Overview
Experience the best of the Peruvian coast in one day. This tour combines a maritime expedition to the famous Ballestas Islands with a cultural and adrenaline-filled journey through the city of Ica and the Huacachina Oasis.
- Wildlife: Encounter sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and vast colonies of sea birds.
- Mystery: See the enigmatic “Candelabro” geoglyph from the sea.
- Culture: Visit the Ica Regional Museum and taste authentic Pisco at a traditional winery.
- Adventure: Feel the adrenaline with a sand buggy ride and sandboarding on giant dunes.
Full Itinerary
Morning: Maritime Adventure
Our tour begins with a boat excursion to the **Ballestas Islands**. During the navigation, we will visit the Paracas Bay and see the spot where General San Martin landed. We will stop to admire **”El Candelabro”**, a massive geoglyph etched into the sandy hills. At the islands, you will observe a rich ecosystem featuring sea lions, dolphins, and endangered Humboldt penguins.
Mid-Day: Ica City Tour
After the sea tour, we travel to the city of **Ica**. We will visit the Ica Regional Museum to see ancient Paracas textiles, pottery, and well-preserved mummies. Afterward, we head to a local winery to learn about the production of **Pisco and Wine**, followed by a tasting session of these traditional Peruvian spirits.
Afternoon: Huacachina Oasis
We continue to the **Huacachina Lagoon**, a stunning oasis surrounded by towering dunes. To end the tour with maximum excitement, we will board **sand buggies** for a high-speed ride across the desert and practice **sandboarding**. We will conclude our activities and return to Paracas at approximately 2:00 PM.
Inclusions & Exclusions
The tour includes:
- Tourist transportation.
- Professional bilingual tour guide.
- Modern motorboat for the Ballestas Islands.
- Life vests and safety equipment.
- Boarding fees and all entrance tickets.
- Lunch (as per indications).
- Sand buggies and sandboarding equipment.
- Pisco and Wine tasting.
The tour does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the guide and crew.
- Travel insurance.
Recommendations
For this coastal and desert adventure, we recommend:
- Clothing: Wear light clothes and bring a windbreaker for the boat tour (it can be chilly and misty at sea).
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are vital.
- Footwear: Comfortable sneakers or sports shoes for the sandboarding.
- Essentials: Bring a camera and a small backpack for your water and personal items.
General Info
Duration: Full Day (Morning to early afternoon).
Departure Point: Paracas.
Activity Level: Moderate (includes boat travel and desert adventure).
Weather: Sunny and warm in Ica; breezy and humid in Paracas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will I get wet during the Ballestas tour?
Usually, no. However, depending on the wind and sea conditions, there might be some sea spray. A light windbreaker is recommended.
Is the sandboarding difficult?
Not at all! You can go down the dunes lying on your stomach (sledding style), which is very safe and fun even for beginners.
What is the best time for this tour?
Mornings are best for the Ballestas Islands as the sea is calmer, allowing for better visibility of the wildlife and the Candelabro geoglyph.