Lima: Ballestas Islands Tour, Huacachina & Ceviche Cooking Class

Situated along Peru’s central coast, Lima offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Travelers can embark on a full-day tour that showcases the region’s diverse landscapes and culinary traditions. From the enchanting Ballestas Islands, often dubbed the "poor man’s Galápagos," to the adrenaline-fueled adventures of sandboarding and sand cart rides at the Huacachina oasis, this tour promises an unforgettable day. But the true highlight lies in the hands-on ceviche cooking class, where you will learn to prepare this iconic Peruvian dish and savor local delicacies. With inclusions that cater to nature enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and foodies alike, this tour invites visitors to enjoy the rich tapestry of Lima’s attractions.

Key Points

• Full-day tour visiting the Ballestas Islands, known as the "poor man’s Galápagos," and offering sandboarding, sand cart rides, and a ceviche cooking demonstration.
• Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, guided boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, and tastings of local specialties like chocotejas, tiles, wine, and pisco.
• Explore the diverse marine life of the Ballestas Islands, including Humboldt Penguins and sea lions, and witness geoglyphs and cave formations.
• Experience the thrill of sandboarding and sand cart rides at the Huacachina oasis, surrounded by stunning desert scenery.
• Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local Peruvian dishes, including a ceviche cooking demonstration by an expert chef.

Tour Overview

The Lima: Ballestas Islands Tour, Huacachina & Ceviche Cooking Class offers travelers a comprehensive experience that showcases the natural wonders and culinary delights of Peru.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars, this full-day tour takes visitors to the Ballestas Islands, often called the "poor man’s Galápagos", to observe an abundance of marine life.

After the boat tour, the experience continues with sandboarding and sand cart rides in the stunning Huacachina oasis.

The highlight of the day is a ceviche cooking demonstration, where participants can learn to prepare this iconic Peruvian dish.

With hotel pickup and drop-off, shared transportation, and various tastings included, this tour provides an immersive and well-rounded introduction to the Lima region.

Inclusions and Highlights

This tour includes a comprehensive array of experiences and amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Travelers will enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, shared tourist transport, and a guided tour of the Ballestas Islands.

The adventure continues with sandboarding and sand cart (buggy) rides in the stunning Huacachina desert oasis.

Plus, you will have the opportunity to taste chocotejas and tiles, as well as enjoy alcoholic beverages, including wine and pisco tasting.

The tour also includes a delicious lunch with a drink and soft drink, plus breakfast and dinner.

The highlight of the experience is the ceviche demonstration and tasting, allowing travelers to learn about this iconic Peruvian dish.

Exploring the Ballestas Islands

Departing from the Paracas harbor, travelers embark on a captivating boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the "Poor Man’s Galápagos." This cluster of guano-covered islands, home to an astounding array of marine life, offers a unique glimpse into Peru’s rich natural heritage. As the boat navigates the waters, travelers are awed by the sight of thousands of seabirds soaring overhead, including pelicans, cormorants, and Humboldt penguins. The islands also provide a haven for sea lions, which can be seen sunbathing on the rocks or playfully swimming in the waves. The tour includes opportunities to observe the intricate geoglyphs and cave formations that adorn the islands, providing a fascinating insight into the region’s history and geology.

Species	Estimated Population	Significance
Humboldt Penguins	5,000-7,000	Endangered species
Sea Lions	8,000-10,000	Important predator in the ecosystem
Pelicans	2,500-3,500	Iconic seabird of the Peruvian coast
Cormorants	15,000-20,000	Key indicator of the islands’ biodiversity

Sandboarding and Sand Carts

After exploring the captivating Ballestas Islands, travelers can look forward to an exhilarating sandboarding and sand cart experience.

This adventure takes place at the Huacachina oasis, a stunning desert lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes.

The tour includes:

1. Sandboarding – Participants strap onto a board and glide down the steep sand slopes, experiencing the thrill of surfing on sand.
2. Sand carts (buggies) – These off-road vehicles navigate the dunes, providing an adrenaline-filled ride through the desert landscape.
3. Tasting of local specialties – Travelers can indulge in chocotejas and tiles, traditional Peruvian confections, as they take in the stunning desert scenery.

Tasting Chocotejas and Tiles

Amidst the captivating desert landscapes of the Huacachina oasis, travelers delight in sampling the local delicacies of chocotejas and tiles. Chocotejas are a traditional Peruvian confection made of chocolate, dulce de leche, and nuts, while tiles are a type of sweet bread with a distinctive, flaky texture. The tour offers a chance to indulge in these regional specialties, complementing the day’s activities. The tasting experience allows visitors to appreciate the rich flavors and artisanal craftsmanship that define Peruvian cuisine.

Chocotejas	Tiles
Chocolate	Flaky
Dulce de leche	Subtly sweet
Nuts	Baked fresh

Lunch and Drinks

During the tour, travelers enjoy a delightful lunch featuring local Peruvian specialties. The meal includes:

1. A refreshing Pisco sour, the signature Peruvian cocktail made with Pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white.

2. A traditional ceviche dish, where fresh fish is "cooked" in the acidity of citrus juices and seasoned with onions, chilies, and cilantro.

3. A hearty main course of lomo saltado, a popular stir-fried beef dish with onions, tomatoes, and french fries.

To accompany the meal, travelers sip on a selection of Peruvian wines and soft drinks.

This satisfying lunch provides the energy needed to continue exploring the stunning landscapes and cultural experiences throughout the day.

Ceviche Cooking Demonstration

Following the Ballestas Islands tour and sandboarding in the Huacachina dunes, the tour participants settle in for an engaging ceviche cooking demonstration.

An expert chef guides them through the process of preparing this iconic Peruvian dish, showcasing the traditional techniques and ingredients. Participants learn how to properly select and prepare the freshest seafood, as well as the essential seasonings that give ceviche its signature flavor.

The demonstration culminates in a tasting, allowing the travelers to savor the fruits of their newfound knowledge. This hands-on experience provides an immersive introduction to the vibrant culinary culture of Peru.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking for the "Lima: Ballestas Islands Tour, Huacachina & Ceviche Cooking Class" can be completed with ease.

Travelers have the flexibility to reserve their spot now and pay later. On top of that, the tour offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers get the best deal.

The cancellation policy is also quite generous. Guests can receive a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing ample time to make any necessary changes to their travel plans.

1. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.
2. The Reserve Now and Pay Later option is available.
3. The Lowest Price Guarantee is offered.

Recap

This full-day tour from Lima offers a captivating blend of natural wonders, adventure activities, and culinary delights. Witness the diverse marine life of the Ballestas Islands, soar down sand dunes, and master the art of preparing ceviche, a Peruvian seafood classic. It’s an unforgettable experience that showcases the stunning landscapes and rich culture of this vibrant region.