The Ballestas Islands, often called the “poor man’s Galapagos,” host massive colonies of sea lions, penguins, and seabirds just off the coast near Paracas, a few hours south of Lima.
Day Trip from Lima
A day trip from Lima includes transport to Paracas and a boat tour around the Ballestas Islands to see the wildlife colonies up close from the water.
Full-Day with Huacachina Oasis
A full-day version extends further to Huacachina, a desert oasis town known for sandboarding and dune buggy rides across towering sand dunes.
Is Adding Huacachina Worth It?
Huacachina offers a completely different desert landscape from the coastal wildlife of Ballestas, making the combination worth it if you have a full day rather than rushing back to Lima.
Book Lima Tours & Tickets
Premium Private Transfer Lima Airport (LIM) - Meet & Greet
Full day Huacachina from Lima Buggy and Sandboard and Lunch
Live pricing and availability are pulled directly from Viator.
Practical Tips
- Boats don’t land on the Ballestas Islands – all wildlife viewing happens from the water.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen – there’s little shelter on the open boat.
- Huacachina’s dune buggy rides can be intense – not recommended for those prone to motion sickness.
FAQ
How far is Paracas from Lima?
About 3.5 to 4 hours by road.
Can you land on the Ballestas Islands?
No, they’re a protected reserve, so all viewing is done from the boat.
Final Thoughts
Ballestas Islands and Huacachina together offer a striking contrast between coastal wildlife and desert dunes – a rewarding full day south of Lima.
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