Paracas Islands & Huacachina Oasis in Ica-Adventure&Wildlife

The Paracas Islands and Huacachina Oasis in Ica, Peru offer an unforgettable adventure filled with diverse wildlife and thrilling activities. Visitors can observe an abundance of marine life, including sea lions and dolphins, on a guided boat tour to the Ballestas Islands. Then, they’ll experience the enchanting desert oasis of Huacachina through exhilarating dune buggy rides and sandboarding. The region’s rich culture and natural wonders promise an immersive experience that leaves travelers captivated. What awaits those who venture to this stunning corner of Peru may just surprise and delight even the most seasoned adventurer.

Key Points

• The tour provides opportunities to explore the Ballestas Islands, known as the "Poor Man’s Galápagos", and witness diverse marine life such as pelicans, penguins, and dolphins.
• Visitors can enjoy a wine tasting experience in Ica City, the City of Pisco, and learn about the history and culture of the pisco brandy.
• The tour includes thrilling activities at the Huacachina Oasis, such as dune buggy rides and sandboarding, catering to adventure-seekers.
• The tour covers transportation, guided services, and breakfast, but excludes lunch and some entrance fees, with optional activities incurring additional costs.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback on the wildlife viewing, wine tasting, and dune buggy rides, but caution advised for sandboarding.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This adventure-packed tour offers a chance to explore the stunning Paracas Islands and the enchanting Huacachina Oasis. Priced from €53.88 per person, the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a duration of 16 hours.

Pickup is available from three locations in Lima, and a live tour guide in English and Spanish is provided. Flexible booking options allow you to reserve now and pay later.

The itinerary highlights include a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, wine tasting in Ica, and thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding in the Huacachina Oasis.

With diverse wildlife, picturesque landscapes, and a mix of cultural and adventure activities, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Itinerary Highlights

The adventure begins with an early morning pickup from one of three locations in Lima – Barranco, Miraflores, or San Isidro.

After a 3-4 hour drive, the tour heads to the Ballestas Islands for a 2-hour guided boat tour to view the diverse marine life, including pelicans, boobies, Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and dolphins.

Next, the group transfers to Ica City for a 1-hour wine tasting at a local winery.

The final stop is the picturesque Huacachina Oasis, where travelers can enjoy:

• A scenic drive through the desert
• Photo opportunities at the oasis
• Optional dune buggy rides
• Sandboarding led by expert instructors

Paracas: Wildlife Mecca

Paracas, a coastal region in southern Peru, serves as a wildlife mecca, where diverse marine species thrive in its protected national reserve. Visitors can spot an array of captivating creatures, including:

Species	Characteristics
Pelicans	Large, majestic seabirds
Boobies	Distinctive blue-footed birds
Penguins	Flightless, tuxedo-clad wonders
Sea Lions	Playful, charismatic pinnipeds
Dolphins	Acrobatic, intelligent cetaceans

The Ballestas Islands, known as the "Poor Man’s Galápagos", offer an unparalleled opportunity to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat during a 2-hour guided boat tour, leaving visitors awestruck and appreciative of Paracas’ vibrant ecosystem.

Ica: City of Pisco

Known as the City of Eternal Sun, Ica is the first place where Pisco, Peru’s renowned grape brandy, was produced. The city’s warm, dry climate and fertile soils make it ideal for viticulture.

Visitors can indulge in wine and Pisco tastings at local wineries, learning about the history and production methods of this iconic Peruvian spirit.

Ica is also home to:

• Picturesque vineyards and wineries offering tours and tastings
• The Museo del Pisco, showcasing the history and culture of Pisco
• Opportunities to blend and bottle your own custom Pisco
• Vibrant festivals celebrating Pisco and Peruvian culture throughout the year

This thriving city offers a delightful introduction to Peru’s acclaimed wine and spirits heritage.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Huacachina: Desert Oasis

After exploring the vibrant city of Ica and its renowned Pisco heritage, the journey continues to the captivating Huacachina Oasis.

This picturesque desert lagoon, surrounded by towering sand dunes, offers a unique opportunity for adventure seekers. Visitors can embark on thrilling dune buggy rides and experience the adrenaline-fueled sport of sandboarding, led by expert instructors.

The serene oasis also provides a peaceful respite, with opportunities for relaxation and photography.

Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-filled experience or a tranquil escape, Huacachina promises an unforgettable addition to your Ica adventure.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation from Lima to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina, and back to Lima.

It also covers an English-speaking guide, the Ballestas Islands boat tour, wine and pisco tasting, and breakfast.

However, the tour excludes:

• Lunch
• Entrance fees and port taxes ($5 essential)
• Dune buggy ride and sandboarding ($10 extra)
• Not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, wheelchair users, and those with high blood pressure.

Travelers should bring snacks, cash in local currency, and consider the lunch option for convenience.

Caution is advised for sandboarding to prevent accidents.

Customer Feedback

Travelers have provided an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars for this tour based on 3 reviews.

Positive feedback highlighted the incredible wildlife viewing, enjoyable wine tasting, and thrilling dune buggy experiences. Reviewers recommend bringing snacks and cash in local currency to maximize convenience.

While the sandboarding activity was praised, caution is advised to prevent accidents. The tour’s inclusions, such as hotel pickup, guided tours, and transportation, were also well-received.

Important Considerations

Although the tour offers a comprehensive experience, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.

First, the tour may not be suitable for all travelers, as it’s not recommended for children under 6, pregnant women, wheelchair users, and those with high blood pressure.

Plus, the entrance fees and port taxes of $5 aren’t included in the tour price.

Travelers should also note that the optional activities like dune buggying and sandboarding have an extra cost of $10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Travelers With Limited Mobility?

The tour may not be suitable for travelers with limited mobility. It’s not recommended for wheelchair users, as the itinerary includes activities that may be challenging for those with mobility issues, such as the boat tour and sand activities.

What Is the Recommended Attire for the Various Activities?

The tour operator recommends comfortable, casual clothing that can get dirty or wet. Bring sun protection, hat, and sturdy shoes for activities like dune buggying and sandboarding. Layers are suggested for the boat tour’s sea breeze.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Special Dietary Needs?

Yes, the tour can be customized to accommodate special dietary needs. Travelers should inform the tour operator in advance, and the guide will make the necessary arrangements to ensure their dietary requirements are met during the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Dune Buggy Rides and Sandboarding?

According to the information provided, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or those with high blood pressure. However, there don’t appear to be any age restrictions for the dune buggy rides and sandboarding activities.

Can the Tour Be Rescheduled in Case of Bad Weather Conditions?

The tour can be rescheduled in case of bad weather conditions. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the tour operator offers flexible booking options to accommodate changes.

Recap

Exploring the Paracas Islands and Huacachina Oasis provides an unforgettable adventure filled with diverse wildlife, thrilling activities, and breathtaking natural wonders. Witness the captivating marine life on a guided boat tour, then learn about the enchanting desert oasis through dune buggy rides and sandboarding. This unforgettable journey showcases the region’s rich culture and stunning landscapes, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

You can check if your dates are available here: