Southern Peru packs big flavors and thrills into one small area, and this action-packed day from Ica ties three highlights together without any hassle. You’ll start at a classic wine cellar and pisco distillery, tasting the region’s famous grapes and spirits straight from the makers – no need to drive, your guide handles everything. Then it’s off to Huacachina’s massive dunes where the adrenaline hits: strap on a sandboard and carve down the golden slopes (stand or sit, your choice) with the oasis sparkling below. Everything flows seamlessly, no separate bookings needed – just a full day of Peruvian wine, pisco and desert rush that feels like the perfect combo.
Kick off your Ica adventure with a smooth ride from Lima on a luxury bus, then dive into southern Peru’s top highlights: the wildlife-packed Ballestas Islands, a traditional pisco vineyard, and the surreal Huacachina oasis where massive dunes meet a green lagoon.
Start with a thrilling speedboat tour to the Ballestas Islands—spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, seabirds, and dramatic rock formations in this “Poor Man’s Galápagos.” Next, visit a local vineyard to learn how Peru’s national spirit, pisco, is made and taste different varieties straight from the barrel. Finish at Huacachina for an adrenaline-pumping dune buggy ride up towering sand hills and sandboarding down them at sunset, toasting the day with a drink as the desert glows gold.
This 18-hour full-day tour includes luxury bus transport (reclining seats, Wi-Fi, onboard restroom), hotel pickup/drop-off in Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro, or downtown Lima, and a bilingual guide.
Real talk: the day starts very early (5:00–6:20 AM pickup) and returns late (~11:45 PM)—pack layers for the desert chill and bring cash for extras like park fees and lunch.
Smaller groups on the bus; book early for peak season.
Here's practical advice to help your Paracas/Huacachina day go well, based on common experiences with weather, activities, and the long drive. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.
Common issues. Not wheelchair accessible—boat and dunes. Guests found moderate walking but bumpy rides—hold on tight. Weather rarely cancels; dress in layers.
High likelihood—sea lions, penguins, and seabirds are common. Guests reported close-up views and dramatic rock formations.
Thrilling—fast climbs, sharp turns, big drops. Guests loved the adrenaline but noted it’s bumpy—hold on tight.
Yes for children who handle long days and bumpy rides. Families said kids loved the boat and sandboarding, but supervise closely.
Limited—lunch in Paracas or Huacachina usually has veg choices. Notify early for adjustments. Guests found options sufficient.
Ballestas Islands and Huacachina dunes at sunset—bring a good zoom lens or phone with stabilizer. Guides pause for shots.
Luxury bus with Wi-Fi, Ballestas boat tour, pisco vineyard, dune buggy/sandboarding, and sunset toast. Past guests preferred the full-day value and comfort over self-driving or shorter tours.
Book it today with Huacachina Tours or simply following this link.
