Overview
This is the one day Huacachina tour from Lima that most travelers choose when they are short on time but want both the coast and the desert. We pick you up between 500 and 530 am in Miraflores Barranco San Isidro or downtown Lima. The drive south on the Panamericana takes about 3 hours 45 minutes to Paracas with one short stop in Chincha for coffee and restrooms.
In Paracas you board a 945 am speedboat for the paracas and huacachina tour. The tour lasts two hours. You stay on the boat landing is not allowed to protect the wildlife but you get close to the arches where hundreds of South American sea lions rest and to the rocks where Humboldt penguins nest between June and November. You also pass the Paracas Candelabra a geoglyph over 180 meters tall etched into the sand hillside. Bring a windbreaker mornings on the water are cold even in summer.
We are back at the pier around noon. You have about an hour for lunch on your own in El Chaco boulevard. Most people order ceviche or arroz con mariscos.
At 115 pm we drive inland to the ica tours huacachina about 75 minutes. Huacachina is a small village of around 100 residents built around a natural lagoon fed by an underground aquifer. Local legend says the water was formed by the tears of a princess. Today palm trees ring the water and small hotels line the shore.
You have free time to walk the malecon rent a pedal boat or sit for a pisco sour with a view of the dunes.
The dune buggy and sandboarding session starts at 400 pm timed for the light. The buggies are open 4×4 vehicles with roll cages driven by local pilots licensed by the Ica tourism board. The ride runs about 70 minutes across a chain of dunes that are 80 to 120 meters high. We stop three times. You get a sandboard wax and a quick lesson. Most first timers go down lying on their stomach it is easier and faster. If you have board experience you can try standing.
The last stop is the top of a high ridge for sunset. From there you see the whole oasis turn gold with the town lights coming on below. It is the best photo of the day.
We leave Huacachina around 645 pm and drive back to Lima. Traffic at the south entrance of Lima can add time so expect arrival at your hotel between 1130 pm and midnight. It is a long day about 18 hours total but you do not need to change hotels.
Highlights
- Direct hotel pickup in Lima no bus station transfer needed
- Ballestas Islands boat tour 2 hours to see Humboldt penguins sea lions guanay cormorants and the Candelabra
- Scenic coastal drive 260 km each way on the Panamericana Sur
- Free time in Paracas for lunch not included
- Walk around Huacachina oasis the only natural desert oasis in South America
- Dune buggy ride with certified local drivers about 70 minutes
- Sandboarding included with boards and instruction three different slopes
- Sunset viewpoint over the dunes best light for photos
- Small group average 8 people maximum 14
- All entrance fees included Ballestas Islands 35 Soles and Huacachina dune tax 5 Soles
Everything Included in Your Desert Road Trip
We handle all the annoying logistics so you just get to wake up relax in the van and enjoy the ride. Your lima to huacachina tour includes everything you need for a massive day out on the coast and in the sand.
- Round Trip Private Transport picking you up early in the morning and dropping you off right at your exact hotel door in Lima late at night
- Professional English Speaking Guide staying with you the entire 18 hours to explain the wildlife history and keep you totally safe on the dunes
- Ballestas Islands Speedboat Tour covering your actual seat on the boat and all the official marine reserve entrance tickets
- Dune Buggy and Sandboarding Session paying for your spot in the massive v8 buggy and providing the boards you need to slide down the sand
- All Highway Tolls and Taxes completely covering the hidden costs of driving down the Panamericana Sur highway so you do not have to pull out your wallet
What is Not Included
We keep our pricing totally transparent. Here are the few items you need to cover on your own during the trip.
- Meals and Drinks meaning your lunch in Paracas and your dinner in Huacachina are paid separately so you can eat exactly what you crave
- Extra Snacks and Bottled Water which you should definitely buy before getting in the buggy since the desert heat makes you super thirsty
- Tips and Gratuities which are totally optional but a fantastic way to thank your hardworking driver guide and buggy pilot
Crucial Packing List for the Coast and Desert
This full day tour paracas huacachina takes you through two totally different climates in one single day. You start with freezing ocean winds and end up in the boiling desert sun. Here is exactly what you need to bring to stay comfortable.
- Original Passport carried safely in a waterproof bag since you absolutely need it to pass the security check and board the boat in Paracas
- Warm Windbreaker Jacket which is completely mandatory for the morning speedboat ride because the ocean wind is freezing cold even in the summer
- Lightweight Athletic Clothes like breathable shorts and a t shirt to handle the intense afternoon heat while climbing the dunes
- Heavy Sun Protection including polarized sunglasses a wide brimmed hat and SPF 50 sunscreen since the sun reflects brutally off the white desert sand
- Closed Toe Sneakers because wearing sandals in the buggy or while walking up the boiling hot sand dunes is a terrible idea
- Extra Cash in Soles giving you an easy way to buy a fresh seafood lunch plenty of water and some cool souvenirs along the boardwalk
Huacachina Dune Buggy Tour Price
rates for the Huacachina tour from Lima with Paracas and sandboarding included
- 2 to 3 people 240 USD per person
- 4 to 6 people 160 USD per person
- 7 or more 145 USD per person
- University students with valid ISIC 150 USD
What is included hotel pickup and drop off private transport English and Spanish guide Ballestas Islands boat ticket Huacachina dune buggy and sandboarding equipment all taxes.
What is not included lunch dinner sandboard video drivers sell it for about 6 USD tips.
Essential Additional Information for Your Road Trip
Heading out on a massive 18 hour adventure requires a little bit of prep. Here is how to make sure you have an awesome time screaming down the dunes and watching the coastal wildlife without burning out.
Staying Safe on the Buggies and Boards
The buggy tour huacachina experience is incredibly fun but it feels like a total rollercoaster so you need to be prepared for the adrenaline rush.
- Secure Your Phone The buggies bounce around heavily so keep your phone zipped in a deep pocket or use a strong wrist strap so it does not fly out into the sand
- Listen to the Pilot When you grab a sandboard the pilot will tell you to lay flat on your stomach and keep your elbows up following these rules keeps you totally safe from face planting
- Motion Sickness If you get carsick easily consider taking a pill before the buggy ride because dropping down massive steep sand hills will definitely mess with your stomach
Food and Highway Logistics
Since this is a super long driving tour you want to keep your energy up the whole time.
- Bring Road Snacks We highly suggest bringing some granola bars chips and plenty of water in your backpack for the long drive down the Panamericana highway
- Seafood in Paracas Paracas is a famous coastal fishing town so grabbing a fresh plate of ceviche for lunch before heading into the hot desert is a massive local tradition you do not want to miss
- Bathroom Breaks Our driver makes a quick strategic stop in Chincha on the way down so you can grab a coffee use the restroom and stretch your legs
Frequently Asked Questions – Huacachina Full Day Tour
he Full Day Huacachina tour is not overly strenuous but does require a moderate level of physical effort. You’ll need to walk on loose sand, climb and descend dunes, and stand for periods during sightseeing or photo stops.
Activities such as the buggy rides and sandboarding don’t require prior experience but do need normal mobility and some balance. The buggy rides can be thrilling as they go up and down steep dunes at speed.
The most physically demanding part is usually walking up the large dune to watch the sunset. The soft sand makes the climb challenging, but most visitors can reach the top with short breaks and a steady pace.
No. Swimming in the lagoon is not allowed due to safety concerns, water quality issues, and preservation of the natural environment. While swimming was possible in the past, regulations now protect the lagoon from contamination.
Instead, visitors can enjoy other activities like pedal boat rides, walking around the lagoon, taking panoramic photos, or relaxing in the nearby cafés and restaurants. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy the scenery without needing to swim.
The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, especially during sunset. The golden light over the dunes creates stunning scenery, perfect for photography and a relaxed atmosphere as temperatures cool down.
Early morning is also a great option if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience. Midday tends to be very hot with intense sun, so it’s important to bring sunscreen, water, and lightweight clothing if you visit during that time.
It’s recommended to bring:
- Light, comfortable clothing (T-shirt, shorts, sandals or closed shoes)
- High SPF sunscreen
- Sunglasses, hat or cap
- Water bottles
- Camera / phone safeguarded from sand
- Light clothing for evening (may get cooler)
- A towel (though swimming is not allowed)
- Cash for personal expenses
