Islas Ballestas, Paracas National Park and Huacachina Oasis
Duration
1 Day
Type of Tour
Adventure
Difficulty
Easy
Gruop size
2 min. - 12 max.
Highlights
Ballestas Islands: A protected marine sanctuary home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seabirds.
Paracas National Reserve: Meeting point between the Pacific Ocean and the desert, known for its unique red-sand beaches, fossil-rich cliffs, and diverse coastal ecosystems.
Huacachina Oasis: A natural oasis surrounded by towering golden dunes.
Overview
Embark on a full-day escape from Ica or Huacachina to explore two of Peru’s coastal gems, the Ballestas Islands and the Huacachina Oasis. On one side you’ll cruise into rich marine habitats, gliding past rock-formations buzzing with seabirds and sea lions around the Ballestas. On the other, you’ll venture into the desert, where massive sand dunes embrace the lagoon of Huacachina and the thrill of dune-buggies and sand-boarding awaits. This tour combines nature’s extremes, ocean and desert, into a seamlessly unforgettable day.
Who is this trip for?
This tour is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers looking to experience Peru’s southern coast in a single day. It combines wildlife encounters in Paracas, breathtaking desert landscapes, and the charm of the Huacachina Oasis, making it ideal for couples, families, or solo travelers who want a fun, scenic, and unforgettable escape from Ica or Huacachina.
Itinerary
Early Morning – Transfer to Paracas
You will depart from Ica or Huacachina for a scenic 1.5-hour drive through the Ica desert toward Paracas. Enjoy the changing landscapes as the arid dunes meet the Pacific Ocean.
Ballestas Islands Boat Tour
Upon arrival, you will board a speedboat to the Ballestas Islands. During this 2-hour excursion, cruise past the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph carved into the desert hillside, then navigate around rocky formations home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and countless seabirds.
Paracas National Reserve Visit
Continue with a guided exploration of the Paracas National Reserve, where the desert meets the ocean. Visit La Catedral viewpoint, Playa Roja, and Yumaque Beach, admiring the wind-carved cliffs and colorful contrasts of sand and sea that define this protected area.
Huacachina Dune Buggy & Sandboarding Adventure
In the afternoon, you will experience an exhilarating buggy ride across the vast Ica dunes, with opportunities for sandboarding down golden slopes. Capture the unforgettable views as the sun sets over the desert.
The day will conclude with free time to enjoy the oasis atmosphere or relax with a pint before returning to your accommodation in Ica or Huacachina.
5
Reasons Travelers Choose Us in 2026
Authentic & Expertly Curated Adventures – We design unique experiences across Peru, carefully planed to match your interests, pace, and travel style.
Seasoned Local Guides – Our experienced guides are trained professionals. They are locals who are proudly knowledgeable on culture, history, and hidden gems.
Small Groups, Big Connections – Traveling in small groups means a more personal, safe, and enriching experience, fostering genuine connections along the way.
Dedicated Care from Start to Finish – Our experienced team handles every single detail to assure a top experience with 69 Explorer.
Unmatched Value for Quality – Our exceptional service & comfort, during authentic experiences promise unforgettable moments. Best price guaranteed — no hidden costs, just real value.
What’s included?
Professional Guide
- Experienced, English-speaking guides who are knowledgeable about the tour, local culture, geography and history.
Transportation
- Round-trip transportation from Ica or Huacachina.
First Aid and Emergency Equipment
- Guides carry a first-aid kit for basic medical situations and emergency equipment, if needed.
Excludes
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended but, not included.
- Airfare: Flights are not included.
- Meals not listed.
- Personal Clothing and Gear: Hiking boots, clothing, backpacks, and other personal gear are the responsibility of the trekker.
- Tips for Guides and Support Staff: Gratuity for the guides and drivers.
- Extra Snacks and Drinks: While main meals are included, extra snacks, alcoholic beverages, and bottled drinks are not.
- Personal Expenses: Any additional expenses such as souvenirs, laundry services, or additional tours are not included.
- Emergency Transportation: If you need to leave the trek early due to illness or other reasons, the cost of emergency transport is not covered.
- Entrance Fees for Optional Sites: Some side trips or additional archaeological sites do have entrance fees not included in the tour package.
Recommend to carry
Clothing
- Light jacket.
- Hoodie or sweater for the evening.
- Comfortable outfit, depending on the season you can even wear beach clothing.
- Sun hat.
Footwear
- Comfortable shoes.
- Light socks.
Backpack and Daypack
- Lightweight daypack for personal items.
Hydration and Snacks
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (minimum 2 liters).
- Energy bars, snacks (nuts, dried fruit, chocolate).
Health and Personal Items
- Personal medication.
- First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister plasters).
- High SPF sunscreen.
- Lip balm with SPF.
- Insect repellent.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Toilet paper and small shovel (if needed for nature calls).
Documents
- Passport photocopy or photo.
- Travel insurance information.
- Emergency contact information.
Miscellaneous
- Plastic bags (for wet clothes and trash).
- Earplugs and eye mask.
- Small notebook and pen.
- Maps and guidebooks (optional).
- Extra cash for lunch or any other purchase.
FAQS
This is a full day trip in the Ica area, visiting the Paracas National Park and the Huacachina for a buggy ride.
Full day.
Lunch.
All year long is possible; the best weather is during dry season: May to September.
All permits and entrances are handled by us and included in the price.
A maximum of 12 passengers.
Client Cancellation:
To cancel, send a written notice to “69 Explorer.” The initial deposit is not refundable. Check your insurance for potential coverage for cancellation reasons.
Cancellations more than 15 days before departure result in a 50% deposit forfeiture. For cancellations between 7 and 15 days before departure, if full payment has been made, 50% of the total cost will be refunded. No refunds are given for cancellations less than 48 hours before departure or for partial tour cancellations.
Alterations/Cancellations by Us:
In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as technical issues, adverse weather, strikes, government actions, or civil disturbances, “69 Explorer” will try to provide alternative arrangements or equivalent trips, without offering refunds. Itinerary adjustments may be necessary, but we will aim to maintain the agreed services.
Significant changes will be communicated before your trip, with comparable alternative plans offered. Any additional costs from these changes are the client’s responsibility. We cannot compensate for expenses like international flights, visas, vaccinations, etc.
If “69 Explorer” cancels a tour, a full refund will be provided.
All 69 Explorer trips are guided by Local Experienced, English-speaking guides familiar with the area and relevant facts.
For our Group Experiences we recommend 12 – 65 years old.
Families with kids or seniors can opt for a Private Trip Experience.
Yes, we can arrange customized trips in Peru.
We offer an extensive range of experiences in Cusco, like hikes or treks, Salkantay & Humantay, Machu Picchu, Inca Trail & Alternative Inca Trail, South Valley & Sacred Valley, Ausangate & Vilcanota Range experiences and recently we added E-biking to our brochure.
Contact us for tailored experiences, we can arrange the perfect plan for your Peru Vacation.
Yes, we count with all the legal permits and the experience to make your dream trip to Peru a reality.
Plus, all of our local guides have degrees in tourism and a minimum of 2 years’ experience. They all speak English and Spanish and many also speak Quechua, the native language of Peru.
