Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert in Lima, Peru
Lima, Peru

Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert

Outty Ranking 70 4.8 · 21 traveler reviews17 hoursFrom $60
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Outty Ranking

70/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 21 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert worth booking?

Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert is a 17-hour experience in Lima, Peru, from $60 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 21 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
70 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (21)
Duration
17 hours
From
$60 per person

Visiting the Ballestas Islands and meeting the Humbold penguins, wolves and more. Wine and pisco tasting and then head to live one of the best experiences in the Huacachina desert, between speed and adrenaline we will end the day with an imposing lagoon observed from above for the best photos!

What you get

    About this experience

    Visiting the Ballestas Islands and meeting the Humbold penguins, wolves and more. Wine and pisco tasting and then head to live one of the best experiences in the Huacachina desert, between speed and adrenaline we will end the day with an imposing lagoon observed from above for the best photos!

    What's included

    Included

    • Tour guide
    • Wine and pisco tasting
    • Slide ride to the Ballestas Islands - Paracas
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Visit to the Huacachina lagoon

    Not included

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Entrance fees
    • Buggies and sandboarding (optional) - only if you wish

    What you'll see and do

    1. Miraflores

      Start of boarding - Pick up included (Falabella Saga and meeting points) Optional: After coordination, pick up at the hotel Noa we head south, heading to Paracas - Ica

      300 minutes here · Admission included

    2. We arrive in Paracas to begin the 1 hour 25 minute glider ride to the Ballestas Islands to observe the fauna and flora of the Peruvian coast, species such as the sea lion, Humboldt penguins, among others. You will visit Paracas Bay, free time for shopping and photography.

      180 minutes here

    3. Pisco Nietto

      Continuing with our tour, we head to Ica to have lunch and enjoy Iqueña gastronomy, we will also taste artisanal wines and pisco, Peru's flagship drink.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Huacachina Oasis

      After a delicious lunch and Pisco tasting we go to the Oasis of America to see the Huacachina lagoon and we will start a short walk to board the sand carts (tubular) and start this adventure activity, after the ride of ups, downs, adrenaline and speed, we will reach the top of the Dunes to slide on the sandboarding board, also from the viewpoint part you will have time to take photos with the best view of the Huacachina lagoon

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Lima

      After having enjoyed the attractions of Paracas and Ica, we begin the return to the city of Lima, along the way we will make a strategic stop to purchase snacks, hygienic services and we continue with the return Arrival in Lima approx. 10pm

      240 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Lima

    In front of the Marriot Hotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/sytsNpAxrtgzn9BM8

    Meeting point

    Lima

    Whereabouts of Plaza Norte (Before reaching the repsol tap, auxiliary of the Panamericana https://maps.app.goo.gl/sbBFtERkqd3nStMz9

    Meeting point

    Lima

    Corner of Av. Arequipa with Av. Javier Prado (Smart fit) https://maps.app.goo.gl/tfv5jsUxGg2e5KjF7

    Meeting point

    Lima

    Go to the corner of the Falabella store, right at the intersection of Av. Arequipa and Av. José Pardo, the guide and the mobility will arrive there for boarding.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    In front of the Marriot Hotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/sytsNpAxrtgzn9BM8

    Ends at

    Whereabouts of Plaza Norte (Before reaching the repsol tap, auxiliary of the Panamericana https://maps.app.goo.gl/sbBFtERkqd3nStMz9

    Ends at

    Corner of Av. Arequipa with Av. Javier Prado (Smart fit) https://maps.app.goo.gl/tfv5jsUxGg2e5KjF7

    Ends at

    Go to the corner of the Falabella store, right at the intersection of Av. Arequipa and Av. José Pardo, the guide and the mobility will arrive there for boarding.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Viajes Origenes tours

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • It is not recommended that people who suffer from back problems or are pregnant participate in tubular and sandboarding.
    • Children under 1 year old cannot participate in the trip to the Ballestas Islands.
    • Children over 2 years old must present their ID document for the trip to the Ballestas Islands

    Photos

    Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert in Lima, photo 2Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert in Lima, photo 3Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert in Lima, photo 4Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert in Lima, photo 5Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert in Lima, photo 6Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert in Lima, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 21 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Organization

    4 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    21 verified traveler reviews for Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    20
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    JANA_R · October 2026

    Superficial and very long tour. For me, it was not worth it.

    This tour only includes transportation. We had to pay for breakfast, lunch, the activity, and the entrance to the Ballestas Islands (30€ more than the initial 45€). Furthermore, all the stops made are to buy souvenirs and pay for restrooms. Also, in the dunes, we chose to pay for the buggy and the person who took us left us first because he wanted to watch a soccer game. We only went down the dunes once. The bar they offer then you have to pay 2 soles and an extra 1 sol is added if you make payments with a card of at least 10 soles. On the other hand, we requested pickup at the hotel thinking that the bus/van itself would come since we wanted to avoid traveling or waiting at those early morning hours through Lima. They sent us an Uber and made us pay 20 soles per person when the trip cost the driver himself 10 soles (I understand the company kept 30 soles?). If we had known they would arrange an Uber for us, we would have ordered it ourselves. The tour person rushed us to arrive when the very transport they had arranged arrived 5 minutes later than agreed. In general, I think it is a superficial tour, with many hours of travel, with the purpose of selling constantly. I highly recommend investing the money in the Sacred Valley instead or choosing a tour that for the same price (50€) already includes all the activities (they exist). Even so, Claudia, the organizer, was willing from the first moment and was available to answer and resolve questions, but I do not think the tour met our expectations.

    via Viator (translated)

    calibethp · October 2025

    Excellent trip

    An unforgettable experience. Having eternal memories with family is best. The agency made me live moments of joy, adventure I still remember the expression of my mother surprise feel like a girl....ufffff thank you very much hope to participate again from another turs!!!!!

    Response from the operator: Muchas gracias por compartir su experiencia 😊 esperamos que vuelva a contactarnos 😊

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    alejandrarM6815UV · May 2025

    Very good

    The tour was very good. Great views and great sand board. Sometimes you just have to watch for the people who delay the whole group.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    raulcR8169MP · December 2024

    UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

    It was one of the best experiences that I had to live .. but what better with the company of friends but something that complemented our great experience with the Claudia Guide she transmitted all her good vibe and her knowledge through the.tour ....Thank you total

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    danaaP7005CZ · December 2024

    Amazing 🤩

    The tour to Paracas and Ica was absolutely amazing! The sandboarding experience in the dunes was thrilling and unforgettable. Everything was so well-organized, and the guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the trip even better. Highly recommend it!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    17 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    7
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 70

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)46
    Booking momentum (14% weight)37
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)65
    Local standing (8% weight)50
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Lima.

    How much does Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert cost?

    +

    Prices start at $60 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Lima usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert take?

    +

    Plan for about 17 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Lima is not rushed.

    Is Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 21 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Lima, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 17-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert?

    +

    Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Lima can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Lima and add a light layer if any part of the 17-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Lima within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Lima?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Lima experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Paracas & Huacachina Day Trip from Lima with Sunset Toast, Discover Lima: Love Park, Historic Center, and its Catacombs., Paracas & Huacachina Premium Experience from Lima. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Lima?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Lima?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert?

    +

    Included: Tour guide; Wine and pisco tasting; Slide ride to the Ballestas Islands - Paracas; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Visit to the Huacachina lagoon. Not included: Breakfast; Lunch; Entrance fees; and Buggies and sandboarding (optional) - only if you wish. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert?

    +

    In front of the Marriot Hotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/sytsNpAxrtgzn9BM8 Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and It is not recommended that people who suffer from back problems or are pregnant participat. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Lima. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and Huacachinca Ica Desert?

    +

    Across 21 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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