Skip to content
An independent
coastal stay journal
Luxury Surf ResortSearch the journal

Tours & experiences

Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis Full Day Tour from Lima

About this experience

Discover the best of Peru’s coast and desert in a single day of nature and adventure. Unlike standard tours, this experience combines the marine life of the Ballestas Islands with the thrill of the Huacachina Oasis.

Cruise around the Ballestas to spot sea lions, penguins, and seabirds, and admire the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph carved into the desert cliffs. Later, head to Huacachina, where you’ll ride dune buggies and try sandboarding on giant golden dunes as the sun sets.

With a professional bilingual guide, comfortable transport, and personalized service, this tour offers a fun, seamless, and unforgettable experience for travelers who love nature, culture, and adventure, all in one perfect day.

At a glance

  • Duration: 17 hr–18 hr

What is included

  • Visit to the Huacachina Lagoon (Oasis).
  • Professional guide throughout the tour.
  • Entrance tickets for the Ballestas Islands tour.
  • Hotel pick up and start of the tour.
  • Return transfer to Lima and drop off at your hotel.
  • Visit to a local vineyard, including wine and pisco tasting.
  • Group dune buggy and sandboarding adventure.
  • Private transfer from Lima to Ica (Paracas Bay).
  • Full assistance before, during, and after the tour.
  • Scenic view of the Candelabro geoglyph.
  • Boat tour to the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, penguins, and seabirds.

Not included

  • Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for driver and guide (optional)
  • Transportation or services not included in the planned itinerary.

Itinerary and highlights

Departure from Lima to Paracas along the scenic Pan American Highway. Enjoy the coastal landscapes during the drive through Peru’s desert coast.

Arrival in Paracas and boarding of a speedboat to explore the Ballestas Islands, part of Peru’s National Reserve of Islands and Islets. Observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds in their natural habitat, and admire the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph.

Visit the Paracas National Reserve, where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean. Discover stunning viewpoints, red sand beaches, and unique marine and desert ecosystems.

Continue the journey to Ica and the Huacachina Oasis, a natural lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes.

Experience an exciting buggy ride and sandboarding adventure on the golden dunes while enjoying breathtaking desert views and an unforgettable sunset.

Optional stop at a traditional artisanal vineyard to learn about the local production of wine and pisco, and taste Peru’s signature spirits.

Return trip to Lima with wonderful memories of the Peruvian coast and desert.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Pick up from hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro, or Lima Downtown. Travelers staying outside these areas can meet at a nearby meeting point. Please be ready before the scheduled pick up time.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Machu Picchu 360 Experiences

Accessibility and practical details

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Available tour options

  • Pickup included

Traveller reviews and photos

Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.