The full day tour in Lima, Paracas, and Ica promises an unforgettable experience blending stunning landscapes and cultural attractions. Travelers can expect an exhilarating boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, where diverse marine life awaits, followed by a visit to an artisan winery for a delightful tasting. The adventure continues at the mesmerizing Huacachina Oasis, where participants can enjoy a thrilling desert buggy ride and sandboarding. With breathtaking natural beauty and culture, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of Peru’s diverse regions. What more could one ask for in a single day?
Key Points

- This full-day tour offers a diverse experience, combining Lima with the natural wonders of Paracas and Ica, including a boat tour, winery visit, and desert adventures.
- The tour includes group transportation, a boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands to observe marine wildlife, and a visit to an artisan winery for tasting and learning.
- Participants can explore the Huacachina Oasis, a unique desert lagoon, and enjoy an exhilarating desert buggy ride with sandboarding.
- The tour accommodates up to 10 travelers and is priced from $142, with tourist taxes required in Paracas and Huacachina.
- Pickup is from the Cruz del Sur bus terminal in Lima, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible and has some health and accessibility considerations.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Meeting and Pickup Information
- Tour Conditions and Recommendations
- Health and Accessibility Information
- Exploring Ballestas Islands
- Discovering Huacachina Oasis
- Desert Excursion and Sandboarding
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Are the Options for Lunch and Dinner During the Tour?
- Is There an Opportunity to Take Photos and Videos During the Tour?
- How Much Free Time Is Allocated for Independent Exploration?
- Are There Any Additional Costs or Optional Activities During the Tour?
- What Is the Level of Physical Activity Required for the Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Lima
- More Full Day in Lima
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Tour Overview

This full-day tour combines the vibrant city of Lima with the picturesque landscapes of Paracas and Ica.
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews, the tour accommodates up to 10 travelers and is priced from $142.
It includes group transportation, a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, a visit to an artisan winery, exploration of the Huacachina Oasis, and a desert excursion in buggies with sandboarding.
Travelers must present their bus ticket and ID at the meeting point, the Cruz del Sur bus terminal.
The tour also requires payment of tourist taxes in Paracas and Huacachina.
Certain activities may be reduced during holidays, and sunset timings are recommended for the buggy ride.
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Itinerary Highlights
Embarking on this full-day tour, travelers can expect a captivating itinerary that showcases the diverse landscapes and cultural attractions of Lima, Paracas, and Ica.
The tour includes:
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A boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the "Poor Man’s Galapagos," where travelers can observe an array of marine wildlife such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of seabirds.
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A visit to an artisan winery for a tasting, allowing participants to discover the region’s renowned wines and learn about the winemaking process.
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An exploration of the Huacachina Oasis, a unique desert lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes, followed by an exhilarating desert buggy ride and sandboarding experience.
Meeting and Pickup Information

Beginning the tour, travelers will meet at the Transportes Cruz del Sur bus terminal, located at Av Javier Prado Este 1109 in the La Victoria district of Lima.
Passengers must present their bus tickets and IDs at the terminal before departure at 4:00 am to Paracas. The recommended transport to the meeting point is through taxi apps like Indrive or Uber.
Once in Paracas, travelers will need to pay a S/16.00 soles per person tourist tax.
Similarly, a S/3.60 soles per person tourist tax is required in Huacachina.
Travelers should note that buggy services may be reduced during holidays, with the last departure between 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm for the best sunset views.
Tour Conditions and Recommendations
Travelers on this full-day tour will need to pay a S/16.00 soles per person tourist tax upon arrival in Paracas.
Plus, there’s a S/3.60 soles per person tourist tax in Huacachina.
Travelers should also be aware that buggie services may be reduced during holidays such as Holy Week, National Holidays, and New Year’s Eve.
To ensure the best sunset views, it’s recommended to take the last buggie departure between 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm.
- Travelers must pay a tourist tax in Paracas (S/16.00 soles) and Huacachina (S/3.60 soles).
- Buggie services may be reduced during holidays.
- Recommended buggie departure time for sunset view is between 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm.
Health and Accessibility Information
This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
However, most travelers can participate in the activities. Confirmation of booking is received at the time of booking.
The tour meeting point is located near public transportation, making it easily accessible for most visitors.
Travelers should be aware of the required tourist tax tickets for Paracas (S/16.00 soles per person) and Huacachina (S/3.60 soles per person).
It’s important to note that buggie services may be reduced during holidays, and it’s recommended to start the buggie excursion between 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm for the best sunset views.
Exploring Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas Islands, a natural wonder located just off the coast of Paracas, offer visitors an incredible opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes of this region.
During the tour, travelers can expect to:
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Observe a variety of seabirds, including Peruvian boobies, Guanay cormorants, and Humboldt penguins, in their natural habitats.
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See colonies of sea lions basking on the rocky shores and playfully swimming in the surrounding waters.
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Marvel at the impressive Candelabra geoglyph, a mysterious ancient design etched into the cliffside, believed to be thousands of years old.
With the tour’s modern sliders providing a comfortable and efficient mode of transportation, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the Ballestas Islands.
Discovering Huacachina Oasis
After exploring the Ballestas Islands, the tour continues on to the enchanting Huacachina Oasis.
This desert oasis is a unique and captivating destination, surrounded by towering sand dunes. Travelers will embark on an exhilarating desert excursion in buggies, experiencing the thrill of dune bashing.
The tour also includes an opportunity to try sandboarding, where participants can glide down the golden dunes. Visitors can wander through the charming town, admiring the picturesque lagoon and palm trees.
The recommended start time for the buggy and sandboarding activities is between 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm to catch the stunning sunset views over the dunes.
Desert Excursion and Sandboarding

Travelers climb aboard the sturdy buggies, eager to embark on an adrenaline-fueled desert excursion. The experienced guides lead the group through the undulating dunes, navigating the thrilling terrain with skill and precision.
The highlight of this excursion is the opportunity to try sandboarding, a unique and exhilarating activity:
- Riders strap specialized boards to their feet and glide down the steep, sandy slopes, feeling the rush of the wind and the thrill of the descent.
- Instructors provide tips and assistance, ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
- The views from the top of the dunes are breathtaking, offering a panoramic perspective of the vast, otherworldly Huacachina desert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Options for Lunch and Dinner During the Tour?
The tour does not include lunch or dinner. Travelers can purchase their own meals during the day at local restaurants, cafes, or food vendors in the various locations visited on the tour.
Is There an Opportunity to Take Photos and Videos During the Tour?
Yes, there are ample opportunities to take photos and videos throughout the tour. Guests can capture stunning landscapes, wildlife, and activities like sandboarding and dune buggy rides. Photography is encouraged to document the memorable experiences.
How Much Free Time Is Allocated for Independent Exploration?
The tour itinerary doesn’t specify exact timeframes for independent exploration. However, it includes activities like visiting an artisan winery, exploring the Huacachina Oasis, and a desert excursion, which likely allow some free time for visitors to take photos and discover the sites on their own.
Are There Any Additional Costs or Optional Activities During the Tour?
The tour includes two additional costs: the tourist tax tickets in Paracas (S/16.00 soles) and Huacachina (S/3.60 soles) per person. There are no optional activities, but buggie services may be reduced during holidays.
What Is the Level of Physical Activity Required for the Tour?
The tour involves moderate physical activity, including a boat tour, sand buggy rides, and sandboarding. Travelers should be able to walk short distances and climb in and out of vehicles. It’s not recommended for those with mobility issues or serious medical conditions.
Full Day Tour in Lima Paracas Ica
“We had a terrific experience, got picked up from Ica bus in the morning, than went to the desert, after that to Paracas (Ballestas islands) and end…”
Recap
The Full Day Tour in Lima, Paracas, and Ica offers an unforgettable experience blending stunning landscapes and cultural attractions. Travelers can witness diverse marine life, enjoy a delightful wine tasting, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Peru’s natural wonders, including a thrilling desert buggy ride and sandboarding at the Huacachina Oasis. This comprehensive tour provides an opportunity to explore the rich diversity of Peru’s coastal regions.




























