THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
See sea lions and penguins on a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, race the dunes of Huacachina in a buggy, then sample pisco in Ica’s vineyards — all in one long coastal day. This trip blends wildlife, adrenaline and local flavors with practical pacing for a full-day outing.
See sea lions and penguins on a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, race the dunes of Huacachina in a buggy, then sample pisco in Ica’s vineyards — all in one long coastal day. This trip blends wildlife, adrenaline and local flavors with practical pacing for a full-day outing.
A cold wind from the Pacific tugs at your jacket as the boat threads the slick gray water toward a handful of rocky islets. The Ballestas Islands rise like bruised cliffs, furred with birds and the sharp bronze of sleeping sea lions; the Candelabro geoglyph broods on the shoreline, a giant drawn into the bluff by hands long gone.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by APULLAY TOURS · Paracas, Ica
A cold wind from the Pacific tugs at your jacket as the boat threads the slick gray water toward a handful of rocky islets. The Ballestas Islands rise like bruised cliffs, furred with birds and the sharp bronze of sleeping sea lions; the Candelabro geoglyph broods on the shoreline, a giant drawn into the bluff by hands long gone.
This single-day route stitches three landscapes: the marine world of the Ballestas where Humboldt penguins and guano birds carve the air; the inland sand seas around Huacachina, an emerald pool ringed by palms and stair-stepped dunes formed by Pleistocene winds; and the irrigated valleys of Ica, where colonial-era vineyards ripple toward the desert. The Candelabro’s origin is debated — a pre-Columbian marker or a maritime guide — and Ica’s vineyards speak to centuries of winemaking and the local birth of pisco.
Expect close-range wildlife viewing from small boats, 45–60 minutes of adrenaline on shared dune buggies, and a short vineyard tour with pisco tasting. The terrain switches fast: slick boat decks, soft dune sand, and compact vineyard paths. Bring layered sun protection and a steady pair of shoes; the desert sun gives quickly and the wind can sharpen.
Timing matters: early departures keep seas calmer for wildlife viewing and leave mellow light for sandboarding. Guides manage logistics and safety; the day is long but well-paced, balancing active bursts with slower cultural stops. It’s a day that pairs salt, sand and sip — energetic, educational, and surprisingly local.
Door-to-door from Lima it’s a long day—expect roughly 15–17 hours depending on pickup time, traffic and sea conditions.
Yes; Ballestas Islands host Humboldt penguins and sea lion colonies, but sightings depend on season and sea conditions.
Sandboarding is included; instructors give basic guidance so no prior experience is required—wear pants and closed-toe shoes for protection.
Operators monitor the Paracas winds; if conditions are unsafe, the itinerary may be adjusted to an alternative activity and you’ll be informed beforehand.
APULLAY TOURS operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A cold wind from the Pacific tugs at your jacket as the boat threads the slick gray water toward a handful of rocky islets. The Ballestas Islands rise like bruised cliffs, furred with birds and the sharp bronze of sleeping sea lions; the Candelabro geoglyph broods on the shoreline, a giant drawn into the bluff by hands long gone.
A cold wind from the Pacific tugs at your jacket as the boat threads the slick gray water toward a handful of rocky islets. The Ballestas Islands rise like bruised cliffs, furred with birds and the sharp bronze of sleeping sea lions; the Candelabro geoglyph broods on the shoreline, a giant drawn into the bluff by hands long gone.
This single-day route stitches three landscapes: the marine world of the Ballestas where Humboldt penguins and guano birds carve the air; the inland sand seas around Huacachina, an emerald pool ringed by palms and stair-stepped dunes formed by Pleistocene winds; and the irrigated valleys of Ica, where colonial-era vineyards ripple toward the desert. The Candelabro’s origin is debated — a pre-Columbian marker or a maritime guide — and Ica’s vineyards speak to centuries of winemaking and the local birth of pisco.
Expect close-range wildlife viewing from small boats, 45–60 minutes of adrenaline on shared dune buggies, and a short vineyard tour with pisco tasting. The terrain switches fast: slick boat decks, soft dune sand, and compact vineyard paths. Bring layered sun protection and a steady pair of shoes; the desert sun gives quickly and the wind can sharpen.
Timing matters: early departures keep seas calmer for wildlife viewing and leave mellow light for sandboarding. Guides manage logistics and safety; the day is long but well-paced, balancing active bursts with slower cultural stops. It’s a day that pairs salt, sand and sip — energetic, educational, and surprisingly local.