2-in-1 Day Tour
Ballestas Islands & Huacachina: Wildlife + Desert in One Day
Why choose between the ocean and the desert when you can have both? This private 2-in-1 tour combines a wildlife boat trip around the Ballestas Islands, known as Peru's 'Little Galápagos', with an adrenaline-fueled dune buggy and sandboard session at Huacachina.
Your Ballestas + Huacachina Day, The Full Experience
Starting early from Lima, you head south to Paracas on the Pacific coast, a drive of about 3 hours, for the Ballestas Islands boat excursion past sea lion colonies, Humboldt penguins and marine birds. Afterward you continue to Ica for a Pisco vineyard visit and tasting, then to Huacachina for the dune buggy ride and sandboarding, with a sunset over the dunes.
Day Itinerary
- 6:30 AMPrivate pick-up from your Lima hotel
- MorningDrive south to Paracas Bay (about 3 hours)
- MorningBoat excursion to the Ballestas Islands: the Candelabra, sea lions, Humboldt penguins and marine birds
- AfternoonPisco vineyard visit and tasting in Ica
- AfternoonDune buggy ride at Huacachina Oasis, with photo stops
- SunsetSandboarding and sunset over the dunes
- EveningReturn to Lima and drop-off at your hotel
Ballestas + Huacachina Tour Price & Inclusions
From US$ 320.00 Per adult · Private tour
What's included in your tour:
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Lima
- Private transport: Lima, Paracas, Huacachina and back
- Boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands
- Pisco vineyard visit in Ica
- Dune buggy ride and sandboarding in Huacachina, with equipment and safety gear
- Professional bilingual driver and entrance fees
Private vs. Group Tour
| Private Tour (Ours) | Shared Group Tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Group size | Just your group | Up to 20 people |
| Flexibility | Adaptable pace | Fixed group schedule |
| Service | Dedicated bilingual driver | Shared guide |
| Vehicle | Private car/van | Shared bus |
| Value | 2 experiences, 1 private day | Often sold separately |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Ballestas Islands called Peru's 'Little Galápagos'?
The Ballestas Islands shelter colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, cormorants and hundreds of marine birds, a remarkable concentration of wildlife rarely seen elsewhere on the South American coast.
Can I go inside the Ballestas Islands?
No, the islands are a protected natural reserve and boats circle around them. However, the wildlife is so abundant and close that binoculars are more exciting than they are necessary.
Is this tour good for children?
Yes. The tour has an easy physical rating, life jackets are provided on the boat, and sandboarding can be done on gentler slopes, with dunes suitable for complete beginners.
What if the sea is rough?
The Ballestas boat tour may be modified or rescheduled in extreme weather. In practice, the bay is well-protected and rough conditions are rare.
What time does the tour start?
Hotel pick-up in Lima is at 6:30 AM. The drive to Paracas takes about 3 hours, and the tour ends with the return to Lima and drop-off at your hotel.
Are meals included?
No. Meals, extras and gratuities are not included, so we suggest bringing some cash for food.
Most Popular Combo Tour
Sea Lions in the Morning, Sandboarding at Sunset
This is our most popular day tour combination. Spots fill up fast, especially on weekends and during peak season. Book today and lock in both experiences.
Book Ballestas + Huacachina Tour