Honest Review: Lima, Paracas & Huacachina Tour (Entrance & Lunch)

Thinking about escaping the hustle of Lima? Maybe you are contemplating a day trip that packs in a desert oasis, marine wildlife, and some seriously breathtaking scenery? Well, the ‘From Lima: Paracas, Huacachina Oasis with Entrance and Lunch’ tour might be something for you to think about. I recently took this trip, and I wanted to give you a breakdown that is totally honest so you can make the best decision for your travel plans.

First Light in Paracas and the Ballestas Islands

So, the tour begins super early, right around 3:30 AM. I know that seems intense, however trust me when I tell you that catching the sunrise over the Peruvian coast is absolutely worth that rude awakening. Basically, you’ll get picked up from your accommodation in Lima, then it’s a pretty lengthy drive south to Paracas. I managed to get a bit more sleep on the bus, which actually came in handy.

Once you arrive in Paracas, things start moving quickly. A boat tour to the Ballestas Islands is definitely on the agenda. These islands are sometimes called the “Poor Man’s Galapagos,” that’s because there’s some pretty impressive biodiversity going on. Expect to witness massive colonies of sea lions lounging about, penguins waddling around adorably, and flocks of various seabirds soaring overhead. That smell is strong, but after a while, your nose sort of stops acknowledging it so just bear it in mind!

Our guide on the boat, he was truly brilliant and spoke both English and Spanish fluently, offering a wealth of knowledge regarding the wildlife and the peculiar rock formations of the islands. He also made an effort to point out the Candelabro, that is a giant geoglyph etched into the cliffs that is speculated to have links to the Nazca Lines. The boat ride generally lasts about two hours, and you really should prepare for choppy waters and wind. Packing a seasickness tablet, just to be safe, and a windbreaker are, really, super smart things to do.

Huacachina Oasis: The Desert’s Embrace

Next up is Huacachina, basically a tiny oasis village surrounding a natural lake amidst massive sand dunes. And getting there from Paracas, is really only about an hour’s drive, so, you’re not spending forever traveling between places. As you approach, that sight of the lagoon shimmering between those dunes is honestly spectacular – it genuinely feels like you’ve stepped into another planet.

Now, that main attraction here? That’s got to be the dune buggy ride and sandboarding. The buggies themselves are rather like open-top 4x4s that absolutely rocket up and down those dunes. Basically, it’s really a proper adrenaline rush. The drivers, they know how to make it exciting, trust me. Expect sharp turns, steep climbs, and descents that will have you whooping and hollering like you’re a kid again. It feels incredibly safe, but very thrilling.

Sandboarding comes right after. If you’ve never tried it, just picture snowboarding, however on sand. It can be very challenging to stand, actually, so, most people tend to go down on their stomachs – which is seriously fun regardless. It’s somewhat physically demanding, so, bear that in mind when trekking back up those dunes. Basically, the sand can get seriously everywhere – so, prepare for that. Seriously, prepare.

After the sandboarding session, we had just a bit of free time to explore the Huacachina Oasis itself. There’s really not an awful lot there in terms of attractions beyond a few shops and restaurants. Loads of people strolled around the lagoon, snapping pics and taking in that scenery. That option to rent a paddleboat was there for the lagoon, we opted to skip that and unwind with a beverage instead.

Lunch and Logistics

Lunch actually was included in that tour package, so, it was rather convenient. It was at a restaurant right there in Huacachina, and there was a decent choice of local dishes on offer. I opted for that lomo saltado, a Peruvian stir-fry with beef, onions, tomatoes, and chips. It was actually incredibly filling after all those activities, so really, a well-timed meal.

In regards to those logistics, that tour organization, that’s was really rather slick. Our guide kept us properly informed every step of that way and stuck to that schedule closely. That vehicle we traveled in was comfortable enough, even though it was a fairly long drive. Restroom breaks were planned approximately every couple of hours, which helped, very much. Just do keep in mind that pretty much every restroom stop, everywhere in Peru, seemingly, is likely to charge a small fee to use the facilities, so, having small change handy really is a smart idea.

What Could Be Better?

Even though that tour overall was an enjoyable one, there are just a couple of things that I really do have to highlight. First off, that amount of free time in Huacachina itself was quite short. And If you wished to explore that oasis area more fully, it just really felt quite rushed. It may have been better if perhaps they cut some of the downtime elsewhere, to just stretch that out.

Second, while that guide was great, that communication regarding the exact schedule at certain points wasn’t always crystal clear. Knowing precisely what was coming next could improve things somewhat.

Is this Trip Worth Your Time and Money?

So, that ultimate question – is it worth doing? Actually, I’d say yes, particularly so if you are short on time and you are wanting to experience a bit of everything that Peru has to offer beyond Lima. Essentially, the chance to see the Ballestas Islands, witness the desert oasis of Huacachina, and go sandboarding are all brilliant experiences that do create unforgettable memories. Just do be prepared for a long day and a lot of traveling.

For somebody looking for a well-organized tour that will give them some incredible glimpses into the natural beauty and adventure activities accessible from Lima, this trip, it is certainly a great option.

Essential Tips for Your Lima, Paracas, and Huacachina Trip

To seriously make that trip to Lima, Paracas, and Huacachina totally great, a few things I suggest that you take with you. Here is a list of items I think are key for you:

• Sunscreen: That desert sun can be intense, so, protect the skin.
• Sunglasses and a hat: You know, to further shield your face from that sun and sand.
• Layers of clothing: Actually, the coastal weather can be unpredictable. Packing layers will assist you adjust to that temperature.
• Comfortable shoes: You’re going to be doing a lot of walking and climbing.
• Camera: You know, to capture every single moment of that amazing scenery.
• Cash in small denominations: Extremely handy for restroom fees and little souvenirs.
• Seasickness tablets: And If you are prone to motion sickness, this is essential for those Ballestas Islands boat ride.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Lima, Paracas & Huacachina Tour