Lima in 1 Day for Friends - 2-hour boat ride around the Islas Ballestas (marine wildlife)
In Collaboration with IZI PERU. Updated on February 17, 2026.
Live a day full of magic, adventure and adrenaline south of Lima! Visit the Ballestas Islands, enjoy a winery lunch and pisco tasting, relax at the Huacachina oasis, then feel the rush with dune buggies and sandboarding — all in one full day from Lima.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with IZI PERU, inspired by the tour Lim-01 : Full Day Tour In Paracas Ica And Huacachina from Lima. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- 2-hour boat ride around the Islas Ballestas (marine wildlife)
- Lunch and guided pisco tasting at the local winery (NIETO)
- Visit Oasis de Huacachina and photo stops
- 45-minute dune buggy ride and sandboarding session
- Roadside shopping stop at Racimo de Uva on the return
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day shared excursion from Lima visiting Paracas (Ballestas Islands), winery lunch with pisco tasting, and Huacachina oasis with dune buggy & sandboarding. Start: 05:00 in Miraflores (Larcomar area). Approximate return to Lima (Larcomar) by 22:30.
Meeting & Hotel pickup (Miraflores)
Group meeting and hotel pick-ups begin at 05:00 in Miraflores (near Larcomar). Guide will confirm any additional pick-up locations before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready in the hotel lobby 5 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time and have your booking voucher or ID ready.
- Wear comfortable layers — early morning in Lima can be cool near the coast.
- Confirm your exact pick-up point with the guide if you are not at the main meeting address.
Breakfast stop (artisanal bakery en route)
Short stop at a local artisanal bakery on the highway for coffee, pastries or quick breakfast items (self-service).
Tips from local experts:
- Bring some small change (soles) for quicker service at roadside bakeries.
- Choose lighter items if you plan to eat a larger lunch later (sandwiches, pastries, bottled juice).
- Buy bottled water if you prefer filtered water for the day — keep a refillable bottle for the trip.
Transfer: Lima to El Chaco Port (Paracas)
Drive south along the Pan-American highway to Paracas. Short comfort stops included. Arrival at El Chaco port to board boats for Islas Ballestas.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect highway driving of roughly 2.5–3 hours from the last stop; use the restroom at scheduled comfort stops.
- Motion-sickness medication is recommended if you are prone to car sickness for long drives and the boat ride later.
- Keep valuable items in a small daypack you can bring aboard the boat and on short shore stops.
Islas Ballestas - 2-hour Boat Tour
Board a modern boat at El Chaco port for a guided 2-hour ride around the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, seabirds and (sometimes) Humboldt penguins from the water.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a windproof layer — it can be windy and sunny on the boat.
- Keep cameras and phones in a secure, weatherproof case; use a zoom lens to photograph wildlife from the boat.
- Follow the guide's safety instructions on the pier and boat; remain seated when recommended for stability.
Lunch at the NIETO winery (restaurant inside the winery)
Group lunch at the winery named 'NIETO' — the restaurant is located within the winery premises. Guests may also choose to eat elsewhere or bring their own food.
Tips from local experts:
- If you have dietary restrictions, mention them to staff when ordering — menus in wineries often have set options.
- Carry a small ID if you plan to participate in the pisco tasting that follows (some venues request ID for alcohol tasting).
- Allow time to walk the winery grounds briefly after lunch for photos but stay with the group for the scheduled tasting.
Pisco Tasting (guided)
Guided pisco tasting at the winery — overview of production steps followed by sampling of locally produced piscos.
Tips from local experts:
- Tasting portions are small — sip slowly and hydrate between samples.
- If you are driving later in the day, limit tasting quantities; the guide will manage timing of the transfer after the tasting.
- Ask the guide local questions about production if you want to buy a bottle — they can recommend styles that travel well.
Transfer: Winery to Oasis de Huacachina (Ica)
Drive from the winery area to the Huacachina oasis in Ica. Short transfer leading to a walking/photography stop at the oasis.
Tips from local experts:
- The drive takes around 1–1.5 hours; store valuables securely and keep a camera handy for desert views.
- Traffic can be heavier near Ica town — allow the schedule buffer for arrivals and departures.
- Keep sunscreen and a hat accessible for the short walk around the oasis on arrival.
Oasis de Huacachina - Walk & Photos
Free time to stroll around the oasis, take photos, and enjoy the unique desert-lagoon landscape before the dune activities.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths around the lagoon are short but can be sandy — wear shoes you don't mind getting sand on.
- Take photos from the boardwalk and viewpoint; golden hour light (late afternoon) is particularly photogenic.
- Bring a small towel or wet wipes if you plan to sit by the lagoon after dusty activities.
Dune buggy & Sandboarding (45 minutes)
Adrenaline-packed 4WD dune buggy ride through the Huacachina dunes driven by a professional driver; opportunity to try sandboarding at dune tops.
Tips from local experts:
- The buggy is driven only by the professional driver — follow storage instructions for backpacks and cameras.
- Secure loose items, wear closed-toe shoes and sunglasses; expect dust — a buff or scarf helps protect your face.
- If you want to sandboard standing, ask the operator about professional boards; standing boards may be rental-only at the site.
Roadside stop: Racimo de Uva (snacks & souvenirs)
Quick stop at 'Racimo de Uva' for snacks, drinks and local souvenirs (wine, pisco, traditional cookies) before the return trip to Lima.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring cash in soles for small purchases; some rural shops may have limited card acceptance.
- Check packaging for liquids if you plan to carry bottles in your carry-on later — secure them in your luggage.
- Buy perishable foods only if you will consume them before the long drive or keep them refrigerated at your hotel.
Return transfer to Lima (drop-off near Larcomar / Miraflores)
Drive back north to Lima with arrival to the Miraflores / Larcomar area around 22:30 (approx.). Multiple drop-offs for hotel guests along Miraflores may extend arrival time.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect an extended drive back to Lima (several hours); rest on the bus and keep valuables close at drop-off.
- Charge devices before departure or bring a power bank; bus drivers often allow brief charging stops but not guaranteed.
- Drop-off order follows hotel locations in Miraflores; confirm with your guide if you need a specific drop-off address.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Meal, Attraction, Restaurant, Experience, Shopping |