2-Day Paracas and Huacachina Tour from Lima
Our 2 Day Paracas and Huacachina Tour from Lima combines Peru’s Pacific coast, marine wildlife, desert activities, and pisco-making tradition in one coordinated journey. The service begins with pickup from your Lima hotel and concludes with return transportation late on Day 2. You will spend the night in Huacachina at accommodation selected and paid for separately.
This tour is recommended for couples, friends, solo travelers, and active visitors who prefer a more comfortable pace than a long full-day excursion. The package includes a Ballestas Islands boat tour, dune buggy and sandboarding activities, a local vineyard visit, entrance fees, guided assistance, and round-trip tourist transportation from Lima.
What makes our service different is the way the coast and desert experiences are divided across two days. You will have an evening and much of the second day in Huacachina, giving you time to enjoy the oasis and desert sunset before returning to Lima. Our team coordinates the transfers and scheduled activities while you choose the overnight accommodation that best suits your budget and travel style.
Highlights
- Two-hour boat tour around the Ballestas Islands
- Opportunities to observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and coastal birds
- Two-hour dune buggy experience across the Huacachina dunes
- Sandboarding activity in the Ica Desert
- Evening and overnight in Huacachina at your chosen accommodation
- Guided visit to a local pisco vineyard
- Free time around the oasis before the desert sunset
- Round trip transportation and hotel transfers from Lima
Itinerary
Detailed 2 day Itinerary
Click any day to expand/collapse
Day 1
Lima – Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Huacachina
Your journey begins at approximately 5:30 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Lima. The exact time will be confirmed according to your location. We then travel south in our tourist vehicle along the Pacific coast toward Paracas.
After arriving at approximately 10:00 a.m., you will board a boat for a two-hour guided tour around the Ballestas Islands. Along the way, you may see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and other coastal birds in their natural environment. Wildlife sightings depend on the season and local conditions.
The Ballestas Islands are located outside the boundaries of the Paracas National Reserve. Boat departures remain subject to sea conditions and authorization from the local maritime authorities.
After returning to the port, we continue toward Ica and the Huacachina Oasis. In the afternoon, you will join a two-hour dune buggy ride across the desert, with stops for photographs and sandboarding on selected dunes.
At the end of the activity, we transfer you to your chosen accommodation in Huacachina. The hotel or hostel is not included in the tour price, allowing you to select the category and location that best match your budget. The evening is free to enjoy the restaurants and atmosphere around the oasis.
Day 1 at a Glance
- Departure from Lima: Approximately 5:30 a.m.
- Ballestas Islands boat tour: Approximately 2 hours
- Desert activity: Dune buggy and sandboarding
- Overnight: Huacachina accommodation booked separately
- Meals: Not included
- Paracas
- Ballestas Islands
- Huacachina Oasis
- Dune buggy and sandboarding
Day 2
Huacachina - Lima
Day 2 Huacachina – Pisco Vineyard – Desert Sunset – Lima
The morning is yours to rest, have breakfast, or walk around the Huacachina Oasis. At approximately 11:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your accommodation and travel to a local vineyard in the Ica region.
During the guided visit, you will learn how Peruvian pisco and regional wines are produced. The experience includes tastings offered by the vineyard according to its daily program. Afterward, we return to Huacachina.
You will have the afternoon free for lunch, shopping, walking around the lagoon, or relaxing before sunset. Food and personal activities during this time are not included.
At approximately 7:00 p.m., we begin the return journey to Lima. Arrival is expected at around 11:45 p.m., followed by drop-off at your hotel or hostel. The final arrival time may vary depending on road traffic and your accommodation location.
Day 2 at a Glance
- Pickup in Huacachina: Approximately 11:00 a.m.
- Main visit: Local pisco and wine vineyard
- Departure for Lima: Approximately 7:00 p.m.
- Arrival in Lima: Approximately 11:45 p.m.
- Meals: Not included
- Huacachina Oasis
- Ica vineyard
- Pisco and wine tasting
- Desert sunset
Inclusions
Tour Inclusions and Logistics
Departure and Return
- Pickup location: Your hotel in Lima
- Departure time: Approximately 5:30 a.m.
- Return location: Your hotel or accommodation in Lima
- Estimated return: Approximately 11:45 p.m. on Day 2
Exact pickup and return times may vary according to your hotel location and road traffic.
What Is Included
- Professional tour guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Lima
- Private tourist bus throughout the two-day route
- Transportation between Lima, Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina
- Two-hour Ballestas Islands boat tour
- Two-hour dune buggy excursion in Huacachina
- Sandboarding activity
- Guided visit to a local pisco vineyard
- Entrance fees for the scheduled activities
What Is Not Included
What Is Not Included
- Overnight accommodation in Huacachina
- Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and beverages
- Optional activities during your free time
- Travel or medical insurance
- Personal purchases and souvenirs
- Tips for the guide and driver
Important: Travelers must reserve their own hotel or hostel in Huacachina for the first night. Our team will transfer you to your selected accommodation after the desert activity and collect you there on Day 2.
Packing List
Packing list
Pack light for the overnight stay and bring clothing suitable for the coast, desert sun, wind, and sand.
- Original passport or identification used for your reservation.
- Small overnight bag or comfortable daypack.
- Lightweight clothing and one change of clothes.
- Light jacket or windbreaker for the boat ride and evening.
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes with good grip.
- Clothes that you do not mind getting sandy.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Sun hat or cap.
- High-protection sunscreen, preferably SPF 50+.
- Scarf or neck gaiter for wind and desert sand.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Light snacks for the road.
- Motion sickness medication if you are sensitive to boats or long drives.
- Personal medication and basic toiletries.
- Phone or camera with charger or power bank.
- Small amount of Peruvian soles for meals and personal purchases.
Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables during the dune buggy and sandboarding activity. Keep your phone, camera, and documents protected from sand in a secure bag.
Price
Tour Pricing
All prices are in US dollars and are charged per person.
Small Group Tour
| Travelers | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2–3 travelers | US$270 |
| 4 or more travelers | US$250 |
| Children and students | US$220 |
The small-group service is ideal for travelers who want an organized two-day experience while sharing transportation and scheduled activities with other guests.
Important: A minimum of two travelers is required. Child and student rates are subject to eligibility confirmation when booking. Accommodation in Huacachina and meals are not included.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is accommodation in Huacachina included?
No. Accommodation is not included in the tour price. You may choose your preferred hotel or hostel, but it should be located in Huacachina or within the confirmed pickup area.
Where should I stay in Huacachina?
Choose accommodation near the oasis or at a location that can be reached easily by the tour vehicle. Send us the property name and complete address after booking so we can coordinate your pickup on Day 2.
Can a solo traveler book this tour?
Solo travelers may contact us to ask about an existing departure. The published small-group prices require a minimum of two travelers, so availability and the applicable rate must be confirmed before payment.
Does the tour include a land visit to the Paracas National Reserve?
No separate land tour of the Paracas National Reserve is listed in this itinerary. The scheduled Paracas experience is the boat trip to the Ballestas Islands. Travelers should not assume that both protected areas are included.
Are sea lions and Humboldt penguins guaranteed?
No. The Ballestas Islands support several marine species, but wildlife moves freely and sightings vary according to natural conditions. Your guide will help identify the animals visible during your visit.
What happens if the Ballestas Islands boat tour cannot operate?
The maritime authorities may suspend navigation when ocean conditions are unsafe. If this happens, our team will explain the available schedule change or alternative according to the circumstances and the conditions of your reservation.
Can I skip sandboarding or the pisco tasting?
Yes. You may decline sandboarding or alcoholic samples without leaving the scheduled group. You can still participate in the dune excursion and the guided vineyard visit.
Is this tour suitable for children?
It may be suitable for children, but participation in the dune buggy activity depends on their age and the current safety rules of the local provider. Families should provide the children’s ages and confirm acceptance before making payment.
Is the tour accessible to travelers with limited mobility?
The complete route is not fully accessible. Boarding the boat, entering the dune buggy, and walking on unstable sand can be difficult for travelers with reduced mobility. Contact us before booking so we can assess the requirements of your group.
What if I experience motion sickness?
The boat ride and dune buggy excursion both involve considerable movement. Travelers who are sensitive to motion should consult a qualified medical professional about suitable medication and inform the guide before each activity.
Concierge & Local Guide
Available in Cusco
John Taqquere
Local Tour Guide
Travel specialist in Machu Picchu
“I grew up surrounded by the Andes, and I love sharing the history, traditions, and hidden stories of my home with travelers from around the world.”Text John Taqquere on WhatsApp → (opens in a new tab)
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