Coast to desert 1 day experience: Ballestas islands and Huacachina oasis

Depart Lima: 5:30 am - 6:00 am

Pick-up directly from your hotel or hostel for safety and comfort. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, simply email us to confirm your nearest pick-up point. Your booking confirmation will indicate your exact time, depending on location.

Bus to Paracas: 6:00 am - 9:40 am aprox

Travel south along the Pacific coast aboard a comfortable semi-bed bus. Perfect for relaxing before the day’s outdoor adventures.

Included Activity – Ballestas Islands Boat Tour: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Embark on a two-hour marine journey through the Paracas National Reserve, a protected wildlife sanctuary often called “the Poor Man’s Galápagos.” Spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and countless seabirds in their natural habitat, and if you’re lucky, dolphins following your wake.

Buffet or Free Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Choose between joining a seaside Taste of Peru Buffet Experience with stunning ocean views, or enjoy free time to stroll along Paracas Bay. Decide on board with your guide.

Drive to Huacachina Oasis: 1:00 pm - 2:20 pm

Board again for the short scenic ride to the desert oasis of Huacachina. Along the way, your onboard host shares myths and stories, like the legend of the mermaid who wept the oasis into existence, and colorful tales of Peru’s political past.

Free Time in Huacachina: 2:20 pm aprox - 4:00 pm

Arrive at the only natural desert oasis in South America. The weather is always warm and sunny, walk around the lagoon, relax atop the dunes, or enjoy a Pisco Sour by a pool in one of our partner hotels.

🏜️ Included Activity – Dune Buggy & Sandboarding: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Hold on tight during your exclusive 2-hour dune buggy ride, double the length of most tours. Traverse massive golden dunes with panoramic views of the desert, then try sandboarding or simply admire the vast landscapes in the golden afternoon light.

Return to Lima: 7:00 pm - 11:45 pm

After free time for dinner, settle into your semi-bed seat as we head back to Lima.

You’ll be dropped off safely at your accommodation, tired, sandy, and smiling after an unforgettable coast-to-desert outdoor day.

• Hotel/hostel pick ups and drop offs
• Onboard bilingual guide
• Entrance fees and taxes for all destinations
• Ballestas Islands Tour in Paracas
• Extended 2-hour Dune Buggy and Sandboarding Tour in Huacachina

• Meals not listed
• International or dometic flight
• Travel insurance

• Passport or valid ID
• Light jacket or windbreaker (for boat ride)
• Comfortable clothes and sneakers
• Hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
• Refillable water bottle
• Cash (PEN) for local fees and meals
• Optional: light scarf/buff for sand/dust
• Camera or phone for photos
  

Warm desert coastal climate year-round.

• Paracas: Windy, 15–22°C (59–72°F) - light jacket recommended.
  
• Huacachina: Hotter, 25–32°C (77–90°F).
  
  Best conditions from March to December.

No overnight stay, this is a full-day return trip to Lima.

We pick up directly from hotels for safety and comfort. If staying in an Airbnb just email us. Your booking confirmation (ticket) will show you your exact pick-up time (depends on where you are staying!)

• Is this tour suitable for everyone? Yes, minimal walking, and adventure activities are optional.
• Can I skip sandboarding? Of course. You can relax at the oasis or just ride the buggy.
• Are meals included? A buffet tasting is included; other meals and drinks are not.
• Do I need travel insurance? Yes, it’s highly recommended.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our adventures and you’ll need to share your policy details before departure. Your cover must include overseas medical treatment, emergency evacuation/repatriation, baggage and equipment, plus all the activities in your itinerary.

We also strongly recommend cancellation and curtailment cover in case illness or other unforeseen events prevent you from travelling.

Standard policies often exclude adventure activities, so please check the fine print. Many travelers choose World Nomads for adventure, focused protection, select the policy that fits your needs and fully covers your trip.