Full Day Tour From Lima: Paracas and Huacachina Oasis
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Lima, Peru
- 18 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Experience an unforgettable day trip from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina, featuring a guided boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, penguins, and more in their natural habitat. Explore the stunning Huacachina Desert Oasis at your own pace, then enjoy an exhilarating dune buggy ride and sandboarding adventure, capped off with a breathtaking desert sunset. Travel in comfort with air-conditioned buses and bilingual guides, with optional local cuisine like ceviche and pisco sours to complete your journey.
- Enjoy a mix of guided tours and free time on this activity-packed day trip
- Check off plenty of the area’s highlights in just one tour
- Letting someone else drive lets you admire the scenery
- Don’t worry about packing kit, everything you need is provided for ease
What's Included
- Bilingual professional tour guide
- Roundtrip with Air Conditioning, clean restroom, USB Ports, and a large storage room
- 2 hour Guided Ballestas Islands Boat Trip in Paracas
- Visit to a local pisco vineyard with pisco tasting
- Dune Buggy and Sandboarding Tour
- Free time to explore Huacachina Oasis
- Pick up and drop off (with pickup/dropoff option)
- Food and drinks
- Local Tax (Paracas: 16 PEN, Huacachina: 8 PEN )PEN24.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- JW Marriott Hotel LimaMal. de la Reserva 615, Miraflores Lima 18, Peru
Passengers must be ready OPPOSITE the JW Marriott hotel, Mal. de la Reserva 615, Miraflores, from 05:45 am (wait near the small information kiosk). The bus departs here at 6:00 am.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.6:00 am
Itinerary
1
Miraflores
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Las Islas Ballestas
2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
Ica
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
4
Huacachina Oasis
2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
Huacachina
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
6
Miraflores
5 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Please bring breakfast with you (direct bus).
- Please don’t be late, as bus must leave on time to do Ballestas Islands at 10:00 am.
- Bring sunscreen, it is hot all year round in Paracas and Huacachina.
- Food is not included, although we have discounts in many restaurants.
- See itinerary for hour by hour plan.
- Warm weather all year round. Light-weight jumper/jacket for speedboat ride to Ballestas. Closed-toe footwear for Sandboarding.
- Minimum age is 7 years
- The bus will arrive back in Lima, at JW Marriott at around 11:30 pm
- The tour runs with slight adjustments during the following holidays: Easter weekend (April 2-5) and Peru's Independence Day celebrations (July 27-29). The pick-up time will be 1 hour before the usual time.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 42 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Adarius_P
The whole day trip was amazing. Diego was a great tour guide who was very informative and personable. Met great people along the way, now I have people to visit around the world. The highlight of the day is the sandboarding and speed dune buggy. With breathtaking views and your adrenaline rushing as you slide down the steep hills, you realize that waking up at 6am to meet up at the bus at 6:45 was all worth it. Definitely would recommend to anyone traveling to Peru looking for a day adventure. 10/10!
Reviews
4.9
based on 4,348 reviews
Amanda_W, Apr 2026
This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don't miss out. We stayed the night in the desert, and it was incredible. I highly recommend.
jose_n, Apr 2026
It was a great experience, our tour guide Yeli was an amazing host. I definitely recommend this tour.
Lilibeth_K, Apr 2026
It was a really nice experience, the tour guide is kind and nice, she very attentive and takes care of all passenger, like a mom caring for children. I recommend bringing extra water for huacachina because its a dessert, ofc you'll get dehydrated faster than usual. Food was not included in the fee but they take you to the restaurant at the same place for the pisco tasting, the food is good. Most of the places you can pay with card, and the entrance fee for the places can be paid online with card, they will give you a QR code for the website to pay online, but still bring some cash just in case.
It is a long ride from Lima to Paracas and to Huacachina, good thing the bus have toilet, but it is only for urinating, not for defecation, and nicely enough, we were in a bus full of decent people that kept it clean.
The tour in paracas is unexpectedly nice, lots of animals, birds and lucky enough to see dolphins jumping.
Huacachina is nice and the fun part of the tour, just remember to check which tour you are getting, we ended up paying an extra hour to upgrade for the standard two hour buggy tour, because the package i paid online was only for one hour, some people's package didn't even include the buggy tour, so they paid for it on the bus before getting to huacachina.
Roger_Y, Apr 2026
Absolutely a must do in your trip in Peru. The dunebuggy and sandsurfing was one of the highlights of our entire trip. I still remember the thrill of sitting in the buggy racing up and down those dunes and the rush of sledding down a tall mound of sand. We traveled with 2 young teens and the drivers were very attentive to their comfort and made sure they were tightly strapped in. The boat was also really enjoyable as we were able to see seals, penguins and even a whale! Highly recommend booking this trip!
Miguel_M, Apr 2026
Tour guides were great! Instructions were clear always. Timing was precise. I enjoyed the whole experience.
SATYA_V, Apr 2026
We had a truly wonderful time on the Full Day Tour From Lima: Paracas and Huacachina Oasis! From start to finish, the trip was well organized, smooth, and packed with unforgettable experiences. The landscapes were stunning, and everything ran efficiently, making it a great way to explore these incredible destinations in a single day.
A special shoutout to our tour guide, Lizbeth, who was absolutely exceptional. Her English was excellent, and she demonstrated true professionalism, enthusiasm, and care throughout the trip. She communicated everything clearly with step-by-step instructions, making the entire experience stress-free and enjoyable. She truly went above and beyond — she deserves a raise!
The only downside of the trip was with the sandboarding/dune buggy upgrade. We paid for a 2-hour experience, but only got one round of sandboarding, which was disappointing. There was no clear communication about this, and that part of the tour felt rushed compared to the rest of the day.
Aside from that, everything else was fantastic, and we still had an amazing time overall. With a bit more transparency and better execution on the upgraded experience, this tour would be absolutely perfect.
Highly recommend the tour — and especially Lizbeth! 👏
Jheanelle_H, Apr 2026
Absolute perfect group adventure. I had fun doing the boat tour, wine tasting and especially the dune buggy tour and sand boarding. Would def do it again
Aiswarya_S, Apr 2026
The tour was amazing. Mar was a great tour guide. Everything was very well organized and didnt have any trouble during the trip.
Steffi_H, Mar 2026
We had an amazing experience! Angela is an amazing guide and I am so happy that they were quite punctual. I would definitely recommend people to upgrade their tour/experience and include the dune buggies into it.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Steffi,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re really happy to hear you had such an amazing time and that everything ran smoothly and on time.
It’s great to know Angela made the experience even better with her guidance. She’ll really appreciate your kind words.
We also love that you enjoyed the dune buggies, definitely one of the highlights of the day!
We’d love to welcome you again on another adventure.
Escape from Lima
Jose_C, Mar 2026
Had a really good time with the group. Everything was well organized and went smoothly. Highly recommend not having headphones in while the guide is talking on the bus. There were some intricacies that I missed (food, upgrades, etc.) that would’ve made the trip easier had I been paying attention. On me though!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Jose,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re really happy to hear you had a great time with the group and that everything was well organized and ran smoothly.
We’d love to welcome you again on another adventure.
Escape from Lima
Alecia_B, Mar 2026
Mar has a tour guide 1000 % the best tour guide. That young lady did her big one. When I say the service was excellent I meant that from the heart. Customer service an tour guide from her top of the top. The tour it self was amazing,wear good shoes an good sports clothes breathable ones too. Please don't wear no slippers it isn't that kind of tour. The experience was fantastic 👏.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Alecia,
Thank you so much for your amazing review, we really appreciate it.
We’re so happy to hear you had such a fantastic experience and that Mar made such a strong impression on you. Your words truly mean a lot, and we’ll definitely pass this on to her, she’ll be over the moon to read it.
We also really appreciate you sharing your tip for future travellers about what to wear, that’s super helpful and honest advice for anyone planning to join the tour.
Thanks again for choosing Escape from Lima and for sharing your experience with so much heart. We’d love to welcome you back anytime.
Ted_R, Mar 2026
Once in a lifetime experience! Truly breathtaking. I will never forget this day. Such natural beauty, all in one day is truly amazing.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Ted,
Thank you for your amazing review! We’re thrilled to hear you had a once-in-a-lifetime experience and that Peru’s natural beauty made such a memorable impression. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering unforgettable journeys.
Safe travels,
Escape from Lima
Arnaldo_G, Mar 2026
Incredible!!! So so fun and Fio the tour guide was very nice and helpful! I recommend taking the 2-hour tour and trying the sand skii or boarding.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Arnaldo,
Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We're delighted to hear you had such an incredible and fun time on your tour, and that Fio made the experience even more enjoyable with her kindness and helpfulness. We really appreciate your recommendation.
Warm regards,
Escape from Lima
Taliya_K, Mar 2026
Everything was executed exactly as outlined in the description! It is a long day, but absolutely worth it for the experience. Aymeth was a phenomenal guide—knowledgeable, professional, and so much fun to be around - like a sister. Every detail was handled perfectly, making for a truly seamless and memorable adventure. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Taliya,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that every detail of your tour was perfectly handled and that you had such a seamless and memorable adventure. It’s fantastic to know that Aymeth made such a positive impression with her knowledge, professionalism, and warm personality. We truly appreciate you sharing your experience and are glad it was everything you hoped for.
Patricia_H, Mar 2026
The boat was decent. We did get to see some wildlife. Net penguin season but we did get to see one little penguin hiding in the rocks . the sand dunes were fun. It’s a very very long day. A long bus ride definitely bring snacks on the bus. Our guide was sweet. Aymeth was her name.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Patricia,
Thank you so much for sharing your review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the wildlife on the boat ride, including spotting a penguin and had a blast in the dunes. It’s also wonderful to hear that Aymeth made your experience even more special with her kindness and helpfulness.
Warm regards,
Escape from Lima
Kelly_G, Mar 2026
This is definitely a 5 star. Very long day though because we did so much. We did the boat trip to see the penguins and sea lions, lunch, Pistco tasting, and then we did the sand dunes (sand boarding was so much fun) and I am in my mid 60’s. The sunset was amazing
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Kelly,
Thank you for sharing your fantastic review! We’re thrilled that you had such a memorable and action-packed day, from the boat trip with penguins and sea lions to the Pisco tasting, sandboarding, and that stunning sunset. We really appreciate your 5-star feedback!
Escape from Lima
Sergio_S, Mar 2026
Marjorie and Miguel were amazing, Mar was always so helpful and she answered all of our questions, we really appreciate everything you did for us. Thank you from Costa Rica.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Sergio,
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that Marjorie and Miguel made such a positive difference to your experience, and that Mar was always helpful in answering all your questions. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we truly appreciate you sharing your gratitude from Costa Rica.
Safe travels,
Escape from Lima
Mariela_L, Mar 2026
Very professional and well organized. Love the whole experience! We were 11 in my group, one handicapped, and they did so good! Fiorella, Anna and Gabino all very helpful and friendly, will do it over and over. So much fun!! 10/10 Great Job! thank you so much guys!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Mariela,
thank you for your amazing review! We’re thrilled to hear that your whole group had such a great time, and that everyone felt well taken care of.
Fiorella, Anna, and Gabino will be so happy to hear your kind words! It means a lot to us that you had so much fun and would do it all over again. 10/10 made our day!
Warm regards,
Escape from Lima
Sherry_P, Mar 2026
Great tour, and Diego was an excellent guide! However, the online description should indicate that the 1 hour ATV tour people have to wait for the 2 hour people...not return earlier (this is an 18 hour tour for both)
Ed_Y, Mar 2026
The trip its self it was amazing, the guide is friendly as well. But I just been treated not so well as a sole tourist. I was sleeping on my seat in the bus, guide asks to give my spot to a couple. This is fine but this happened again on the way back. Okay fine. We had a tour guide, and she’s nice but we been passes to another one, who was late for more than 30mins and also was not responsible. So at the end of the trip, the amount of people in the tour exceeds bus spots, we have to wait for another bus, and second guide explained it was because of us ( been added to their group), they needed to wait, in Spanish. Again the tour is amazing just the management failure
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi there,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour and the incredible destinations. Paracas and Huacachina are truly special places, and we love knowing our travelers leave with unforgettable memories.
We appreciate your feedback regarding the return journey; on that day, a second bus and guide were arranged to accommodate all passengers back to Lima, and although there was a short delay in Huacachina due to local traffic, our team coordinated everything efficiently to keep the day running smoothly.
Our guides ensure all travelers are well-informed and supported throughout the day, whether traveling solo or in a group. Your comments have been shared directly with our operations and guide management teams to help improve coordination and passenger care, since this is not the level of service we normally pride ourselves on.
We’re glad that you were able to enjoy the highlights of your trip and experience the unique charm of Paracas and Huacachina.
Warm regards,
Escape from Lima
Carrie_H, Feb 2026
A unique experience, would recommend! We had numerous travel / flight issues and the group was very understanding and willing to work with us and was very responsive which was very appreciated during a stressful time.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hi Carrie!
Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation! We’re truly glad to hear that our team’s support and responsiveness made a positive difference during your travels, especially amidst any challenges with your flights.
Wishing you all the best as you continue your journey.
Escape from Lima
dajah_n, Feb 2026
Every moment was an enjoyable one!
Bring water, towels, sunglasses, bandana , good energy and extra money !
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hi Dajah,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We’re so happy you enjoyed every moment of your trip.
And we love your advice for future travelers. Bringing water, towels, sunglasses, a bandana, good energy, and a little extra money really does help make the most of the adventure.
Warm regards,
Escape from Lima
Bradford_W, Feb 2026
This was one of the best excursions we have ever booked! After booking tours in over 60 countries across five continents, I can honestly say that for the money, this may have been the best one yet.
It was an 18-hour adventure from Lima down to Paracas and then on to Huacachina before heading back. The boat ride to see the sea lions and penguins was fantastic, and the dune buggy ride through the sandhills at the foothills of the Andes was absolutely incredible.
The highlight of the entire trip? Sandboarding down a massive dune — basically snowboarding, just with more adrenaline and a lot more sand!
Our tour guide, Fio, was absolutely fantastic. Even more amazing, she remembered us from a cruise ship she worked on many years ago — such a small world!
If you are in Peru, take this excursion. Highly, highly recommend.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hi Brad,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for sharing such detailed feedback about your adventure with us. We’re absolutely delighted that your day trip from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina was one of the best excursions you’ve ever taken, especially coming from such an experienced traveler.
It’s fantastic that you enjoyed the wildlife boat tour and the adrenaline rush of sandboarding in Huacachina. We’ll gladly pass your kind words on to Fio. She’ll be so happy to know she made your experience even more memorable.
Thank you again for your high recommendation and for choosing us to be part of your journey in Peru.
Escape from Lima
Brandie_W, Feb 2026
It was a long day. Started at 5 AM and was back at the hotel at Midnight. The company does a great job picking every one up. Dispersing in smaller vans. The group was over 65 people. Take sols with you for tipping and other smalls things along the way. Be prepared to be on the road totaling 7 hours. The excursions were worth it.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hi Brandie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. We’re really glad you appreciated our pick up and drop off organization and found the excursions worthwhile, even on such a long day.
Your tips about bringing local currency and being prepared for time on the road will definitely be helpful for future travelers. We truly appreciate you sharing them.
Safe travels,
Escape from Lima
Katie_V, Feb 2026
Wow what a long day, but so worth it. Very cool to see penguins, sand board, and the dunebuggie ride. Recommend upgraded to the 2 hour dune bug and sand board for $9. Lots of downtime on the bus to nap. Very good value.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hi Katie,
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing experience!
We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed seeing the penguins, sandboarding, and the dune buggy ride. Great tip on upgrading to the 2-hour dune buggy and sandboarding, it sounds like a fantastic value! We're glad the downtime on the bus gave you a chance to relax, too.
We’re so happy you had such a memorable experience and hope to see you on another tour soon! 😊🙌
Safe travels,
Escape From Lima Team
Lawrence_H, Feb 2026
Overall, this was a great way to see a lot in one day. Paracas, the Ballestas Islands, the vineyard stop, and Huacachina were all beautiful and worth the trip. Seeing the sea lions and wildlife was underwhelming , and the dune buggy and sandboarding ended up being one of the most fun parts of my Peru trip. Watching the desert at sunset was incredible. The logistics were handled well considering the distance and the length of the day, and our only guide Aymeth truly worked hard to communicate in both Spanish and English and keep a large group organized. That said, this is a very long day, so come prepared mentally and physically.
While Aymeth did her best, her English was sometimes confusing due to direct translation from Spanish. The biggest issue for many of us was the communication around the dune buggy upgrade before lunch. We were offered the option to extend the buggy ride from one hour to two hours for about $9 USD, but the explanation left people unsure. Many of us had never done the activity before, so it was difficult to decide if we wanted more time without knowing what to expect. It also was not clearly explained that if you did not upgrade, you would have extra free time immediately upon arrival in Huacachina to explore and shop. Some travelers did not use their time efficiently and later felt rushed.
When we arrived, several people tried to upgrade on the spot and the situation became more frustrating. The price had increased to around $19 if there was availability, which had not been mentioned earlier, and space was not guaranteed. Since the dune buggy is the main attraction, some travelers were disappointed when they were unable to join. We were already placed into WhatsApp group chats for the tour, and this would have been a great place to share a clear written schedule as the day progresses and meetup details and any questions others might have missed or simply may not have grasped initially . Managing more than 35 people from different countries is not easy, but written communication would help avoid confusion, especially when English is a second language.
A few practical tips for future travelers: Pay for the lunch that’s offered . I recommend the Duck and if you tend to get hungry buy two . Also bring plenty of water, freeze and bottle of you have to and bring plenty of snacks because breakfast is not included and it is a long long day. The bus does not have WiFi or entertainment of any kind ( no radio , tv- screens), and the charging ports are older USB-A, not USB-C. Bring small soles for bathrooms and small purchases and also tip at the end if you so choose . I would also skip the food vendors at the Paracas port, as the quality and value are not great. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you do not mind getting dirty because the sand gets everywhere, and pace your energy for the long day. Purchase your own head covering and glasses as one will not be provided . Pack your patience our Dune Buggy had gotten a flat tire we had to wait for an air pump to arrive .
Despite the communication issues, the experience itself is worth it for the price and everything you are able to see in a single day. With a little preparation and the right expectations, this tour can be a memorable highlight of your time in Peru. Rating: 4/5.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hey Lawrence,
Thank you so much for sharing your detailed feedback and for your thoughtful tips for future travelers. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the beauty of Paracas, the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, and that the dune buggy and sandboarding were highlights of your trip. It’s great to know that Aymeth worked hard to keep the group organized throughout such a long day.
We sincerely apologize for the confusion regarding the dune buggy upgrade and the communication about free time and pricing. Your suggestion for clearer, written communication, especially in the WhatsApp group, is extremely valuable, and we’re actively working on improving our information delivery to help everyone plan their day with confidence. Your insights about practical preparations, such as snacks, water, bringing soles for small purchases, and details about the USB ports, will be very helpful for future travelers as well.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience, it truly helps us improve.
Warm regards,
Escape from Lima
Peteris_S, Feb 2026
Ballestas are perhaps a little underwhelming, but the service / organization / guide (Fio) as well as the oasis tour and sandboarding more than compensate.
Be prepared that you will be on the bus for a good 8 hours total or so.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hi Peteris,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us.
We're glad to hear that the service, organization, and especially your guide Fio made a positive impact on your trip. It's great that you enjoyed the oasis tour and sandboarding as well! We appreciate your note about the travel time on the bus; we always want our guests to be well-prepared for the journey.
Thanks again for choosing us; safe travels on your next adventure!
Best regards,
Escape From Lima Team
Guy_G, Feb 2026
Had an awesome time on this day trip. So many memories and adventures. Couldn’t ask for a better tour guide than Aymeth! Thank you
Frederic_F, Jan 2026
This tour is about fun, not education. It’s a very long day if you depart from Lima, six am to midnight. The activities are well planned and organized, no lineup. I recommend buying the meal at the wine tasting, it was very good. Bring water and toilet paper.
Keshia_h, Jan 2026
Great tour and adventures. Sol was amazing, informative and patient. You definitely get your money's worth.
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