tasting session before returning to Lima.

Day 1: Paracas and Huacachina

The adventure begins as travelers are picked up from their hotel in Lima and whisked away to the coastal town of Paracas.

From there, they embark on a speedboat tour of the Ballestas Islands, marveling at the sight of penguins and sea lions.

Next, they visit the enigmatic El Candelabro geoglyph before heading to the oasis town of Huacachina.

The afternoon is filled with thrilling activities:

• Dune buggy rides
• Sandboarding down the dunes
• Sand tubing through the desert landscape

As the sun sets, the group settles into a glamping experience, complete with a grill dinner and starry night.

Ballestas Islands Speedboat Tour

Why not start the adventure with a thrilling speedboat tour of the Ballestas Islands?

This two-hour excursion takes you to a natural sanctuary teeming with wildlife. Glide past towering rock formations, where you’ll spot colonies of playful sea lions lounging on the shore.

Keep an eye out for Humboldt penguins nesting in the cliffs and a variety of seabirds soaring overhead. As your boat weaves through the waters, you’ll feel the salty breeze and sense the power of the Pacific Ocean.

This is an unforgettable introduction to Peru’s stunning coastal landscapes and diverse marine ecosystem.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Sand Activities in Dunes

After the breathtaking Ballestas Islands tour, the adventure continues in the captivating sand dunes of Huacachina.

Hop aboard a buggy and feel the adrenaline rush as you tackle the rolling dunes. Challenge your skills on the sandboards, carving turns and gliding down the slopes. For a more relaxed experience, try sand tubing – recline and float through the golden sands.

This thrilling escapade immerses you in the desert’s raw beauty:

• Conquer the dunes in a powerful buggy
• Test your balance on the exhilarating sandboards
• Glide effortlessly on the sand tubes
• Witness the stunning sunset over the ethereal landscape
• Relax in the glamping haven after an action-packed day.

Glamping Experience

As the sun dips below the horizon, guests are welcomed into a glamping haven nestled amidst the captivating Huacachina dunes. The experience begins with a refreshing welcome drink as travelers settle into their cozy tents, adorned with plush furnishings and all the comforts of home.

After a delectable grill dinner, guests can marvel at the stunning starry sky, before retiring to their private oasis for a restful night’s sleep.

In the morning, they’ll savor a hearty breakfast, fueling up for the day’s adventures. This glamping interlude offers a seamless blend of outdoor exploration and luxurious comfort, creating an unforgettable journey through Ica’s natural wonders.

Day 2: Tacama Vineyard

On the second day, guests depart their glamping oasis and make their way to the renowned Tacama Vineyard. Here, they learn about the intricate process of wine and pisco production, culminating in a tasting session to savor the fruits of the region.

The visit offers a glimpse into Peru’s rich winemaking heritage and the dedication of the Tacama team. The experience emphasizes:

• The centuries-old tradition of Peruvian viticulture
• The meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating premium wines and pisco
• The opportunity to appreciate the nuances of each varietal through guided tasting
• The importance of sustainability in modern winemaking practices
• The cultural significance of wine and pisco in Peruvian cuisine and celebrations

With a newfound appreciation for the region’s liquid treasures, guests then return to Lima, their adventure in Ica forever etched in their memories.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a range of services and experiences to ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable adventure.

It covers pick-up and transfer from the hotel in Lima, tourist bus transportation, private transportation, and all entrance fees.

The highlights include the Ballestas Islands tour, Huacachina activities, and the glamping experience with a grill dinner and breakfast.

Plus, a visit to the Tacama vineyard to learn about wine and pisco production is included.

However, some expenses like tips, and food and drinks not mentioned, are excluded.

The tour also has restrictions on who can participate, such as no children under 6 and no wheelchair users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Pets on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour itinerary and inclusions do not mention pets, and the "What to Bring" section specifically states that "Baby strollers" and "Luggage or large bags" are not allowed.

Is There an Option for a Shorter 1-Day Tour?

No, there doesn’t seem to be a shorter 1-day tour option available. The tour package is specifically designed as a 2-day experience exploring the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina dunes, and a vineyard visit.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary or Activities?

Yes, the tour can be customized. Guests can discuss modifications to the itinerary or activities with the tour operator, who’ll accommodate requests within reason to personalize the experience.

Is There a Discount for Booking the Tour in Advance?

While there’s no upfront discount for booking the tour in advance, the tour provider allows guests to reserve their spot with no upfront payment, providing flexibility to secure a spot before final payment.

What Is the Minimum and Maximum Group Size for the Private Tour?

The tour is a private group experience, but the minimum and maximum group size is not specified in the information provided. The tour is suitable for groups of various sizes.

Recap

This unforgettable two-day adventure from Lima offers a perfect blend of breathtaking coastal scenery, exhilarating sand activities, and a luxurious glamping experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the natural wonders of the Ballestas Islands, explore the enchanting oasis of Huacachina, and explore the rich wine and pisco culture of Peru’s Tacama Vineyard, creating a truly immersive and memorable journey.

You can check if your dates are available here: