Set out from Lima for a full‑day contrast of Pacific wildlife and desert adrenaline: a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, pisco tasting in Ica, then dune buggy and sandboarding at Huacachina. Expect early starts, sea spray, and a sunset over towering dunes.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light slices the Pacific as the bus pulls out of Miraflores and the city gives way to scrub and salt flats. By mid‑morning the boat cuts through low fog toward the Ballestas Islands: colonies of sea lions barking on rocky ledges, Humboldt penguins popping like shutters, and the pale Candelabra geoglyph etched into the coastal bluff, daring you to translate its origin.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
16–18 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate endurance for a long day with short bursts of activity; sitting tolerance for transfers is required.
Wildlife
History
The Paracas coast preserves evidence of Pre‑Columbian cultures; the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph is visible from the sea and predates Spanish contact.
Conservation
Paracas is a protected marine reserve—boats sometimes substitute Isla Blanca or coastal viewpoints when access is restricted; avoid feeding wildlife and follow guide instructions to minimize disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina with Buggies and Sandboard from Lima today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Prepare for seasickness
Morning boat rides can be choppy; take anti‑nausea medicine beforehand and choose a forward, central seat on the boat.
Protect against sun and sand
Use high‑SPF sunscreen, wear a wide‑brim hat and sunglasses, and bring sport goggles for sandboarding runs.
Secure loose items
Buggies kick up a lot of sand—store phones and cameras in zippered pockets or a dry bag.
Hydration and pacing
Carry at least 1–2 liters of water for the desert leg and pace activity during the hottest afternoon hours.
Motion‑sickness medicine
Helps prevent nausea during the open‑water boat crossing.
Closed‑toe shoes
Protects feet during buggy rides and when walking on hot or coarse sand.
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Essential to protect against strong coastal and desert UV exposure.
summer
Light windproof jacket
Coastal mornings and evening returns can be cool and breezy.
winter