Escape Lima for a day of dramatic desert and coastal landscapes. Explore the Paracas coastline, discover marine wildlife and sand dunes, then experience the oasis of Huacachina surrounded by the Ica Desert.

Travel south from Lima into one of Peru’s most striking landscapes, where the Pacific Ocean meets vast desert. Discover the wildlife-rich waters of Paracas, explore the rugged coastline and finish among the towering dunes and palm-lined oasis of Huacachina.

Begin with early morning pickup from your Lima hotel and travel south along the Pan-American Highway towards Paracas. Leave the city behind as the landscape gradually changes to barren desert, coastal cliffs and sweeping Pacific views.

Arrive in Paracas and board a boat for a journey across the protected waters of Paracas Bay. Cruise along the coast and around the Ballestas Islands, watching for sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans and other marine birds that inhabit the rocky islands.

Continue along the Paracas coastline and explore the dramatic landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve. Stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking rugged cliffs, sweeping beaches and the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Learn about the unique desert ecosystem and the wildlife that thrives where the ocean meets one of Peru’s driest landscapes. The combination of desert, cliffs and ocean creates some of the region’s most distinctive scenery.

Continue towards Ica and stop for lunch, with time to sample some of the flavours and products associated with the region. Ica is particularly known for its vineyards, pisco production and agricultural valleys surrounded by desert.

Continue to Huacachina, a small desert oasis surrounded by enormous golden sand dunes. Walk around the palm-lined lagoon and take in the extraordinary contrast between the green oasis and the vast desert beyond.

Head into the dunes for an exhilarating experience among the desert landscape. Depending on your preference, explore the dunes by dune buggy or try sandboarding on the steep desert slopes.

Take time to enjoy the panoramic views from the dunes before beginning your journey back towards Lima. Watch the desert landscape change as you travel north, arriving back in the capital in the evening.

Duration: 13–14 Hours

Includes

• Private transportation

• English-speaking guide

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

• Ballestas Islands boat tour

• Paracas National Reserve entrance fee

• Huacachina visit

• Complimentary bottled water

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Hat or cap

• Light clothing

• Cash

• Camera

Know before you go

• This is a long day trip from Lima, with an early morning departure.

• The Ballestas Islands boat journey can be affected by wind and sea conditions.

• The desert can be extremely sunny during the day, so sun protection is essential.

• Sandboarding and dune buggy activities are optional and can be added according to your preference.

• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but the Ballestas Islands are home to a wide variety of marine species.