From Lima: Paracas, Ballestas Island & Huacachina 2 Day Tour

This two-day tour from Lima promises to immerse travelers in the captivating natural wonders of Peru’s southern coast. From the Ballestas Islands, where one can spot sea lions and Humboldt penguins, to the striking sand dunes of Huacachina, this adventure showcases the region’s diverse landscapes. With a mix of boat excursions, cultural visits, and thrilling activities like dune buggying, the tour offers an opportunity to experience the best of Paracas and its surroundings. Whether seeking breathtaking vistas, unique wildlife, or a dose of adrenaline, this two-day itinerary seems poised to deliver an unforgettable exploration of Peru’s captivating southern highlights.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Lima.

Key Points

• This 2-day tour from Lima takes you to Paracas, Ballestas Islands, and Huacachina, featuring boat tours, sandboarding, and dune buggy rides.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, bilingual guides, and activities like exploring the Paracas National Reserve and Hacienda San Jose’s underground slave tunnels.
• The first day focuses on cultural experiences and leisure, while the second day is dedicated to wildlife observation and adventure activities.
• Pickup is available from select areas in Lima, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, or children under 7 years.
• Reviewers praise the engaging activities and knowledgeable guides, but some have noted discrepancies in the Ballestas Island experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The 2-day tour from Lima takes visitors to the must-see destinations of Paracas, Ballestas Island, and Huacachina. Priced from $159 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a live bilingual guide, and an array of activities – a boat tour, sandboarding, dune buggying, and visits to Paracas National Reserve and Hacienda San Jose.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the reserve-now-pay-later option. The tour runs for 2 days, with the first day spent traveling to Paracas and the second focused on exploring the Ballestas Islands and the sand dunes of Huacachina.

Itinerary Details

On the first day of the tour, guests are picked up early from their hotel or meeting point and start the journey with breakfast at Mirasur, known for its freshly baked bread.

The tour then proceeds to visit the Hacienda San Jose in Chincha, where guests can explore the underground slave tunnels.

Afterward, the group arrives in Paracas at 1:30 PM, allowing for free time to explore the beach town.

On the second day, guests embark on a 2-hour boat tour to the Ballestas Islands to observe sea lions, penguins, and dolphins.

This is followed by a 2-hour tour of the Paracas National Reserve, one of South America’s largest protected desert regions.

The tour then travels to Huacachina for 2 hours of dune buggying and sandboarding before returning to Lima.

Day 1: Lima to Paracas

Early in the morning, guests are picked up from their hotel or designated meeting point to begin the Paracas and Huacachina tour.

They’ll enjoy a breakfast at Mirasur, featuring freshly baked bread, before visiting the Hacienda San Jose in Chincha. There, they’ll explore the underground slave tunnels, gaining insight into the region’s history.

By 1:30 PM, the group arrives in Paracas, a coastal town, where they’ve free time to explore the beach and local attractions.

The first day of the tour sets the stage for the adventure to come, providing a mix of cultural exploration and leisure.

Day 2: Paracas to Ballestas Islands to Huacachina

After an early start, the group embarks on the second day of the tour.

The day begins with a 2-hour boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, where they’ve the chance to see sea lions, penguins, and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Following the boat tour, the group then explores the Paracas National Reserve, one of South America’s largest protected desert regions, for another 2 hours.

The tour then travels to the oasis town of Huacachina, where they enjoy:

• 2 hours of thrilling dune buggying
• Sandboarding down the towering sand dunes
• The return bus trip to Lima with drop-off at their hotel or original meeting point.

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Pickup Information

For this tour, hotels and hostels in select areas of Lima provide pickup services.

Pickups are available from accommodations in San Isidro between 6:05 AM and 6:15 AM, in Miraflores between 6:15 AM and 6:45 AM, and in Barranco between 7:00 AM and 7:20 AM.

Travelers staying outside the pickup area can choose the meeting point option instead.

Pickup confirmation from hotels and hostels near the airport should be requested via email. This ensures a smooth start to the two-day adventure exploring Paracas, the Ballestas Islands, and the desert oasis of Huacachina.

Important Information

Travelers need to bring their passport or ID, sunscreen, and a windbreaker for this two-day tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or children under 7 years old. For children under 7, parents or guardians must sign a responsibility form for the dune buggy rides.

The tour includes shared 6-bed dorms with private bathrooms. Guests should be aware that the itinerary may be subject to change due to weather, strikes, or demonstrations.

The tour operator provides the following important information to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

• Passport or ID
• Sunscreen
• Windbreaker

Customer Reviews

The Paracas and Huacachina tour has garnered an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 11 customer reviews. Positive feedback centered around the engaging activities and knowledgeable guides. However, some customers reported discrepancies in the tour experience, particularly related to the Ballestas Island portion.

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Enjoyable activities	Inconsistencies with Ballestas Island
Excellent guides	Certain experiences not as described
Overall satisfaction	Unmet expectations

The tour company appears to have a mix of satisfied and dissatisfied customers. While the majority of reviewers praise the experience, addressing the concerns raised could further improve the tour and guest satisfaction.

Tour Inclusions

This 2-day tour from Lima to Paracas, Ballestas Island, and Huacachina provides a comprehensive package that includes hotel pickup and drop-off, live guides, boat tours, sandboarding, dune buggy excursions, national reserve exploration, and bus transportation.

The tour features a visit to the Hacienda San Jose in Chincha, with the opportunity to explore its underground slave tunnels. Highlights also include a 2-hour boat tour to the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, penguins, and dolphins, as well as a 2-hour tour of the Paracas National Reserve, one of South America’s largest protected desert regions.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Live guides in Spanish and English
• Boat tours, sandboarding, dune buggy excursions, national reserve exploration

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour overview indicates that it doesn’t mention any restrictions on bringing personal snacks or beverages, so you’re free to bring your own to enjoy during the excursion.

Are There Any Additional Costs Not Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price includes hotel pickup/drop-off, boat tour, sandboarding, dune buggy ride, national reserve tour, and transportation. However, there may be additional costs for personal expenses, such as meals not specified, optional activities, and any incidentals.

Do I Need to Make Reservations for the Dune Buggy and Sandboarding Activities?

The dune buggy and sandboarding activities are included in the tour package. Travelers don’t need to make separate reservations for these activities, as they’re already part of the 2-hour tour in Huacachina.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

There’s no mention of a private tour option. The tour is offered as a shared group experience. Guests can reserve the 2-day tour directly and won’t need to make separate arrangements for the dune buggy and sandboarding activities, as they’re included.

Can I Extend My Stay in Paracas or Huacachina Beyond the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, travelers can extend their stay in Paracas or Huacachina beyond the tour itinerary. The tour operator offers flexible booking options, allowing guests to customize their trip duration and accommodations to suit their preferences.

Recap

This 2-day tour from Lima allows travelers to experience the stunning natural beauty of Peru’s coastal region. Highlights include a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, exploration of the Paracas National Reserve, and thrilling dune buggying and sandboarding in Huacachina. With hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, and delicious meals, this adventure offers an unforgettable way to take in the rich culture and diverse landscapes of this remarkable part of the country.

You can check if your dates are available here: