THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
This full-day trip pairs a skiff ride around the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands with the high-speed dunes of Huacachina. Spot Humboldt penguins, taste Ica pisco and slide down desert escarpments on a single long day from Lima.
This full-day trip pairs a skiff ride around the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands with the high-speed dunes of Huacachina. Spot Humboldt penguins, taste Ica pisco and slide down desert escarpments on a single long day from Lima.
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Operated by Viajes Origenes tours · Paracas, Ica
Salt air and sand meet on this long Peruvian day: the Pacific slaps the hull as a small skiff slips from Paracas toward the Ballestas Islands while inland the desert crouches, waiting to hurl you down dunes. Travelers watch colonies of Humboldt penguins and South American sea lions claim the rocky islets; waves and wind shape the coastline into carved cliffs where guano and gulls share the ledges.
easy.
Approx. 17 hours (full-day).
Suitable for most fitness levels; must be able to climb steep sand slopes and step into/out of a small boat
The tour runs about 17 hours total from Lima pick-up to return; expect an arrival in Lima around 10:00 PM depending on traffic.
Yes — the Ballestas Islands are home to Humboldt penguins and large colonies of South American sea lions, commonly seen from the skiff.
Tubular rides and sandboarding are not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with back problems; check age restrictions for children with the operator.
Typical inclusions are transportation, guide, the Ballestas skiff ride, lunch with pisco tasting and the sand-tubing and sandboarding activities in Huacachina.
The Ballestas and surrounding coast have long been used for marine harvesting and were central to the guano trade; Paracas culture predates Spanish contact and left textile and burial sites inland.
The Ballestas lie adjacent to Paracas National Reserve; stick to guided routes, avoid disturbing colonies, and use local operators who support reserve regulations.
Viajes Origenes tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Viajes Origenes tours
Book directly with Viajes Origenes tours for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now