Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina worth booking?
Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina is a 18-hour experience in Lima, Peru, from $120 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (9)
- Duration
- 18 hours
- From
- $120 per person
Enjoy a refreshing excursion full of sun and fun, We handle very good logistics so you can fully enjoy your trip, with tourist mobilities, professional guides, the Tour Includes a yacht ride where you can see guano birds, Humboldt penguins, sea lions and plus. Once the visit is over, we will go to Ica to start the tour of the desert dunes, where we will enjoy the main tourist attractions, the oasis of Huacachina by the Ballestas Islands, a delicious lunch from the area (food not included), tasting Free wine and piscos, adrenaline in the sand carts. Arrival in Lima between 10:00 p.m. to -11:00 p.m.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a refreshing excursion full of sun and fun, We handle very good logistics so you can fully enjoy your trip, with tourist mobilities, professional guides, the Tour Includes a yacht ride where you can see guano birds, Humboldt penguins, sea lions and plus. Once the visit is over, we will go to Ica to start the tour of the desert dunes, where we will enjoy the main tourist attractions, the oasis of Huacachina by the Ballestas Islands, a delicious lunch from the area (food not included), tasting Free wine and piscos, adrenaline in the sand carts. Arrival in Lima between 10:00 p.m. to -11:00 p.m.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Adventure activities
- Sand Buggies Ride
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Airboat ride to Ballestas Islands
Not included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Pick up at hotels with private transportation at 4:00 a.m. to the city of Paracas.
10 minutes here
Las Islas Ballestas
Arrival at the tourist pier where we will begin our excursion to the Ballestas Islands, a largest maritime reserve in Peru and the second largest in South America. For this tour we will take a ride on the slider, each participant will have life jackets and an adequate distance from other participants. On the way you can see El Candelabro, which is a large geoglyph very similar to the Nazca lines. This island is made up of natural rock formations that are home to important marine fauna, where large colonies of guano birds live (guanay, booby, pelican, cormorant, tendrils, etc.) You can also see sea lions, Humboldt penguins and dolphins.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Ica
Then, arrival to the City of Ica, lunch at Hacienda el Catador (Lunch not included.). We arrive in Ica for lunch, we can enjoy some typical dishes.
60 minutes here
VISIT TO THE VITIVINICOLA AND PISCO TASTING We will take a tour to the winery to learn how to make a good wine, then we will go to taste FREE wines, creams, macerates and piscos, those who wish can buy. We will also visit the Bodega el Catador, where the grape brandy, known as Pisco, is made. Old Fundo Tres Esquinas Winery, where we will show you the entire process of making Peruvian Wine and Pisco in an artisanal way since 1856, guided by an experienced winery worker. Here we will find old pieces such as Clay Botijas, Copper Skirt and Huarango Press that are used today. After visiting the winery facilities, visitors will be invited to taste the main products made in the winery. : Wines, Piscos, Pisco Creams and Mistelas. Accompanying with typical dynamic phrases of the city of Ica.
60 minutes here
Huacachina Oasis
VISIT HUACACHINA LAGOON AND DUNES This lagoon is born from the tears of a beautiful woman with green eyes surrounded by dunes and palm trees, this lagoon has legends to tell, free time to explore and taste chocotejas, tiles and handicraft shopping
30 minutes here
Huacachina
Riding in sand carts (tubular) and sliding down the immense dunes on a table are the activities that travelers enjoy the most when they visit the oasis of Huacachina in Ica. Now is your chance! Accept this challenge and venture into the warm sands of the Ica desert in tubular cars.
60 minutes here
We started the journey home. Not without first stopping at the "Racimo de Uva" vineyard in Chincha to taste the liquors produced in this area, and enjoy Afro-Peruvian dance and music. ARRIVAL IN CHINCHA / GRAPE BUNCH WINERY Chincha will be our last stop to taste some wines, cachina and buy demijohns, you will also be able to taste some typical Chincha desserts such as tiles, chocotejas, water cookies and tamales. Return to Lima. Return to the chosen boarding points. Next, we will return to Lima, End of our services.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- INKA TREK PERU
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Babies from 1 to 3 years of age must travel carried by their parents during the entire trip. Otherwise, pay the child price.
- Babies from 1 to 3 years old only have a charge of 15 usd in their reservation for the use of a seat on the ballestas islands tour- mandatory.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The No yacht, yacht tour
The guide was very pleasant but everything about this was actually, MISLEADING. There was no "yatch" it was more like a fishing boat with seats and life jackets. We were crammed next to one another and it was extremely dissappinting . The highlight of this entire experience was the dessert ride and sand boarding. Bring water because you'll need to walk uphill in dessert heat. Honestly wouldn't reccomend to my worst enemy but Miguel was an extremely kind host despite it being nothing like what the description advertises . The day seemed to drag but Miguel helped with my early departure by calling a taxi that delivered me safely back to hotel.
Response from the operator: Hi Sherri, thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience. We are truly sorry that the tour did not meet your expectations, and we understand your frustration regarding the type of boat and the heat during the activity. We genuinely appreciate that you recognized the effort of our team, especially Miguel’s support in arranging your early transportation. We are continuously working to improve the clarity of our tour descriptions and the comfort we provide to our travelers, and your feedback helps us continue refining the experience. We would love the opportunity to welcome you again in the future and provide a tour that truly exceeds your expectations. Thank you again for your honesty and for choosing us.
via Viator
Excellent
Beautiful experience and they treat you very well, I felt comfortable.🦭 Excellent tour guide Mr. William✌️ a kind person, very patient with nice charisma and attitude. Keep up the wonderful experience!
Response from the operator: ¡Gracias por tu fantástica opinión, Madelienr2024! Nos alegra saber que disfrutaste tu experiencia con nosotros y te sentiste cómoda durante el tour. Agradecemos tus amables palabras sobre nuestro guía, el Sr. William. ¡Es genial saber que hizo de tu viaje una experiencia especial con su amabilidad y carisma! ¡Esperamos verte de nuevo para más aventuras increíbles! 🚤🌅🏜️
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Over all experiences were pleasant and good but I did not like how our tour guide pressure us to going to a specific res
The Inca experience was beautiful and extremely a lot of fun in the buggy. Over all experiences were pleasant and good but I did not like how our tour guide pressure us to going to a specific restaurant for breakfast even after I asked is this the only place we can eat and she stated it was then we arrived to see there many places to eat but she told us there wasn’t. I feel like she has a deal with some of the stores and forces groups to go there specifically for business. I’m adult I should be able to go where I want to and just be told we have to meet here by a certain time . She kept forcing us to go only to specific stores and not us visit places next to them .
Response from the operator: Hi Diana, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with our Full Day Paracas Ica tour. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the beauty of the Inca experience and the thrilling buggy ride. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the restaurant recommendation. Your feedback is valuable, and we understand the importance of providing options to our customers. We will take this into consideration to enhance our services and ensure we offer more flexible experiences tailored to each traveler's preferences. Despite this hiccup, we hope you had an overall enjoyable day with us. We appreciate your insights as they help us grow and continually improve. We look forward to the opportunity of hosting you again on future tours, providing an even more memorable experience. Best regards, Miguel - Inka Trek Peru
via Viator
Excellent trip
Yes, very good service, everything was fine, I had the opportunity to go twice, everything was excellent and in the end they compensated with a wine
Response from the operator: ¡Muchas gracias por compartir tu experiencia con nosotros en TripAdvisor! Nos alegra mucho saber que tuviste un viaje excelente y que disfrutaste de la atención proporcionada. Valoramos tu confianza al elegirnos no solo una vez, sino en dos ocasiones. Nuestro equipo trabaja arduamente para asegurar que cada aspecto de tu experiencia sea memorable y satisfactorio. Esperamos que hayas disfrutado de las actividades y los lugares que visitamos durante tus viajes con nosotros. Y nos complace que hayas encontrado agradable el detalle final de un vino, como una muestra de nuestro agradecimiento por tu elección. Agradecemos nuevamente tus amables palabras y esperamos tener el honor de recibirte en futuras ocasiones para brindarte más experiencias excepcionales. Saludos cordiales,
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Less than imagined
The buggy rides and sand boarding at the Huacachina oasis were the only things that made the trip somewhat worthwhile. We didn't get to do the Paracas Yacht tour due to weather conditions. As a substitute they took us to a nature preserve where they said we would see many different kinds of birds. It was not as they described and was a little bit of a let down from what we thought we were going to be doing. (It was also a lot cheaper to go to the preserve than the yacht tour but no refund was offered). The lunch stop (+ winery) at Ica was good, but was not included in the price we paid. The guide was less than helpful and I would not recommend him (Marco), but you don't get to pick your guide. I think he was drunk by the end of the day. We later saw the exact same tour offered in Lima at $80/person (vs the $120 we paid on TripAdvisor). I wish we would have waited as the trip (without the yacht tour) was probably only worth about $60 IMO.
Response from the operator: Hello traveler, We deeply apologize for the inconveniences you experienced during your trip. We would like to address some of the points you raised in your feedback: - On the day of your excursion, we encountered high tide conditions that led to the temporary closure of the Paracas port for safety reasons. As a result, we were unable to proceed with the Paracas Yacht tour as originally planned. - In light of the unforeseen circumstances, our guide offered you an alternative option to visit the Paracas nature preserve by land. We understand that this substitution may not have met your expectations, and we apologize for any disappointment you may have felt. Due to the change in activity, a refund was not provided, as this was part of the adjusted arrangement. - It's important to note that our program specifies that meals are not included in the package. The lunch stop at Ica, including the winery visit, is indeed an additional cost that is not covered by the initial tour price. - We acknowledge that prices for similar tours can vary, and the differences can be attributed to factors such as service quality and market dynamics. Furthermore, please be aware that Tripadvisor charges a commission, affecting the overall cost displayed to you. - We genuinely regret the unfavorable weather conditions that impacted your experience. We understand the frustration it can cause and sincerely hope that you might consider giving us another opportunity in the future under more favorable weather circumstances. We appreciate your feedback as it helps us improve our services and ensure a better experience for all our travelers. Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience you faced during your trip and hope to welcome you back under better circumstances. Safe travels, Inkatrekperu
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 18 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Lima.
How much does Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina cost?
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Prices start at $120 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 Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina take?
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Plan for about 18 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 Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 9 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 Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina?
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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 Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 18-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina?
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Around 3 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?
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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 18-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina?
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Included: Private transportation; Adventure activities; Sand Buggies Ride; All Fees and Taxes; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Breakfast; Dinner; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 266 listed pickup locations in and around Lima. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina offered in?
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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 Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina?
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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 Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Full Day in Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina?
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Across 9 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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