2 Day Tour from Lima: Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina

4.9
(410 reviews)

2 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 3 more

Escape the city and immerse yourself in Peru’s most iconic coastal and desert landscapes - all in just two unforgettable days.
Start your journey with a wildlife-packed boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, home to playful sea lions, penguins, and even dolphins. Then, stand atop the wind-carved cliffs of the Paracas National Reserve, where the desert meets the sea in breathtaking contrast. On day two, buckle up for an adrenaline-filled ride through the golden dunes of Huacachina, a surreal oasis straight out of a postcard - and top it off with sandboarding thrills or an optional ATV upgrade.
Let us handle the logistics - all transportation and entry fees are included so you can focus on the adventure.

What's Included

Secret Slave Tunnels, Hacienda San Jose
2-hour boat tour to the Ballestas Island
2-Hour Sandboarding, Dune Buggy Tour with Sunset Toast
Stay connected with high-speed onboard Wi-Fi (Only available through Peru Hop)
Luxury Transportation: Exclusive luxury buses equipped with air conditioning and onboard restrooms
The Only company with Luxury Buses for the long journey, others use small vans
Bilingual Guide
Pick up and drop off at your hotel
Paracas National Reserve Tour
Food
Accommodation

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

View the pickup list when booking to see if your hotel is included among the pickup points. If it is not on the list, choose “I'll decide later" or "My hotel is not on the list" and after booking let us know where you are staying. We will inform you whether we can pick you up directly at your hotel, or the nearest alternative. -Pick ups from hotels/hostels in San Isidro: between 6:05 am and 6:15 am -Pick ups from hotels/hostels in Miraflores: between 6:15 am and 7:00 am -Pick ups from hotels/hostels in Barranco: between 7:00 am and 7:20 am -Pick ups from hotels/hostels in the Airport will be confirmed via chat

Itinerary

Duration: 2 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Lima - Paracas

    4 stops
  • 1
    Miraflores

    Enjoy a stress-free morning pickup directly from your hotel or hostel in Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro (within the designated pickup zone). Your guide will confirm the exact time the day before your trip via the Viator message system. Board your Peru Hop bus with onboard high-speed Wi-Fi - perfect for catching up on messages or posting your first photos - as you settle in for a relaxed ride south through Peru’s hidden coastal gems.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2

    We’ll pause at Mirasur KM 88, a popular countryside spot known for its traditional Peruvian breakfast baked fresh in rustic ovens. Savor hot, flaky bread straight from the fire, and treat yourself to optional coffee or local specialties as you enjoy views of the surrounding fields. It’s a simple but flavorful start to the adventure.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Step back in time at the legendary Hacienda San José, a beautifully preserved 17th-century colonial estate that played a pivotal role in Peru’s plantation history. Now a luxurious 5-star hotel, it was once one of the largest haciendas in the region, worked by enslaved Africans brought through the illegal trade. Join your guide for an emotional and fascinating journey through the estate, including a tour of its extensive underground slave tunnels, which stretch 17km to the coast. This is a rare and powerful experience, offering insights into Peru’s Afro-Peruvian heritage and the legacy that shaped its coastal culture.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Paracas

    Arrive in the laid-back seaside town of Paracas around 1:30 PM. After checking in, you'll have the afternoon free to stroll along the bay, enjoy fresh seafood, or book optional activities like the Golden Shadow Trek for sunset views over the desert cliffs. Ask your guide for local recommendations to make the most of your free time before tomorrow’s early start.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Paracas - Huacachina - Lima

    5 stops
  • 5
    Islas Ballestas

    Kick off your day with a thrilling speedboat ride to the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Galápagos of Peru.” Departing at 8:00 AM from the Paracas harbor, this guided excursion brings you up close to colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a wide variety of seabirds - all in their natural habitat. Along the way, you'll spot the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph, a massive figure etched into the coastal cliffside.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 6
    Paracas National Reserve

    From 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, explore the dramatic landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve, one of South America’s largest protected coastal deserts. You'll be guided through otherworldly rock formations, panoramic cliff views, and tranquil beaches where the desert collides with the Pacific Ocean. Ask your guide about upgrading to an ATV (quad bike) tour, and carve your own path through this surreal desert setting!

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 7
    Paracas

    At 12:30 PM, hop back on the Peru Hop bus for a scenic ride inland through Ica’s wine country, arriving at the desert oasis of Huacachina around 2:00 PM. You’ll have time to relax, explore the village, or grab a late lunch before the main event begins.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Huacachina

    At 4:30 PM, buckle up for a thrill ride over the towering sand dunes surrounding South America’s only natural desert oasis. You’ll blast through the golden landscape in a specially equipped dune buggy, then grab a sandboard and glide down the sun-scorched slopes.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Huacachina

    At 7:00 PM, relax aboard your comfortable Peru Hop luxury bus with onboard high-speed Wi-Fi for the final leg to Lima - ideal for sharing your best Huacachina photos on the way back. Expect to arrive between 11:30 PM and midnight. We'll drop you off directly at your hotel or hostel if it’s within our designated drop-off areas - no late-night taxis needed.

    5 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The bus will be back in Miraflores around 11:30 pm - midnight (will be later for Lima downtown)
Supplied by Peru Hop

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 410 410 reviews
5 stars
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