Discover the best of the southern coast of Peru in an unforgettable one-day adventure. Sail through the waters of Paracas to observe the incredible marine fauna of the Ballestas Islands, taste the most representative flavors of Ica in a traditional winery, and be amazed by the spectacular Oasis of Huacachina, surrounded by gigantic sand dunes. A perfect experience that combines nature, culture, gastronomy, and adventure in a single tour.
Why choose this experience with Sakura Expedition?
Small groups and guaranteed departures: The trip is organized in groups of a maximum of 18 people, so you can enjoy a more authentic experience throughout the journey. Additionally, departures are confirmed from 2 passengers, giving you the flexibility to plan your adventure with complete confidence.
Professional guide throughout the tour: From the pick-up at your hotel to the end of the experience, you will have the continuous support of our professional guide. He will be able to address each of your questions, as well as provide you with information and security throughout the entire journey.
Enjoy each destination without haste: Our itinerary is designed to explore each attraction along the route at a leisurely pace, appreciating the natural landscapes and the cultural richness of the destination in detail.
Adventure, nature, and culture in a single experience: Combine marine wildlife observation, wine and pisco tasting, and the thrill of dune buggies and sandboarding.
With Sakura Expedition, you don't just visit destinations; you live a complete experience full of landscapes, flavors, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Summary
Full Day | Lima – Paracas – Ica – Huacachina – Lima
Discover the best of the southern coast of Peru in a single day. Sail to the Ballestas Islands to observe its incredible marine fauna and the mysterious Candelabro de Paracas, enjoy a wine and pisco tasting at a traditional winery in Ica, and be amazed by the spectacular Oasis of Huacachina. End the experience with a dose of adrenaline by riding dune buggies and practicing sandboarding before returning to Lima. A perfect combination of nature, culture, gastronomy, and adventure in a single day.
Technical details of the tour:
Duration:
All day: from 4:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Maximum altitude:
Oasis of Huacachina: 406 m above sea level / 1,332 feet
Minimum altitude:
Paracas: 0 m above sea level / 0 feet
Difficulty level:
Easy
Temperature:
Minimum 16 °C / Maximum 32 °C
Featured Places
Ballestas Islands, Paracas (0 msl - 0 feet): Natural refuge for sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a wide variety of seabirds.
Paracas Candelabra (0 m.a.s.l. - 0 ft): Enigmatic geoglyph carved into a coastal hill, visible only from the sea.
Ica (406 meters above sea level / 1,332 feet): Land of pisco and Peruvian wine, recognized for its traditional wineries.
Oasis of Huacachina (406 m above sea level / 1,332 feet): Spectacular natural oasis surrounded by imposing sand dunes, ideal for photography and adventure activities.
Huacachina Dunes (450 m above sea level / 1,476 feet): Perfect setting to enjoy the thrilling sand buggies and the practice of sandboarding.
Full Day | Lima – Paracas – Ica – Huacachina – Lima
Our experience in Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina begins very early with pick-up from the designated points in Lima.
Boarding points (all seats are on a first-come, first-served basis):
Hotels and Airbnb in San Isidro: 03:50 – 04:00 hrs
Falabella Miraflores: 03:50 – 04:00 hrs
Hotels and Airbnb in Miraflores: 04:15 – 04:30 hrs
Hotels and Airbnb in Barranco: 04:30 – 04:55 hrs
Parque Kennedy – Saga Falabella: schedule to be confirmed according to coordination
The adventure departs from Lima (154 m above sea level / 505 feet) heading toward the southern coast of Peru, accompanied by our specialized guide, who will provide the necessary instructions to fully enjoy the experience. During the journey, we will make a brief stop for breakfast at a renowned local bakery (breakfast not included), ideal for recharging energy before starting the adventure.
Ballestas Islands – 09:30 hrs
Altitude: 0 m above sea level / Sea level
The first destination of the tour will be Paracas, from where we will head to the dock to board modern marine vessels heading to the famous Ballestas Islands. During the navigation, we will observe the mysterious Paracas Candelabra, a huge geoglyph carved into the sand whose origin remains an enigma.
Continuing on the journey out to sea, we will be able to admire the incredible marine fauna of the area, where sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and a great variety of birds stand out, making this place one of the most important ecosystems on the Peruvian coast.
Tasting of Traditional Sweets – 11:30 AM
Upon arrival, we will enjoy a tasting of the traditional tejas and chocotejas, emblematic sweets of the region that stand out for their unique flavors and artisanal production.
Free Lunch – 1:00 PM (Not included)
In this place, we will also have free time to have lunch and enjoy the renowned Peruvian cuisine. We recommend trying the famous Peruvian ceviche, considered one of the most representative and appreciated dishes in the country.
Ica – Artisan Winery and Wine and Pisco Tasting – 2:00 PM
Altitude: 406 m a.s.l. / 1,332 feet
Our next stop will be at a traditional winery in Ica, where we will learn about the process of making Peruvian wines and piscos passed down from generation to generation.
We will tour their facilities and participate in a fun tasting of sweet wines, dry wines, burgundies, piscos, and macerated wines, discovering the flavors that have made Ica the wine capital of Peru.
Oasis of Huacachina – 3:00 PM
Altitude: 406 m a.s.l. / 1,332 feet
We will arrive at the spectacular Oasis of Huacachina, a natural lagoon surrounded by immense golden dunes that create one of the most astonishing landscapes in Peru. You will have time to explore the oasis, take photographs, and enjoy this unique setting in the middle of the desert.
Tubulars and Sandboarding – 3:30 PM
The adventure reaches its peak as you board the thrilling sand buggies to traverse the gigantic desert dunes. You will feel the adrenaline in every ascent and descent while taking in breathtaking panoramic views.
You will also have the opportunity to practice sandboarding, sliding over the sand and experiencing an unforgettable adventure in one of the most famous deserts in South America.
Return to Lima – 4:30 PM
After the experience on the dunes, we will begin our journey back to Lima. During the journey, we will make a brief stop in Chincha, land of Afro-Peruvian traditions, where we can taste regional products such as wines, macerados, and typical sweets.
Arrival in Lima – approximately 9:30 PM.
We will arrive in Lima at night (the schedule may vary depending on traffic and road conditions), culminating a day full of nature, culture, flavors, and adventure.
You will return with unforgettable memories after discovering in just one day the wonders of Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina, experiencing one of the most complete adventures on the southern coast of Peru.
Permits and tickets guaranteed:
Entry to the Ballestas Islands
To visit the Ballestas Islands, an entry ticket is required. We take care of the arrangements so you can avoid long lines and enjoy a more comfortable experience from the start.
Accompaniment and Security
Information and coordination prior to the tour via phone or WhatsApp:
One day before the trip, our team will contact you to provide all the service details, answer any questions, and coordinate the final aspects of the experience.
Bilingual professional guide (Spanish and English).
We have an excellent staff of professional guides, highly trained in history, culture, and tourist information, because we know how important their accompaniment is to provide a safe, informative, and memorable experience throughout the entire trip.
First aid kit
Sakura Expedition always prioritizes safety during every tour. Therefore, our guides receive constant training in first aid, ensuring timely assistance and a safe journey for all our passengers.
24/7 customer service.
We will always be resolving your questions from start to finish, and we have an emergency phone number that you can call whenever you need assistance.
Adventure activities
This tour will not only allow you to discover stunning landscapes but also to experience a journey full of excitement and adrenaline. As part of the adventure, you will enjoy:
Sand buggies (tubular): Travel through the impressive dunes of Huacachina aboard vehicles specially designed for the desert, feeling the thrill of each ascent and descent among the gigantic sand mountains.
Sandboarding: Glide over the dunes and experience the fun of practicing this exciting sport in one of the most spectacular and famous deserts in Peru.
Wine and Pisco Tasting
Experience a journey full of flavor and tradition at a renowned winery in Ica. You will learn about the artisanal production of Peruvian wine and pisco while enjoying an entertaining tasting of different varieties, discovering aromas, flavors, and secrets that have made this wine region famous.
Tourist Transfers
Pick-up in tourist service from your hotel in Lima if it is within the pick-up points.
Tourist transportation in a minibus or tourist sprinter (maximum 19 passengers).
What does it not include?
Food:
*Breakfast: During the journey, we will make a stop at a local bakery, where you can purchase your breakfast according to your preferences.
*Lunch: There will be a stop at the El Huarango Tourist Restaurant, where you will find a variety of typical regional dishes to choose from. We recommend tasting the traditional Peruvian ceviche, considered one of the most representative and recognized dishes of Peru.
Return to the hotel: At the end of the tour, disembarkation is carried out at the designated service points. It does not include individual transfers to each hotel.
Travel insurance (recommended): For greater peace of mind during your trip, we recommend purchasing insurance that provides coverage for unforeseen events such as flight cancelations or delays, loss or delay of luggage, illnesses, accidents, trip interruptions, loss of tourist services due to delays, as well as medical assistance and personal protection throughout your entire adventure.
Tips: Optional.
Additional expenses due to causes beyond the agency's control: Adverse weather conditions, itinerary modifications for safety, illness, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, or other similar circumstances.
Rates for this tour are the amount indicated by your travel advisor. Please contact us to confirm the current price, group discounts and available departure dates.
Comfortable clothing suited to the weather, walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a light jacket, drinking water, a camera and your original ID or passport.
What places are visited during the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Ballestas Islands, the Paracas Candelabra, a winery in Ica, the Huacachina Oasis, the Huacachina Dunes, and also involves driving dune buggies and practicing sandboarding.
How long does the tour last?
It is a full-day experience with an approximate duration of 17 hours. The service starts approximately at 4:00 AM and the return to Lima is around 9:30 PM. The schedules may vary slightly depending on traffic and road conditions.
How many passengers make up the group and from how many people is the departure guaranteed?
To provide a more comfortable and organized experience, we work with small groups of up to 18 passengers, which allows for more efficient visits, avoids long waits, and enhances the enjoyment of each tourist attraction.
Additionally, we have guaranteed departures from 1 passenger, so you can take the tour even if you are traveling alone.
Does the tour include breakfast?
No. During the journey, we will make a stop at a local bakery where you can purchase your breakfast according to your preferences.
Is lunch included?
No. You will have free time to have lunch at a tourist restaurant in the area. We recommend trying the traditional Peruvian ceviche and other typical dishes of the local cuisine.
Is the entrance to the Ballestas Islands included?
Yes. The tour includes entry and navigation to the Ballestas Islands.
Is the tubing and sandboarding activity included?
Yes. The program includes the ride in sand buggies (tubular) and the sandboarding experience on the dunes of Huacachina.
Is the wine and pisco tasting included?
Yes. During the visit to the winery, you will participate in a tasting of wines, piscos, and macerated drinks traditionally made in the Ica region.
Does the tour include pickup from the hotel?
Yes. It includes pick-up from hotels located within the designated areas of Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco. For other areas of Lima, a meeting point or an additional pickup will be coordinated, subject to availability and extra cost. We recommend consulting with your sales executive beforehand.
What is the difficulty level of the tour?
The level is easy. The experience is designed for travelers of all ages and does not require prior experience.
What is the maximum and minimum altitude of the tour?
During the tour, the maximum altitude will be at the Oasis of Huacachina at 406 meters above sea level (1,332 feet). While the minimum altitude is in Paracas and the Ballestas Islands at 0 meters above sea level.
Can children and seniors participate?
Yes. It is an ideal experience for families, couples, and travelers of all ages. Children can participate under the supervision of their parents, and seniors can enjoy the tour as long as they can move independently during the visits and activities.
Do children pay for a seat?
Yes. For safety and comfort reasons, all passengers aged 3 and above must occupy their own seat during the trip.
What wildlife can I observe on the Ballestas Islands?
Depending on the season, you will be able to observe: Sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, boobies, cormorants, and various seabirds. The Ballestas Islands are considered one of the most important natural refuges on the Peruvian coast.
What is the Paracas Candelabra?
It is a huge geoglyph carved on a sand hill facing the Pacific Ocean. It can only be seen from the sea, and its origin remains a mystery.
What clothes should I wear?
We recommend bringing:
Comfortable shoes
Light and fresh clothing
Windbreaker
Cap or hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Cash for personal expenses
Does the tour operate year-round?
Yes. We operate year-round.
Between December and March, we recommend wearing light clothing, sunscreen, and staying well-hydrated due to the high temperatures on the coast.
In which languages is the guided service offered?
Our professional guides provide explanations in Spanish and English.
For other languages such as French, German, Portuguese, or Italian, we recommend requesting a private service in advance.
What happens if I feel unwell during the tour?
Our guides carry a first aid kit and are trained to provide basic assistance during the trip.
Why choose this tour?
Because it brings together in a single experience the best of the southern coast of Peru: the marine fauna of the Ballestas Islands, the winemaking tradition of Ica, wine and pisco tasting, the stunning Huacachina Oasis, and the thrill of dune buggies and sandboarding. It is the perfect option for those who want to make the most of their time and experience nature, culture, gastronomy, and adventure in a single day.
What is the booking process for the Paracas tour?
Step 1: Check availability
Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check available dates. We will send you a personalized reservation form that each group participant must complete.
Step 2: Passenger Information
To manage the tour, we need the following information from each participant, as it appears in the passport:
Full name
Gender
Passport number
Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
Nationality
Once we have received your information, we will proceed to confirm your reservation and send you all the necessary information for the trip.
Step 3: Deposit and confirmation
Once we receive the completed forms, we will request a deposit per person to proceed with the purchase of permits. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot, especially during holidays and peak seasons.
Step 4: Final Confirmation
When the permits are secured, you will receive your official confirmation invoice. At that moment, your reservation will be guaranteed 100%.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes, it is possible to cancel or change the date of your reservation up to 48 hours before departure. In these cases, an administrative fee will be applied, which will be deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Do you have any more questions?
If you have more questions, you can contact our sales team via WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com. We are available to help you plan your experience in Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100% local Peruvian company, specialized in adventure and cultural tourism experiences in the main destinations of Peru. We have a team of certified guides, porters, and operational staff committed to providing unique, safe, and high-quality experiences.
We are distinguished by responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities, and personalized attention in every service. Backed by our tourism quality certification, we guarantee excellence standards in every detail of the operation, from planning to tour execution.
With Sakura Expedition, your satisfaction is guaranteed.