Ballestas Islands – Huacachina Oasis

Availability Daily departures
Transporte Hotel pickup
Tour Guide Tour guide included
Available languages Spanish, English & Portuguese
Service type Shared service
Cancellation policy Non-refundable
Maximum altitude 400 m.a.s.l.
Difficulty Moderate

We will start our adventure exploring the Ballestas Islands Peru, home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and colorful seabirds. During the boat ride, we will admire the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph carved into the coastal cliffs. The fresh ocean breeze and stunning views will make this part of our journey unforgettable.

After the marine experience, we will travel by private vehicle toward the Ica Paracas Huacachina desert. Along the way, we will enjoy the changing landscapes from the Pacific coast to the golden dunes of the desert. We will arrive at the Huacachina Oasis, known for its tranquil lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes.

At the oasis, we will experience pure adrenaline during the dune buggy and sandboarding adventure. We will ride across massive dunes and slide down the soft sand, feeling the thrill of the desert. As the sun sets, we will capture the best panoramic views and enjoy a magical atmosphere.

This private Ballestas Islands Peru and Huacachina Oasis tour will combine wildlife, nature, and adventure in one unforgettable day. We will travel in comfort, guided by local experts who know every hidden gem of the region. This experience will connect us deeply with Peru’s coastal and desert landscapes.

Itinerary

Day 01 Ballestas Islands – Ica – Huacachina Oasis – Return to Paracas

We will start early from our hotel in Paracas at 07:30 AM. We will drive to the port for the boat tour to the Ballestas Islands Peru. The tour will begin at 08:00 AM.

We will sail across the Pacific Ocean and see the Candelabro geoglyph, a mysterious figure carved into the coastal cliffs. As we approach the islands, we will observe colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and diverse seabirds in their natural habitat. We will take stunning photos and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze during this unforgettable marine experience.

After our boat adventure, we will continue our journey toward Ica. The drive will take us through beautiful desert landscapes and small coastal valleys. At 11:00 AM., we will start the “Ruta del Pisco” or Pisco Route.

We will visit traditional wineries such as Hacienda Tacama and CulturPisco, where we will learn about the wine and Pisco production process. We will also taste different varieties of Pisco and enjoy the rich flavors of local Peruvian wines.

We will then have free time for lunch. Both Tacama and El Catador offer delicious regional dishes, such as carapulcra, arroz con pato, and lomo saltado. We will relax and enjoy authentic Ica cuisine before continuing our trip.

At 02:30 PM., we will head to the Huacachina Oasis, known as the “Oasis of America.” We will admire the beautiful lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes, palm trees, and traditional lodges. We will take time to relax, swim, and capture the panoramic views of this desert paradise.

At 04:00 PM., the adventure will continue with an exciting dune buggy ride through the Ica desert. We will climb and descend massive dunes reaching heights over 150 meters. We will also practice sandboarding and feel the thrill of sliding down the soft golden sand. The desert sunset will offer us the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos.

Finally, at 04:30 PM., we will return to Paracas in comfort. Our tour will end around 19:00 p.m., filled with incredible memories of Peru’s coast and desert.

Details

Distance traveled

Approximately 280 km round trip
Highest altitude

406 meters above sea level (Huacachina dunes)
Lowest altitude

0 meters / sea level (Ballestas Islands)
Route

Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Ica – Huacachina Oasis – Paracas
Difficulty Level

Easy to moderate – suitable for all travelers

Important note: Schedules are for reference only. One day before the tour, our operations team will contact you to reconfirm the schedules.

Inclusions

What’s Included

Visit to the Ballestas Islands Peru to observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and marine birds.
Guided visit to Tacama Winery & Vineyard, including Pisco and wine tastings.
Visit to CulturPisco, a local artisan distillery, with guided explanation and tasting session.
Tourist transportation throughout the entire Ica Paracas Huacachina route.
Dune buggy and sandboarding tour in the Huacachina desert.
Tourist tax in Huacachina included.

Meals not specified in the itinerary.
Ballestas Islands tax: 16 PEN per person.
Tacama Winery entrance fee: 25 PEN per person.
Extra expenses such as tips, souvenirs, or personal purchases.

Recommendations

Before booking:

Daily departures available.
A minimum of 2 participants is required to operate the tour.
If the minimum group size is not met, the tour will be canceled.
The rate is not valid on holidays or festive dates.
On Mondays, Tacama Winery remains closed, so we will visit Vista Alegre Winery instead.

Legal and safety requirements before traveling

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Ballestas Islands tour last?

The excursion lasts approximately 2 hours, allowing us to explore marine wildlife and the famous Candelabro geoglyph.

What is the best time to visit Paracas?

From January to June is the best season due to the region’s warm and stable climate.

When is Paracas colder?

The cool season begins in June and ends in mid-October, with temperatures dropping to 20°C.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made 30 days or less before travel will forfeit 100% of the tour cost.
Cancellations made 31 days or more before the trip may vary based on the tour and departure date. Please contact our travel agent for specific details.

Are the Ballestas Islands tours safe?

Yes, our boats meet all safety standards, and our guides are trained local professionals.

Can we bring children on this tour?

Yes, the tour is family-friendly, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is transportation included?

Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation between Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina.

Do we need to pay any additional taxes?

Yes, the Ballestas Islands tax (16 PEN) and Tacama entrance fee (25 PEN) are not included.

What should we bring for the tour?

We recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and comfortable clothes suitable for both the coast and the desert.

Can the tour be customized?

Yes, we can adapt the itinerary to your preferences for a more private or extended experience.

Can’t find the answer to your question?

Get in touch with the experts at Machu Picchu Peru Tours for your inquiry.

Ask a question

Inquire about this tour

Ballestas Islands – Huacachina Oasis

Leave us your details and tell us what you would like to customize. We will get back to you shortly.

First name * Last name * Email * Phone *

Country * Preferred travel dates *

Number of participants * How should we contact you? *

Message or questions

Your data is only used to reply to your inquiry.

ON SALE

From

$ 250 USD $260

4% discount

Passengers

Date —

Service Group

Services —

Total —

Consult via WhatsApp

Traveler experiences

Hear from Those Who Have Experienced the Magic of Our Tours

4.9 out of 5 from more than 1,200 reviews

See all reviews on TripAdvisor

Carmelo G.

jun. 2026 • Parejas

Fue una linda experiencia y un servicio muy profesional de la agencia.

VIAJANDO CON GATITOS

jul. 2026

Recomendamos al 100% la agencia Machu Picchu Peru Tours. Nos atendieron desde el momento en que llegamos y estuvieron pendientes de nosotros durante todo el viaje. La atención al cliente fue excelente, siempre muy amables y atentos. Los hoteles fueron muy buenos y todos los servicios estuvieron muy bien organizados. Sin duda, una excelente opción para conocer Cusco y Machu Picchu. ¡Muchas gracias por hacer de nuestro viaje una experiencia inolvidable!

Agostina Z.

ago. 2026

Muy linda experiencia! El traslado y el guía estuvieron muy bien. Es una caminata exigente pero muy bonita. Estaría bueno tener una media hora más para recuperarse y subir hasta la cima donde salen mejores fotos. Al menos con mi estado físico no me dio el aire para hacer todo tan rápido!

Ballestas Islands – Huacachina Oasis

Itinerary