This day tour from Lima promises an immersive exploration of some of Peru’s most captivating natural wonders. Travelers will embark on a thrilling adventure, encountering a wealth of wildlife, engaging in adrenaline-fueled activities, and indulging in the region’s renowned culinary delights. With a well-curated itinerary and knowledgeable guides, this tour offers a seamless and unforgettable way to experience the diverse landscapes and vibrant culture of Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina. Whether you’re an avid photographer, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone seeking to discover the hidden gems of Peru, this day tour promises to exceed your expectations and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Key Points
- Comprehensive day tour from Lima to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina, offering a diverse range of activities including a boat tour, wine/Pisco tasting, and sandboarding.
- Pricing starts at £47.10 per person for a 17-hour tour with round-trip transportation and guided experience in English and Spanish.
- Highlights include wildlife encounters at Ballestas Islands, free time in Paracas, vineyard visit for tastings, and adventurous sandboarding at Huacachina Oasis.
- Tour not suitable for children under 6, individuals with high blood pressure, and those requiring wheelchair accessibility.
- Highly rated by travelers for knowledgeable guides, scenic beauty, and memorable experiences, with an estimated return to Lima between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary Highlights
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Participant Guidelines
- Traveler Reviews and Experience
- Tour Duration and Departure
- Wildlife Encounters
- Outdoor Activities
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
- Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Long Bus Ride?
- Is There an Option to Visit the Ica Sand Dunes by Buggy?
- Can I Take a Boat Tour if I’m Not a Confident Swimmer?
- How Much Time Is Spent at Each Stop Along the Itinerary?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Lima
- More Tours in Lima
- More Tour Reviews in Lima
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Lima we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview and Pricing
The day tour from Lima to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina offers an opportunity to explore a diverse range of natural and cultural attractions.
Priced from £47.10 per person, the 17-hour tour allows travelers to experience the Ballestas Islands, Paracas, a vineyard in Ica, and the Huacachina Oasis.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.
Pickup is provided from select locations in Miraflores, Lima, and San Isidro, with an estimated return to Lima between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, the Ballestas Islands boat tour, and wine and Pisco tasting, along with a bilingual guide.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Lima.
Itinerary Highlights
Beginning with the Ballestas Islands, visitors embark on a boat tour to observe the region’s diverse wildlife, including sea lions and penguins.
Next, they’ll have free time to explore the charming town of Paracas and sample local sweets.
The tour then continues to a vineyard in Ica, where guests can enjoy wine and Pisco tastings, as well as a Pisco Sour class.
The final highlight is the Huacachina Oasis, where thrill-seekers can try their hand at sandboarding.
The estimated return to Lima is between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, capping off a full day of exploration and adventure.
Inclusions and Exclusions
What exactly does the tour include and exclude?
The tour includes round-trip transportation via tourist bus, a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, as well as wine and pisco tastings with a pisco sour class. Plus, the tour provides a bilingual guided experience in both English and Spanish, and limited hotel pickup.
However, the tour excludes entrance fees and port taxes, which cost $6 USD per person. Optional activities like buggys and sandboarding are also not included, nor are any food and drinks throughout the day.
Participants should budget for these additional expenses to fully enjoy the itinerary’s highlights.
Participant Guidelines
Certain participants may not be suitable for this day tour from Lima to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina.
Children under 6 years old aren’t permitted, as the tour isn’t designed for their needs. Individuals with high blood pressure should also refrain, as some activities could be risky for them.
However, babies aged 2-4 years can join if seated on an adult’s lap. The tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, but strollers are allowed.
Hotel pickup is limited to select locations around Kennedy Park; otherwise, travelers must meet at the Saga Fallabella store.
More Great Tours NearbyTraveler Reviews and Experience
Based on the 205 reviews, travelers consistently rate this day tour from Lima to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina as 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, such as José and Jean, who bring the tour’s itinerary to life. Highlights for many include the scenic beauty of the Ballestas Islands, the enjoyable wine and pisco tasting, and the exhilarating sandboarding experience at the Huacachina Oasis.
Travelers also note the long bus travel times due to the distances involved, though the overall organization and value of the tour make it a popular choice.
The combination of wildlife encounters, culture, and adventurous activities ensures a well-rounded and memorable day trip from Lima.
Tour Duration and Departure
The day tour from Lima to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina spans a total duration of 17 hours.
Guests can expect an eventful and action-packed journey, with a range of exciting activities and sights to explore along the way:
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The tour departs from select locations in Miraflores, Lima, and San Isidro, ensuring convenient pickup for participants.
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Travelers will have the opportunity to marvel at the wildlife and natural beauty of the Ballestas Islands, as well as enjoy wine and Pisco tasting at a local vineyard.
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The highlight of the tour is the breathtaking Huacachina Oasis, where visitors can try their hand at sandboarding.
The estimated return time to Lima is between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, allowing for a full day of exploration and discovery.
Wildlife Encounters
One of the main highlights of the day tour is the boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, where visitors can observe a diverse array of wildlife. These islands, often referred to as the "Poor Man’s Galápagos," are home to an abundance of marine life, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and a variety of seabirds. The boat tour provides an up-close encounter with these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. As guests sail through the waters, they’ll have the opportunity to capture stunning photographs and witness the incredible natural beauty of this unique ecosystem.
| Wildlife | Quantity | Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Lions | Hundreds | Basking, swimming, playing |
| Humboldt Penguins | Thousands | Nesting, swimming, feeding |
| Pelicans | Dozens | Soaring, diving, resting |
| Seabirds | Thousands | Nesting, flying, feeding |
Outdoor Activities
Adventurous travelers on this day tour will find ample opportunities to partake in thrilling outdoor activities.
The tour includes a visit to the Huacachina Oasis, a natural desert lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes.
Here, visitors can:
- Embark on an exhilarating sandboarding adventure, gliding down the golden slopes at high speeds.
- Experience the rush of a dune buggy ride, traversing the dunes for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
- Enjoy breathtaking photo opportunities, capturing the mesmerizing landscapes and unique desert setting.
- Revel in the serene beauty of the oasis, taking a moment to appreciate the tranquil natural environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks on the tour, though meals and beverages are not included. The tour operator encourages travelers to pack snacks and water to enjoy during the day’s activities.
Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Long Bus Ride?
Yes, the tour includes scheduled restroom breaks during the long bus ride. Travelers will have opportunities to use restroom facilities at various stops along the way, such as at the Ballestas Islands and the Ica vineyard.
Is There an Option to Visit the Ica Sand Dunes by Buggy?
Yes, there is an optional activity to visit the Ica sand dunes by buggy. The tour includes buggy and sandboarding for $10 USD per person, allowing travelers to experience the thrill of dune bashing.
Can I Take a Boat Tour if I’m Not a Confident Swimmer?
Yes, you can take the Ballestas Islands boat tour even if you’re not a confident swimmer. The boat tour is a separate activity from the sandboarding, and life jackets are provided for passenger safety.
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Stop Along the Itinerary?
The tour allocates approximately 2-3 hours at each stop – the Ballestas Islands, Paracas, the vineyard in Ica, and the Huacachina Oasis. This ensures travelers have ample time to explore the highlights and experience the various activities at each location.
From Lima: Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina Day Tour
Recap
This action-packed day tour from Lima promises to showcase Peru’s diverse natural wonders. Travelers will marvel at the stunning Ballestas Islands, sip Pisco at a local vineyard, and experience the thrill of sandboarding in the Huacachina Oasis. With knowledgeable guides and a well-organized itinerary, this tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of Peru in just one day.
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