Ballestas Islands Peru

Introduction to the Adventure

Full Day

Moderate

200 m.a.s.l.

2 to 12 People

Spanish, English, Portuguese

Discover the amazing natural sights of southern Peru with a fun day trip to the Ballestas Islands and the famous Huacachina Oasis. You’ll get to see wildlife, desert landscapes, and the stunning Pacific coast all in one trip.

At the Ballestas Islands, we’ll spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and tons of seabirds. The rocky islands and the famous Candelabra geoglyph make for incredible photo opportunities. Our guide will share cool facts about the islands’ wildlife and history.

Then we’ll head to Huacachina, a beautiful oasis surrounded by huge sand dunes. You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, take in the colors of the desert, and maybe even try some sandboarding for a little adventure.

This day trip is the perfect mix of nature, wildlife, and adventure, giving you a taste of southern Peru you won’t forget.

Day 01

We will start early with a hotel pickup in Miraflores or San Isidro around 4:30 A.M. and drive along the Peruvian coastal desert, enjoying its vast sandy landscapes and views of the Pacific Ocean. During the ride, we will observe small fishing villages and desert scenery. This early start will ensure a full day of adventure and sightseeing.
We will visit the Ballestas Islands Peru, known for its diverse wildlife. We will see sea lions lounging on rocks, Humboldt penguins, and numerous seabirds. Our guide will explain the ecological importance and history of the islands.
We will cruise around the rocky formations and observe the famous Candelabra geoglyph from the boat. This stop offers excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.
Next, we will travel to Ica, visiting a traditional artisan winery. We will learn about wine and pisco production and taste local varieties. The guide will explain the history and methods behind each product. After the tasting, we will enjoy the unique atmosphere of Ica’s desert region, preparing for the next adventure.
We will continue to the Oasis in Peru, Huacachina, surrounded by golden sand dunes. We will ride buggies across the dunes and try sandboarding on steep slopes. The guide will demonstrate techniques and ensure safety. We will admire the desert’s colors and take photos of this extraordinary natural setting.
We will finish the day returning to Lima, arriving in the evening around 9:00 P.M. We will have experienced coastal wildlife, desert landscapes, and traditional Peruvian flavors. This tour combines nature, adventure, and culture for an unforgettable day trip.

Day Statistics:

Distance traveled: 650 km round trip from Lima
Highest altitude: 200 meters above sea level at desert viewpoints in Huacachina
Lowest altitude: Sea level at Ballestas Islands meters above sea level
Route: Lima → Paracas → Ballestas Islands → Ica → Huacachina → Lima
Difficulty level: Moderate (light walking, desert activities, boat ride)

Included

Private or shared tourist transportation Lima → Paracas → Ica → Lima
Boat tour to Ballestas Islands Peru
Entrance fees to all sites visited
Professional bilingual guide
Visit and tasting at a traditional artisan winery in Ica
Buggy ride in Huacachina and sandboarding experience
Lunch included during the tour

Not Included

Additional meals or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses and optional activities
Tips for guides or drivers
International or domestic flights
Hotel accommodations
Travel or medical insurance

To ensure you enjoy your adventure to the fullest, we have prepared this detailed checklist. We recommend reviewing each category before packing your bags.