Paracas + Huacachina from Lima – Marine nature, desert, and adventure on the southern coast of Peru

Duration: Full Day
Service: Group
Departure: Early morning
Return: Night

General Information

  • Destination: Paracas – Ica – Huacachina
  • Tour type: Nature – Adventure – Landscape – Gastronomic experience
  • Duration: Full day
  • Modality: Group servic
  • Difficulty level: Easy
  • Suitable for: Families, couples, groups of friends, and adventurous travelers

This tour is designed for those who want to experience the best of the southern coast of Peru in a single day, combining marine life, natural reserves, desert landscapes, vineyards, and adrenaline.

Technical Sheet

Maximum altitude:

  • Lima: 154 m a.s.l.
  • Paracas: Sea level
  • Ica: 406 m a.s.l.
  • Huacachina: 408 m a.s.l.

Climate:

  • Warm and dry during the day
  • Sea breeze in Paracas
  • Intense sun in Ica and Huacachina

Total duration: Approx. 18 hours
Land transportation: Lima – Paracas – Ica – Lima
Navigation: Ballestas Islands (tourist speedboat)

Destination Experience

The Paracas + Huacachina Full Day Tour is one of the most complete experiences from Lima. It combines the marine biodiversity of the Ballestas Islands, the desert and coastal landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve, the wine-making tradition of Ica, and the excitement of buggy rides and sandboarding at the Huacachina Oasis.

It is ideal for travelers who want to make the most of their time, experiencing nature, adventure, and culture in a single day, with an organized and safe service operated by Viajes Pachacutec.

Availability

Daily departures

Transport

Hotel pickup

Guide

It is included in the service

Available languages

English and Spanish

Type of service

Group Service

Cancellation policy

Non-refundable

Maximum altitude

408 m.a.s.l

Difficulty

Easy

Location

Ica, Perú

Itinerary

04:00 a.m. – Pick-up and journey to Paracas:  Pick-up from your hotel or meeting point in Lima. We begin our journey south in modern and comfortable tourist transportation, traveling along the Pan-American Highway South. During the trip, the guide will provide general information about the Peruvian coast and the areas we pass through, while you enjoy the sunrise along the road.

06:30 a.m. – Typical Peruvian breakfast (not included):  Stop at a local restaurant where you can enjoy a traditional Peruvian breakfast. Among the most popular options are pork sandwich (pan con chicharrón), coffee, natural juices, or hot infusions, ideal to start the day with energy.

07:45 a.m. – Boarding to the Ballestas Islands:  Arrival at the tourist port of Paracas and transfer to the pier to board the speedboat that will take us to the Ballestas Islands. Before starting the navigation, you will receive safety instructions.

During the maritime tour you will be able to observe:

  • The Paracas Candelabra, a huge geoglyph carved into the sand whose origin and purpose are still debated.
  • Marine fauna and coastal birds, visible from the boat.

08:00 a.m. – Ballestas Islands Tour: Approximate navigation of 1 hour and 45 minutes around the islands, where you will see:

  • Colonies of sea lions resting on the rocks
  • Humboldt penguins, an emblematic species of the cold Pacific current
  • Guano birds such as boobies, pelicans, and cormorants
  • Impressive natural arches, caves, and cliffs

The guide will explain the ecological, historical, and economic importance of this protected marine ecosystem.

10:30 a.m. – Visit to the Paracas National Reserve:  Entrance to one of the most spectacular coastal landscapes in Peru, where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean. During the visit we will see:

  • Red Beach, famous for the reddish color of its sand
  • The Cathedral, an emblematic rock formation of the reserve
  • Natural viewpoints, ideal for panoramic photographs

A unique environment where nature displays contrasts of colors, shapes, and biodiversity.

12:30 p.m. – Lunch at a traditional vineyard (not included):  Visit to an old wine-producing hacienda in the city of Ica. Free time for lunch and to learn more about the region’s wine-making tradition.

Optionally, you may:

  • Participate in an artisan pisco tasting
  • Learn about the production process of pisco and local wines
  • Enjoy typical dishes of Ica gastronomy

14:30 p.m. – Transfer to the Huacachina Oasis:  Arrival at the most famous natural oasis in Peru, surrounded by impressive sand dunes and palm trees. Time to explore the surroundings and prepare for the adventure.

15:30 p.m. – Buggy and Sandboarding:  Start of one of the most exciting experiences of the tour:

  • Extreme buggy ride through the desert dunes
  • Sandboarding on natural sand
  • Strategic stops for photographs

The view of the desert at sunset makes this moment one of the most memorable of the day.

17:00 p.m. – Free time in Huacachina:  Walk around the oasis, rest by the lagoon, or take final photographs before returning.

Return to Lima

18:00 p.m. – Return journey:
 Departure back to Lima by tourist transportation.
Approximate arrival: 22:00 p.m.

Important note: Schedules are for reference only. Our operations team will contact you the day before the tour to reconfirm the schedule.

Includes

What's included

  • Round-trip tourist transportation
  • Navigation ticket to the Ballestas Islands
  • Official Spanish-speaking guide
  • Visit to the Paracas National Reserve
  • Buggy and Sandboarding activity
  • Permanent assistance during the tour

What's not included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch at the vineyard
  • Pisco tasting
  • Boarding taxes (S/ 5 – S/ 15 approx.)
  • Entrance to the National Reserve (S/ 11 approx.)
  • Personal expenses

Recommendations

What to bring

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Light clothing and windbreaker
  • Comfortable sneakers
  • Water and snacks
  • Hat or cap
  • Cash

Weather

  • Intense sun during the day
  • Sea breeze in Paracas
  • Warm temperatures in Ica and Huacachina

Photography

  • Camera or mobile phone with fully charged battery
  • The contrast between sea, desert, and oasis offers spectacular photographs

Environmental care

  • Do not leave trash
  • Respect marine wildlife
  • Always follow the guide’s instructions

Who is this tour ideal for?

  • Adventurous travelers
  • Families
  • Couples
  • Groups of friends
  • Tourists with limited time in Lima

Trade Policies

Price

Price $ 85.00 Per Person

Paracas + Huacachina from Lima – Marine nature, desert, and adventure on the southern coast of Peru

Full Day

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