From Lima | Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Tour

The "Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Tour" from Lima offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural exploration. Travelers can expect an immersive experience, from cruising along the Ballestas Islands to uncovering the artisanal secrets of Ica’s wine cellars. With expert guidance and a commitment to small group sizes, this excursion promises an unforgettable adventure. However, the true allure lies in the final destination – the iconic Huacachina Oasis, where the line between reality and dreams blurs, leaving visitors eager to unveil its enchanting mysteries.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Paracas.

Key Points

• This tour offers a day trip from Lima to the Ballestas Islands and the Huacachina Oasis, showcasing Peru’s vibrant marine life and stunning desert landscapes.
• The tour includes roundtrip transportation, a guided tour of the Ballestas Islands, and activities like sandboarding and buggy rides in the Huacachina Oasis.
• The tour is limited to 15 participants and is available in both English and Spanish, providing a personalized experience for diverse travelers.
• Guests have the opportunity to explore Ica’s main square and artisan wine cellars, blending natural wonders with culture.
• The tour is priced at £139.84 per person and offers a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Tour," offers an opportunity to explore Peru’s natural wonders.

Priced from £139.84 per person, the one-day excursion includes roundtrip transportation from San Isidro District, Miraflores, and Lima. The group size is limited to 15 participants, with tours available in English and Spanish.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the tour operator offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.

The itinerary covers the Ballestas Islands, Ica City, and the Huacachina Oasis, providing guided tours, sandboarding, and wine tastings.

Ballestas Islands

Situated off the southern coast of Peru, the Ballestas Islands are a remarkable natural wonder that captivates visitors.

This 1-hour guided tour allows you to observe an abundance of marine life, including:

1. Sea lions basking on the rocky shores.
2. Booby birds soaring overhead in impressive numbers.
3. Pelicans gliding effortlessly above the azure waters.
4. Penguins, a rare sight outside of Antarctic regions, making their home on the islands.

The Ballestas Islands provide a unique glimpse into the vibrant ecosystem of the Paracas National Reserve, offering an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.

Ica City Tour

After exploring the captivating Ballestas Islands, the tour takes visitors to the city of Ica.

Here, guests will visit the main square, marvel at the impressive obelisks, and discover the artisan wine cellars. Though lunch is at the passenger’s expense, this cultural exploration offers a glimpse into Ica’s vibrant heritage.

The tour then proceeds to the mesmerizing Huacachina Oasis, where guided tours, sandboarding, and buggies await.

With this diverse itinerary, the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Tour provides a well-rounded experience, blending natural wonders with culture.

Huacachina Oasis

Following the exploration of Ica, the tour proceeds to the mesmerizing Huacachina Oasis.

This iconic desert oasis features towering sand dunes and a tranquil lagoon surrounded by lush palm trees.

Visitors can enjoy the following activities:

1. Guided tour of the oasis and its unique natural features
2. Thrilling sandboarding down the dunes
3. Adrenaline-pumping buggy rides across the sandy landscape
4. Relaxing at the lagoon and taking in the serene desert atmosphere

The Huacachina experience offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, providing a memorable highlight to the day’s excursion.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Included Services

The tour includes a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. Roundtrip tourist transportation, an expert tour guide, and entrance fees to the Ballestas Islands are all included.

Visitors will also enjoy a yacht circuit with life jackets and a guided tour, as well as a city tour of Ica, wine tasting, sandboarding, and thrilling buggy rides.

Lunch in Ica is provided, though personal or extra expenses aren’t covered. Guests should come prepared with necessary items like sunglasses, sun protection, and water, as the tour operator can’t be held responsible for changes due to weather or other events.

Important Information

Guests should come prepared with sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and water.

This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women due to the nature of the activities. Participants should also refrain from consuming alcohol or drugs during the tour.

It’s important to note that the tour is subject to change due to weather conditions, strikes, or other events – in such cases, no refunds will be provided for cancellations.

The tour’s services and itinerary can also vary, so it’s crucial to check for any updates prior to the excursion.

• Not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women
• Prohibit alcohol and drugs
• Subject to change due to weather, strikes, or other events
• Services and itinerary may vary

Customer Feedback

Based on the provided customer review, the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Tour has earned a decent 3/5 overall rating from at least one traveler. Pauli from Finland noted both Ballestas Islands and Huacachina were very nice, but the long travel time (left at 4 a.m., returned at 10 p.m.) was exhausting. This feedback suggests the tour’s strengths lie in the attractions visited, but the extensive travel time may detract from the overall experience for some participants.

Pros	Cons
Nice Ballestas Islands	Long travel time
Enjoyable Huacachina	Tiring schedule
Good tour guide	–
Wine tasting	–

Booking Details

Booking for the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Tour is flexible, allowing travelers to reserve their spot without upfront payment.

This tour offers the following booking details:

1. Free Cancellation: Guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

2. Group Size: The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

3. Pickup and Drop-off: The tour includes pickup and drop-off services at designated locations in Lima’s San Isidro District and Miraflores.

4. Languages: The tour is available in both English and Spanish, catering to a diverse range of travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Wear Regular Street Clothes During the Tour?

Yes, participants can wear regular street clothes during the tour. The itinerary doesn’t specify any special attire requirements, though it’s recommended to bring sun protection and comfortable walking shoes.

Is the Bus/Coach Equipped With Air Conditioning?

Yes, the bus/coach used for the tour is equipped with air conditioning to provide a comfortable travel experience. This ensures passengers can stay cool during the journey to and from the various tour sites.

Are There Any Bathroom Breaks During the Long Bus Ride?

There are likely bathroom breaks during the long bus ride, as the tour company aims to ensure the comfort of its passengers. However, the itinerary does not specify the exact number or frequency of these stops.

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

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour includes a lunch stop in Ica, so you may not need to bring your own. Check with the tour provider for any restrictions on outside food and beverages.

Will There Be Wifi or Internet Access Available During the Tour?

The tour does not provide any wifi or internet access during the excursion. Participants should plan accordingly, as there will be limited connectivity while exploring the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis.

Recap

This guided tour offers an unforgettable experience, showcasing Peru’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Visitors will explore the Ballestas Islands, known for their diverse marine life, before visiting Ica’s artisan wine cellars and the iconic Huacachina Oasis. With roundtrip transportation, expert guides, and a small group size, this excursion provides a comprehensive and relaxing adventure for those seeking to enjoy Peru’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.

You can check if your dates are available here: