Paracas and Huacachina Day Trip From Lima: A Complete Guide

Posted 10/09/2024 | 10th September, 2024

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Lima was the city in Latin America that surprised me the most. Many travellers only give a day to the Peruvian capital or skip it altogether – setting my expectations pretty low. However, it completely blew me away!

There is so much to do here, including many parks, museums, and trendy districts. Of course, there is also the famous Paracas and Huacachina day trip. This amazing excursion allows you to see sea lions, penguins, and the incredible Huacachina desert oasis—alongside so much more.

So, here is everything you need to know about the Paracas and Huacachina day trip from Lima – including the full itinerary and prices.

Table of Contents

Paracas and Huacachina Day Trip From Lima – Pre-Trip Notes

This is an extremely long day trip. Typically, it leaves Lima around 5 a.m. and returns around midnight. At least nine of those hours will be spent on the spacious and comfortable coach.

It is important that visitors do not expect an ‘untouched gem’ when visiting Paracas and Huacachina. This is a very popular trip with people travelling from all over the world to visit.

As such, the coaches that run are very large and usually completely full. The day is very structured, with little flexibility to keep everyone on track. I understand there are no smaller, more intimate tours. The only way to incorporate more flexibility into your day would be to book a private tour, which would be extremely expensive!

However, even as someone who typically prefers to travel independently, I would 100% recommend the Paracas and Huacachina day trip. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the most magical sites in South America.

This is the Get Your Guide tour that I used, offering all the stops mentioned in this post.

Paracas Boat Trip (Ballestas Islands)

The boat trip to Ballestas Islands is the first stop and my favourite part of the whole day. It is a true bucket list activity and completely lived up to all expectations!

You will get two hours on a small boat with an informative and funny guide. (Note: the information is in Spanish only). Within twenty minutes of being on the boat, we saw our first sea lions. They put on a real show for us diving in and out of the water.

Within another fifteen minutes, we were treated to a small group of penguins hanging out on the rocks. This was my first glimpse of wild penguins, and it completely took my breath away.

The scenery was truly spectacular. Crystal clear waters and bright blue skies. Absolutely worth the four-hour drive.

Free Time in Paracas

After the boat trip, we had around an hour and a half of free time to enjoy Paracas before returning to the coach.

The trip does not include lunch, but there is a recommended restaurant. However, I would not advise attending. Eating at one of the smaller restaurants on the waterfront was a much more pleasant (and cheaper!) experience.

Paracas is a very small place, meaning that you won’t struggle to re-find the group afterwards.

Of course, as you’re on the coast, you shouldn’t miss enjoying some delicious fish! We found the portions huge in Peru, so a starter and a main shared between two was plenty (and trust me, we both have big appetites).

Huacachina Dune Buggy & Sandboarding

Ok, the famous Huacachina Dune Buggy. This is one of the most insane experiences of my life – and perhaps not in a good way.

On the one hand, the views over the desert, the sunset, and the sands were absolutely incredible. These are some of the most special views I have ever witnessed in my life!

On the other hand, the dune buggy felt very unsafe. The seats were loose, the seatbelts were way too big, and the ride was literally throwing everyone around everywhere. In fact, you had to physically hold yourself in to stop yourself from being thrown out onto the sand.

Our guide did warn us beforehand that it was going to be a bumpy ride, but that was way outside of what I expected! It wasn’t until after the trip that I saw that the UK government website actually advises against using these buggies, and I have seen many tours have now stopped offering this as part of the day.

Huacachina Free Time

You will then likely have some free time in Huacachina to enjoy the area. There isn’t a huge amount going on here, so I recommend taking your time heading back down the sand and soaking in the epic views of this oasis.

There are a few cafes, restaurants, and places to hang out and relax by the water. The atmosphere is beautiful and relaxed—a tranquil place to recover from the chaos of the dune buggy.

The Journey Home and Recap

And so, the journey home begins!

Of course, this a very long journey back to Lima, taking around four and a half hours. But, the bus is large and comfortable. We were given water and snacks, popped in our headphones, and relaxed into the drive.

We arrived back in Lima around midnight, with those staying in the south of the city being the first to get off. The bus then travels north, finishing with anyone near the airport.

This day trip takes around 18 hours in total, which sounds absolutely crazy. But I personally thought it was completely worth it and 100% recommend it.

Although staying in the Huacachina Desert would be fun, there are time constraints on almost every trip, and the Paracas and Huacachina day trip is certainly the most time-efficient way to visit these two sites from Lima.

This two-day trip offers all the stops mentioned above, along with a stay in Huacachina and a Pisco tasting.

Frequently Asked Questions: Paracas and Huacachina Day Trip From Lima

Is the Paracas and Huacachina Day Trip Worth It?

Yes, the day trip to Paracas and Huacachina from Lima is completely worth it! It’s a very long day trip, but it’s an excellent way to see both of these amazing sites.

How Much Does the Paracas and Huacachina Day Trip Cost?

The Paracas and Huacachina day trip costs around £60 / $80 USD, depending on which tour operator you use.

Can I Book the Paracas and Huacachina Day Trip in English?

Yes, you can book the Paracas and Huacachina day trip in English. Most tours offer the trip as a bilingual service in Spanish and English.

Is the Paracas and Huacachina Day Trip Better Than Going Alone?

Personally, I think the Paracas and Huacachina day trip is better than going alone, as it removes all the logistics from visiting these remote regions.