Ballestas Islands & Huacachina

Ballestas Islands, Pisco Vineyard & Huacachina Desert Adventure – Full-Day Tour from Paracas

Embark on a full-day journey from Paracas that combines wildlife, culture, and adrenaline in one unforgettable experience. Start your day with a boat tour to the stunning Ballestas Islands, often called “the mini Galapagos,” where you’ll witness sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and countless seabirds in their natural habitat. Then, head inland to a traditional vineyard in Ica to learn about the artisanal production of Peruvian wine and pisco — and enjoy a guided tasting of these iconic drinks. Finally, dive into the dunes of Huacachina, South America’s only natural desert oasis, where you’ll hop on a high-speed dune buggy and try thrilling sandboarding. This tour is perfect for travellers seeking nature, local flavour, and heart-racing adventure all in one day.

Top Highlights

Tour Level: Easy to Moderate – suitable for all ages.
Departure: Daily departures from Paracas at 9:00 AM
Duration: Full-day tour (approx. 10 hours).
Tour Type: Group Tour – wildlife, cultural and adventure combined
Type Service: Shared service with small group.

Your adventure begins at our Paracas office at 09:00 – please arrive 20 minutes early for a full briefing of the day’s activities. At 09:00, board the boat for a guided two-hour tour of the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Little Galapagos,” where you’ll spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and a variety of seabirds, as well as the famous Candelabra geoglyph etched into the cliffs. After returning to the dock, enjoy a 40-minute break to use the restroom or grab a light snack. At 12:00, depart for Ica and visit a traditional artisanal winery to learn about the pisco and wine-making process with a guided tour and tasting. Then, stop for lunch (not included) before heading to the stunning Huacachina Oasis. After a short 10-minute walk over the dunes to our departure point, get ready for a thrilling dune buggy and sandboarding tour starting at 17:00, ending with a breathtaking desert sunset. Return to base and travel back to Paracas, arriving around 19:00.

Included:

  • Boat tour to the Ballestas Islands with official maritime guide.
  • Life jackets and all safety equipment for the boat trip.
  • Air-conditioned transport from Paracas to Ica and back.
  • Guided visit to an artisanal pisco and wine bodega with tastings.
  • Dune buggy tour and sandboarding in Huacachina.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) local guide throughout the day.
  • Free time to explore and enjoy the Huacachina Oasis.

Not Included:

  • Meals and personal snacks.
  • Entrance fees to the Ballestas and Huacachina (20 soles or 6 USD per person)
  • Tips for guides and drivers.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Note:
The entrance fee to Ballestas 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

This tour is designed as a round trip from Paracas, returning the same evening. However, if you wish to take the tour one-way only and remain in Ica, Huacachina, or be dropped off at a bus station or hotel, please inform us in advance. This allows us to arrange suitable transport so you can travel comfortably and efficiently. Advance notice ensures we can offer you the best experience and avoid last-minute inconveniences.

If you’re travelling with luggage, you may safely store your bags in our office in Huacachina. After the buggy tour, you can take it 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.

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 full-day tour offers the perfect mix of wildlife, culture, and adrenaline — all in one seamless itinerary from Paracas. You’ll explore the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions and penguins, visit a local pisco and wine bodega for authentic tastings, and experience the thrill of dune buggy rides and sandboarding at the iconic Huacachina Oasis. With expert bilingual guides, modern transport, and carefully planned logistics, we ensure a stress-free and unforgettable day. Ideal for travellers wanting to see the best of the Peruvian coast in one exciting trip.

Why Book With Us?

We’re a trusted local operator based in Paracas, offering well-organised, high-quality tours with a focus on safety, comfort, and authentic experiences. Our modern vehicles, experienced bilingual guides, and small-group service ensure a more personalised and enjoyable journey. We include all entrance fees and coordinate every detail so you can relax and focus on the adventure. With excellent reviews and insider knowledge, we deliver the best-value Ballestas and Huacachina tour — from the coast to the dunes, we’ve got you covered.

Ballestas, Wine & Huacachina

$ 45
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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