Full Day Tour: Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica & Huacachina
1 Day Tour from Lima: Paracas, Ballestas Island, Ica and Huacachina
On this full day tour of Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica and Huacachina, you will be transported along the Pan-American highway to the beautiful coastline of Paracas for a boat tour of the majestic Ballestas Islands. Full of wildlife and beauty, the islands are home to the extensive biodiversity of the Pacific Ocean, and the nearby ‘Candelabra petroglyph’.
In Ica you will be treated to a tour of the the award winning Vitivinicola Winery. And finally to complete the tour, you will discover the emerald green waters of the oasis of Huacachina. All the while immersing yourself in an adrenaline packed Sand Buggy and Sandboarding experience over the surface of its golden dunes.
Route Highlights
- Best price guaranteed
- Secure Booking
- No hidden fees
- Customizable Packages
Travelers' Choice 2025
Itinerary
Full Day Tour Paracas: Lima – Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Ica – Huacachina – Lima
Itinerary
5:00am: Pick up from your hotel in Lima.
Travel 245km along Pan-American highway to Paracas, a tourist resort in the province of Pisco. Stopping for breakfast in the city of Chincha on the way (optional). Arrive in Paracas at approximately 7:45am.
08:00am: Depart in a tourist boat to the Ballestas Islands (with group of 12-15 people and tour guide). Here you can appreciate the famous Candelabra, an immense petroglyph located in the Bay of Independence in Paracas. 30 minutes offshore you will observe the biodiversity of marine fauna and marine birds resident in the Ballestas Islands. These include Guaneras, Peruvian Piquero, Cormorant Guanay, Cormorant of Red Legs, Zarcillo, Peruvian Pelican, Humboldt Penguin, Sea lions and dolphins. After 2 hours, you will return to shore in Paracas.
10:00am: 1-hour drive to the city of Ica.
11:00am: Visit to the award winning Crafts Vitivinicola Winery ‘El Catador or ‘Nieto’. Here you will learn about the artisanal wine and pisco making processes and have a taste of the liquors made in the winery.
1:00pm: Take lunch in Ica (optional) and drive to Huacachina.
4:30pm: Visit the Oasis Lagoon of Huacachina. A natural oasis located 5km west of Ica. It’s emerald green waters are surrounded by huge sand dunes and an abundance of palm trees and eucalyptus trees (introduced species). It is also home to the carob tree species known as Huarango, which is used for resting migratory birds that pass through this region. Here you will take a 90 minute tour in beach buggy (tubular). An activity perfect for people who like speed, adrenaline and wind in their face! And do not mind a sand bath from the buggy climbing up and down the massive dunes! At the end of the tour you will return to the Oasis of Huacachina to walk alongside the lagoon and take photos.
6:30pm: Depart Huacachina to drive back to Lima.
10:30pm: Drop off at your hotel in Lima.
What is included in the Paracas tour?
Included
- Pick up from the Hotel in Lima
- Private transport to/from Paracas, Ica and Huacachina
- Professional English/Spanish speaking tour guide
- Entrance ticket to Ballestas Islands
- Ballestas Island Tour including tour guide and boat (up to 15 passengers)
- Entrance ticket to the winery ‘El Catador’ in Ica
- Huacachina tour including instructors and Sandboards
- Sand Buggy (groups of 4 to 6 people)
- Permanent Assistance throughout
- Private transport back to hotel in Lima at the end
Not Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Water and Snacks
- Tips and Gratuities
Recommendations to bring
- Original passport – expiration date no less than 7 months
- Walking shoes or light shoes or tennis shoes
- Canteen water bottle as you should drink plenty of fluid on the tour
- Raincoat or long poncho during the rainy season
- Long sleeve shirts
- Long pants
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Wide-brimmed hat – UPV is strong at altitude
- Sunglasses
- Medicines and / or personal effects
- A light backpack or briefcase
- Camera or phone camera
- Cash/coins – small denominations – soles & dollars
- Face mask and face shield (if preferred)
Additional Information
The group are formed between 4 to 6 people for Huacachina tour and 10 to 15 People for Islas Ballestas tour.
For the reservation of this tour a minimum of 02 people is required.
Where does the tour start and end?
- All ours tours begins with the pick up to the tourists at the door of their hotels “We pick up to our clients from any hotel located in the city of Cusco”, We recommend to stay close to the historical center of the city of Cusco, it will make it easier to find your hotel.
- All our tours ends at the door of the hotels, it means the tours will finish with transfer to your respective hotel located in Cusco.
How to prevent altitude sickness?
- The altitude sickness or soroche can cause you some discomfort during your visit such as dizziness, fatigue or nausea. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages and fatty foods before the visit.
- To reduce symptoms, try to acclimatize yourself one day before to the altitude of the city of Cusco. We recommend to drink infusions of coca leaf (natural plant used by the Incas) is an excellent option to avoid the actitude sickness.
How is the accommodation?
- For all the tours which include hotels. We offer hotels of 3* and 4* category, it has spacious and comfortable rooms, bathrooms, hot showers and bueffet breakfast. If the tourist like, you can change the accommodation to a better service. You just have to request it via email for an additional cost.
Which season is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
- The dry season months between April to December are the best time to come and visit Cusco. During those days the possibility of rain is very little, so the roads are not swampy and the landscapes can be better to enjoy and takes the best pictures. On the other hand, the months with the most rain are January, February and March.
What are the coldest months in Cusco Peru?
- The coldest season in Cusco are in the months from May to July. During this time the sun is strong in the day, but once it goes down or you spend much time in the shade, it can get very cold. It can go below zero at night, so warm clothes and Jackets are necessary to bring during these months.
How long in advance can I request the tour?
- We recommend to purchase the tours weeks or months in advance, this because the train and Machu Picchu tickets has a limit of spaces, dont wait until the lust minute to book your tour, other ways you will not be able to find spaces.
During the trip to Machu Picchu, where the big luggages will stay?
The train company that operates to Machu Picchu does not allow the traveler to carry a suitcase that weighs more than 7 kilograms. To go up and visit the city of Machu Picchu, it is recommended to carry a light and small backpack for your convenience; the rest of the luggages you can leave them without any problem at the storage of your hotel in Cusco, or you can also leave at our office in Cusco city, we have an storage too.
Very Important in case you want to book the Inca trail to Machu Picchu:
- CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS: If you want to book the Classic Inca Trail 4 days, you must to book early to get your desired date. Depending on the month you prefer to do the hike, you may need to book 6 months or more in advance, the limit of spaces for the inca trail 4 days is 400 people per each day.
- SHORT INCA TRAIL: If you are booking the 1 or 2 day Inca Trail, it is preferred that you also book in advance, however 2 to 4 month in advance would be good, the limit of spaces for the short inca trail is 200 people per each day.
When is the best season to hike the Inca Trail?
- The best time of year to do the inca trail is between May to October, with August and September being the best months of all. The trail is dry and the weather is lovely. During the rainy season between November to April the trail will be wet and can make it more difficult.
What are customers saying about Us
At Machu Picchu Viajes Perú, our goal is to create the best possible experience for all our clients. Proof of our commitment is reflected in our customer recommendations.
Our rating on TripAdvisor
Our rating on Google
4.9/5 Reviews
Over 10,000 travelers servedMore than a trip, we create authentic experiences in Peru
We specialize in designing personalized trips to Machu Picchu and the main destinations in Peru, combining impeccable organization, personalized attention, and deep local knowledge.
Proven Experience
Years of experience operating routes such as the Inca Trail, Salkantay, and cultural tours, with packages throughout Peru.
Specialized Local Team
Certified guides and trained staff who guarantee quality service and professional support.
Safe and Official Operations
Company registered and authorized by official tourism entities in Peru.
Commitment to the Community
We work with local providers promoting sustainable development and responsible tourism.
National and international distinctions that support our commitment to quality and excellence in every experience.
Machu Picchu Viajes Peru is a highly recommended company on Tripadvisor, ranked as one of the best tour operators nationwide, winner of the 2025 Excellence Award.
Certificates and Authorizations
Machu Picchu Viajes Peru is a company fully authorized by the Peruvian government, certifying us as a legally established company with multiple excellence certificates.
Machu Picchu Viajes Peru meets the highest social and environmental standards in the tour operator market, meaning we practice sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism.
Related Tours
Travel Associations & Cetifications
Our awards and recommendations reflect our commitment to excellence and quality at every step.


