Ballestas, Paracas & Huacachina

Ballestas, Paracas Reserve & Huacachina Buggy Group Tour

If you’re short on time but want to experience the best of southern Peru in a single day, this group tour is your perfect choice. Visit the stunning Ballestas Islands, often called “the poor man’s Galapagos,” where you’ll witness incredible marine wildlife such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds. Then, explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve, with its dramatic cliffs, red beaches, and vast desert scenery. Finally, head to the legendary Huacachina Oasis to enjoy a thrilling dune buggy ride and sandboarding adventure through the towering golden dunes. This all-in-one tour is ideal for travellers with a tight schedule who want to see three must-visit destinations without rushing through the experience. With expert guides, modern transport, and efficient planning, this tour offers maximum adventure in minimal time — making it one of the best short group tours in Peru for nature and adrenaline lovers alike.

Top Highlights

Tour Level: Easy – suitable for all ages.
Departure: 8:00 AM from our office in Paracas.
Duration: Full-day tour (approx. 10 hours).
Tour Type: Nature & Adventure.
Type Service: Group tour – ONE WAY .

Your adventure begins at 8:00 AM from our Paracas office, where you’ll meet your group and guide. We’ll start the day with a scenic boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, located just 30 minutes from the dock. Here, you’ll witness an incredible variety of marine life including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds, as well as the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph carved into the cliffside. After returning to Paracas, we’ll take a 30-minute break so you can use the facilities and grab a quick snack. At 11:00 AM, we’ll head into the Paracas National Reserve, just 15 minutes away by vehicle. Inside the reserve, you’ll explore stunning viewpoints like the Cathedral, Supay Beach lookout, the Red Beach, and Lagunillas Bay. Around 1:30 PM, we’ll stop for lunch at a local seaside restaurant (meal not included). After lunch, we’ll travel approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to the desert oasis of Huacachina. Once there, we’ll walk over the dunes for about 10 minutes to reach our buggy boarding point. At 5:00 PM, we’ll hop into the dune buggies for an exhilarating one-hour ride across the golden dunes, with sandboarding included. The experience ends with a breathtaking sunset over the desert. We then return to Huacachina, where our full-day group tour concludes. This itinerary is perfect for travellers who want to explore three of Peru’s top coastal and desert destinations in one unforgettable day.

Included:

  • Boat tour to the Ballestas Islands.
  • Guided visit to Paracas National Reserve.
  • Dune buggy ride and sandboarding in Huacachina.
  • Professional bilingual tour guide (English/Spanish).
  • Group transport between Paracas and Huacachina.
  • Safety equipment: life jackets, helmets, goggles.
  • Bottled water during the tour.

Not Included:

  • Meals and personal snacks.
  • Entrance fees to the Ballestas, Paracas and Huacachina (26 soles or 8 USD per person)
  • Tips for guides and drivers.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Note:
The entrance fee to Ballestas, Paracas and Huacachina is not included in the tour price and must be paid directly in cash or card at the control point, in Peruvian soles.

Allowed:

  • Taking photos and videos throughout the tour.
  • Bringing small backpacks with personal items.
  • Wearing hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  • Bringing water bottles and light snacks.
  • Using GoPro or cameras during buggy and boat rides (securely fastened).

❌ Not Allowed:

  • Littering or removing natural elements (e.g. shells, rocks).
  • Drones (without prior permit).
  • Loud music or disruptive behaviour.
  • Smoking in protected areas.
  • Feeding or disturbing wildlife.
  • Swimming or touching wildlife at the Ballestas Islands.
  • Consuming alcohol or smoking during any part of the tour.
  • Wearing flip-flops or sandals during the dune buggy ride.
  • Joining the tour under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

🎒 What to Bring:

  • Cash in soles for entrance fee.
  • Sunglasses, hat, and high-SPF sunscreen.
  • Comfortable clothes for warm and windy conditions.
  • Refillable water bottle.
  • Camera or smartphone.
  • Light snacks (optional).
  • Windbreaker or light jacket (optional – coastal breeze).

The meeting point for this tour is our office in Paracas. Please make sure to arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Our staff will provide you with all necessary travel instructions and guidance before the tour begins.

Please note that the Ballestas Islands tour is weather-dependent. In case of rough sea conditions, we offer three flexible options:

  1. Join an alternative land-based tour

  2. Reschedule the Ballestas tour for another day

  3. Continue with the rest of the itinerary and receive a partial refund for the missed boat tour

If you’re travelling with luggage, you may safely store your bags in our Paracas office. After the Paracas Reserve tour, you will take your luggage to Huacachina in our vehicle. Once in Huacachina, it will be kept securely at our office, where you can collect it after the buggy tour and continue with your journey.

To ensure smooth coordination and real-time updates during the tour, it is strongly recommended that you have WhatsApp installed and accessible throughout the day.

Please note that this is a one-way tour ending in Huacachina. If you wish to return to Paracas the same day, you must inform us several days in advance so we can arrange and quote the return transport for you accordingly. Return transfers are not included by default and must be requested in advance.

This helps us ensure availability and offer you the most convenient and cost-effective option for your return journey.

This tour is not suitable for cruise ship passengers arriving at San Martín Port, as the timings and logistics do not match cruise schedules. Please note that this is a land-based tour with fixed departure times and we are unable to offer custom pickups from the port.

For the best experience, we recommend this tour for visitors who are staying overnight or arriving independently in Paracas.

Your tour is confirmed immediately upon booking, and you will receive an official confirmation by email or WhatsApp. We accept all major credit and debit cards and offer secure online payment options for your convenience.

You may cancel or reschedule your tour up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time at no additional cost. If you fail to show up on the day of the tour (No Show), no refunds or rescheduling will be offered.

We are committed to providing flexibility and transparency, ensuring your experience in Paracas is enjoyable, safe, and fair under all circumstances.

Why Book This Tour

This tour is perfect for travellers who want to make the most of their time in southern Peru, visiting three iconic destinations—Ballestas Islands, Paracas National Reserve, and Huacachina—in just one day. It combines nature, adventure, and desert landscapes in a seamless, time-efficient itinerary. You'll explore marine wildlife, dramatic coastal views, and enjoy a thrilling dune buggy and sandboarding experience at sunset. With expert local guides, comfortable transport, and luggage support, this group tour is ideal for backpackers, couples, or solo travellers looking for a hassle-free and unforgettable day trip. Whether you're heading towards Arequipa, Cusco, or Lima, this one-way tour ending in Huacachina is a smart choice for your journey through Peru.

Why Book With Us?

We are a trusted local operator based in Paracas with years of experience offering high-quality group and private tours along Peru’s southern coast. Our tours are carefully designed to maximise your experience and save you time, allowing you to visit Ballestas Islands, Paracas National Reserve, and Huacachina all in one unforgettable day. We use modern, safe vehicles, and our team is known for being friendly, professional, and highly responsive—especially via real-time WhatsApp support. We also offer luggage assistance and flexible return options to make your journey smooth and stress-free. Travellers choose us for our attention to detail, clear communication, and commitment to providing authentic and efficient adventures. Book with us and enjoy a well-organised, fully supported, and exciting one-way tour you can trust.

Ballestas, Paracas & Huacachina

$ 50
00
  • Price per person

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What Our Customers Say

Our clients consistently praise our tours for their professionalism, punctuality, and exceptional service. Many highlight the knowledgeable bilingual guides, the comfort and safety of our boats, and the unforgettable wildlife sightings. With thousands of positive reviews, travellers recommend us as the top choice for Paracas tours, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience every time.

Still Not Ready to Book?

Not ready to book yet? Need more time or want to personalise this tour? No problem! We’re here to help, contact us today via WhatsApp or email and let’s tailor your perfect Paracas Reserve experience. Your adventure is just one message away!

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