This full-day trip from Lima combines a Ballestas Islands boat tour, lunch and pisco tasting at La Caravedo vineyard, and high-adrenaline buggy and sandboarding in the Huacachina dunes. Expect an early start, abundant wildlife, and a long but rewarding day across coastal Peru.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Before sunrise a deluxe bus snakes out of Lima, headlights cutting through coastal fog as the Pacific stretches wide and low. By midmorning the sea sharpens into glass and small boats thread toward the Ballestas Islands; sea lions haul out on wind-scoured rocks, and the currents around the islands seem to push visitors forward toward the Candelabro geoglyph carved on a coastal slope. The day moves inland afterward — a shaded lunch and guided tasting at La Caravedo vineyard, home to Pisco Portón, links colonial-era distilling to modern craft pisco culture.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
18–19 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate — able to handle a few hours of walking, stair-like dune climbs, and short bursts of balance-demanding activity
Wildlife
History
The Paracas coastline holds archaeological ties to the Paracas culture and later colonial viticulture; the Candelabro geoglyph predates Spanish arrival and remains regionally significant.
Conservation
Ballestas is a protected marine area with restrictions to limit disturbance to breeding colonies; visitors should avoid littering and follow guide instructions to reduce impact.
Reserve your spot on the DE Paracas and Huacachina Premium Day Trip from Lima today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early and rest up
Pickup is pre-dawn in Lima; be prepared for a long day and bring snacks or a light breakfast if you’re prone to low energy.
Prepare for seasickness
The Ballestas boat can be choppy — bring motion-sickness meds and sit mid-boat to minimize roll.
Sun and sand protection
Sunscreen, a brimmed hat, and UV sunglasses are essential; sand reflects light strongly during dune runs.
Secure footwear for dunes
Closed-toe shoes with good traction are better than flip-flops for climbing and riding dune sides.
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Protects skin from intense coastal and desert sun during boat and dune segments.
summer
Motion-sickness tablets
Useful for the open-boat ride to the Ballestas Islands if you’re prone to nausea.
Closed-toe trail shoes
Provides traction for climbing dunes and comfort for walking at the vineyard and oasis.
Refillable water bottle
Desert air and sun dehydrate quickly; access to potable water is limited between stops.