Full day Tour to Huacachina and Paracas (Natural Reserve - Ballestas Islands)

Itinerary of the Huacachina and Paracas Tour:

04:00 - 04:30 AM | Pickup from your accommodation in Lima and departure to Paracas

The adventure begins very early when the driver picks you up from your accommodation between 04:00 and 04:30 am. You will start a journey to the charming coastal town of Paracas, located about 3 and a half hours south of Lima. Along the way, we will make a brief stop so you can use the restrooms and purchase snacks if you wish.

Ballestas Islands Tour

Once in Paracas, we will board a shared boat with other tourists and begin the tour to the Ballestas Islands. The seating order on the boat is random, as seats are assigned at the time of boarding based on the order of arrival. A bilingual guide (Spanish and English) will accompany you throughout the sea tour, providing interesting explanations about the wildlife and landscapes.

From the boat, you will have the opportunity to observe impressive rock formations, colonies of seabirds, pelicans, Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and the famous Candelabra geoglyph, considered one of the most enigmatic figures similar to the Nazca Lines. Wildlife visibility may vary depending on the season and weather conditions.

In the exceptional case that the tide is high and navigation is not possible for safety reasons, we will head to the Paracas National Reserve, an area of 335,000 hectares known for its unique landscapes and history as a former marine zone.

Exploration of the Paracas National Reserve

Next, we will board our private transport to head to the impressive Paracas National Reserve, one of Peru’s most important natural jewels.

During the trip, we will make several strategic stops at the most emblematic beaches and viewpoints of the reserve, allowing you to appreciate the scenic beauty of the surroundings and capture incredible photographs.

This territory, which was submerged under the sea millions of years ago, surprises with unique landscapes, highlighting rock formations sculpted by nature, cliffs rising over the ocean, and beaches of various tones. For example, Red Beach stands out especially for the intense red color of its sand, a result of ancient volcanic eruptions, among other impressive beaches where we will stop to take photographs.

A journey full of contrasts and natural beauty, where the desert meets the ocean in a visual harmony you will hardly forget.

Transfer to Ica – Lunch and Pisco Tasting

After finishing the tour of the reserve, we will head to the city of Ica on a journey of approximately one and a half hours. There, you will enjoy a traditional lunch at a typical local restaurant, with the option to choose from three main dishes, accompanied by a starter, so you can select the one you like the most.

After lunch, it will be time to taste the famous Peruvian Pisco. We will sample piscos, pisco creams, and mistelas, all locally and artisanally made, accompanied by typical humorous phrases from the region.

Huacachina Tour: Buggies and Sandboarding

In the afternoon, we will head to the legendary oasis of Huacachina, surrounded by immense golden dunes. This magical place has been a refuge for travelers and adventure lovers for decades.

Here awaits an adrenaline-filled experience: you will board shared buggies, all-terrain vehicles that will race across the dunes at high speed. During the activity, you can also practice sandboarding, sliding down the dunes on a board, either sitting or lying down.

Important: This activity is not recommended for people with heart problems, pregnant women, or elderly adults due to the intense movements.

Return to Lima

Finally, we will begin the approximately 4-hour return trip to Lima, arriving at your hotel in Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro around 10:30 p.m.

If you want to make the itinerary less loaded, you can request changes. Together we will design the best option.

Each experience is unique; draw your special adventure with Guru Explorers. Most importantly, travel safe!

The Full Day tour to the Paracas National Reserve, Ballestas Islands, and Huacachina includes:

• Private transportation Lima – Paracas – Huacachina – Lima
• Private Spanish-speaking driver
• Lunch (1 starter option to choose from 3 available options, 1 main course option to choose from 3 available options)
• All entrance fees or taxes (SERNANP, Paracas National Reserve, Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, El Chaco Pier)
• Visit to the Paracas National Reserve
• Shared ride in sand buggies and sandboarding activity on the Huacachina dunes
• Sandboarding board to slide sitting or lying down. No previous experience required
• Guided shared tour to the Ballestas Islands (life jacket & guide in Spanish or English)

Price of the Huacachina and Paracas Tour excludes:

• Private guide from Lima. The Ballestas Islands tour includes its own local guide.
• Professional sandboarding equipment – snowboard-type board for standing slides.
• Breakfast, dinner
• Drinks

What to bring to the Huacachina and Paracas Tour?

• Passport or valid ID
• Small backpack (with water bottle, snacks, and other essentials) You can buy snacks on the way or upon arrival.
• Personal medication
• Extra money in soles for souvenirs (optional)
• Hat or cap for the sun
• Sunglasses: important to protect your eyes from the sand during the dune buggy ride.
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes for the visit
• Light and comfortable clothing. It’s usually quite windy during the boat ride to the Ballestas Islands and in the Paracas National Reserve, and the wind can be cold. We recommend bringing a light jacket or windbreaker.
• Camera
• Bandana (optional) to protect your face from the sand during the dune buggy ride. You can buy it from street vendors right there.
• Jacket

What considerations should you have when doing the Huacachina and Paracas Tour?

• Remember that, since these are outdoor activities, the natural features of the landscape may vary depending on weather conditions and the natural daylight. Each visit is an authentic experience, where nature reveals itself in unique and unrepeatable ways.

Not allowed:

• Pets.
• Smoke.
• Large suitcases or bags.

Difficulty: Low
Not recommended for:

• People in wheelchairs.
• Pregnant women (Huacachina Tour)

According to Peruvian regulations, foreign tourists may be exempt from the local tax IGV (VAT). As a formal and registered travel agency, we are required to submit to the local authorities a copy of the document you used to enter the country, as well as your date of entry. For this reason, a few days before your arrival, we will contact you to request a photo of that document and ask you to let us know the date you entered Peru. If we do not receive this information, we will be required to add the 18% corresponding to the IGV tax. 

Thank you for your cooperation!

Cancellation Policy

• More than 30 days in advance: Penalty is 20% of the total amount
• Between 7 and 30 days in advance: Penalty is 40% of the total amount
• Less than 7 days in advance: Penalty is 100% of the total amount

Date changes

• More than 30 days in advance: Penalty is 5% of the total amount
• Between 7 and 30 days in advance: Penalty is 10% of the total amount
• Less than 7 days in advance: Penalty is 100% of the total amount
• Subject to availability.
• There will be no refunds in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather, or other external factors.

Force Majeure Policy

• Guru Explorers values your time and makes every effort to follow the itinerary. However, it may be affected by force majeure events such as weather conditions, rain, natural disasters, protests, roadblocks, or other circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, no refunds or compensation will be provided, as these are unforeseeable and unavoidable situations. Nonetheless, we will do everything possible to offer efficient alternatives and solutions for your enjoyment. Any additional costs resulting from changes or alternative activities will be the responsibility of the client and not Guru Explorers.

¿WHY CHOOSING US?

We want to be part of that experience that you will live in the Tour to Huacachina and Paracas. If you are still wondering why choose us? We would like you to read 7 outstanding characteristics of our service:

QUALITY: 

When you go to a teacher, it is because you want to answer all the questions. In a matter of travel, money, time and enjoyment, you have to choose the best options available and that is what “Guru Explorers” is all about, giving you the perfect balance for the adventure you DESERVE.

EXPERIENCE: 

To become “Guru Explorers”, we are still world travelers, but experts in Cusco, Lima, and the most important destinations in Peru. We lived bad and good experiences, valuing that the main difference lies in the details, so we know what elements are essential for your trip. We are travelers and we strive to enhance your experience!

TRANSPARENCY: 

We are here to provide you with the best and most accurate information and description of our tours. We are not supporters of hidden costs, that is why we provide the necessary information so you can choose the inclusions or upgrades you are looking for.

SECURITY: 

You entrust us with your time, your money and your expectations and that is why we fine-tune every detail to guarantee the trip you dream of.

FLEXIBILITY: 

Although we have pre-established packages; they can be adapted to your needs and to make plans that are suited to you, so that you can visit any place in Peru, with the expertise of “Guru Explorers”. We adapt trips for special occasions such as your corporate trips, honeymoon, birthday, social, cultural or sports event during your visit to Peru, offering you complete advice to achieve and exceed your expectations.

PASSION: 

Before being tour guides, we are travelers, explorers, adventurers; That makes us passionate about creating the best experiences in the time you invest for yourself and those you love.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: 

We promote Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, not affecting the traveler, nor exploiting the communities that receive it or their environment. We create more human and respectful experiences of Heritage.

Do you want a different trip to Huacachina and Paracas? We won't keep you waiting!

Why go to Huacachina?

Closeness to Lima : Huacachina is located 5 hours by car from the city of Lima. You will find many local tourists who enjoy the adventures that the Oasis offers.

Guaranteed fun : Being a place surrounded by dunes, they become an ideal area for practicing adventure sports and adrenaline; like Sandboarding, tours in tubular carts and walks on the sand mountains of Huacachina.

Spectacular scenery : Huacachina is known worldwide as an "Oasis in the desert", a special place endowed with incomparable landscaping, which has allowed it to gain great global recognition that translates into the visit of more and more people from all over the world.

Where to stay to sleep in Huacachina?

You have two options; stay in the city of Ica or in the surroundings of the Huacachina Oasis. In both cases there are different options such as Airbnb, Hostels, Hotels, etc.

Where to eat in Huacachina?

Huacachina is a small town with a diversity of options to eat around the lagoon or the boulevard. Hotels or hostels also offer various types of food from local to international.

Where is Huacachina located?

The Laguna de la Huacachina is an oasis located just 5 kilometers from the town of Ica and 310 kilometers south of Lima.

How is the weather in Huacachina?

Huacachina's climate is conducive to being visited throughout the year; without impediments.
 Average a temperature of 25 ° C during the Summer and could decrease to 14 ° C in Winter; it is possible to experience cold nights during this season.
 Paracas

¿Where is Paracas located?

Paracas is a town located in the province of Pisco, specifically in the department of Ica. 260 kilometers south of Lima.

¿Where to eat in Paracas?

When you finish the Tour of the Ballestas Islands, you will have the opportunity to opt for various restaurants located on the Boulevard del Chaco, near the dock where the boats depart.

You will find very varied food, and the opportunity to enjoy typical Peruvian dishes such as ceviche.

¿Why visit Paracas?

Paracas shows a different and important landscape due to its Natural Reserve and great biodiversity. In addition to the tourist attractions, such as the Ballestas Islands and Reserve, there are those who prefer it to practice water sports such as Kitesurfing or Windsurfing.

¿How is the weather in Paracas?

The average climate of Paracas is 22 ° C, taking into account that it is a coastal place where the sun almost always rises.