We decided to book a day trip from Lima just a few days before leaving Peru at the end of our 3rd trial retirement. After receiving numerous recommendations from fellow travelers, we chose this day trip to escape the busy city scene. We embarked on an adventure filled with breathtaking scenery, exciting activities, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Below is a recap of our fantastic day trip to the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis.
We had a great experience with Peru Hop during our Lake Titicaca day trip from Cusco, so we decided to book another day trip with them. Once again, we were impressed with their punctuality, comfortable transportation, well-organized tours, and friendly guides who entertained us throughout the journey. Here’s an all-inclusive itinerary from Peru Hop that takes you from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina for only $129. No affiliation.
Journey to Paracas
Our day trip started from our hotel in Miraflores, located in Lima. We packed light, carrying only a few essentials such as shirts, a light jacket, sunscreen, snacks, and water bottles. We dozed off comfortably during the early morning hours as we settled into the bus. The 4-hour drive down to Paracas offered minimal sights as most of the journey followed the desert coast of Peru.
Paracas
Although we didn’t have the chance to visit, one of the main attractions of the peninsula is the Paracas National Reserve, a protected area established in 1975 to preserve the marine ecosystem and the region’s unique biodiversity. The reserve encompasses land and sea, including deserts, islands, and marine habitats. It is home to numerous species of birds, sea lions, dolphins, and other wildlife.
Paracas is also renowned for its ancient history and archaeological sites. The Paracas culture flourished from around 800 BCE to 100 BCE, leaving fascinating artifacts and remnants of their civilization.
The most famous examples are the Paracas Candelabra, a large geoglyph etched into the desert floor.
Additionally, the Paracas Peninsula offers outdoor activities such as boat tours to the Ballestas Islands, where visitors can observe sea lions, penguins, and seabirds in their natural habitat. The area is also famous for water sports like kayaking and kiteboarding due to its favorable wind and wave conditions.
Ballestas Islands
The Ballestas Islands are a significant natural reserve and an important sanctuary for marine life. They are known for their diverse ecosystem and provide a breeding ground and habitat for numerous seabirds, marine mammals, and other species.
One of the main attractions of the Ballestas Islands is the opportunity to observe sea lions in their natural environment. These captivating pinnipeds can be seen lounging on the rocks and playing in the surrounding waters. The islands are also home to large colonies of seabirds, including Humboldt penguins, Peruvian boobies, pelicans, cormorants, and Inca terns. The skies above the islands are often filled with these birds, creating a remarkable spectacle.
Our adventure to the Ballestas Islands began at Paracas port. With our tour guide’s direction, we sailed across the Pacific Ocean and gained insight into the island’s history and biodiversity. Our guide pointed out various animals playing in the distance during the journey. Although stepping on the islands is prohibited to safeguard the fragile ecosystem, the boat tours allowed us to observe the wildlife and diverse marine life from a safe distance.
Huacachina
We arrived at Huacachina, a quaint desert oasis in southwestern Peru, an hour after leaving Paracas. Among towering dunes, Huacachina is a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque beauty and unique desert experiences.
While we waited for our dune buggy ride, we took advantage of our free time by exploring the charming town of Huacachina. The serene atmosphere provided a perfect opportunity to stroll along the lagoon’s edge, basking in the warm sun and taking in the awe-inspiring sights of the surrounding desert terrain.
The lagoon’s beauty is said to have originated from an intriguing legend. According to the tale, a man was captivated by a princess’s beauty as she strolled by. The princess fled from the man, and as she ran through the brush, her dress tore apart, eventually turning into a sheet of sand. In addition, her mirror fell and broke, creating a lagoon where she transformed into a mermaid.
Besides its serene atmosphere, Huacachina is renowned for its heart-racing activities, particularly sandboarding and dune bugging. The massive dunes surrounding the oasis provide the perfect terrain for high-octane excursions. Visitors can rent sandboards to slide down the dunes to surf or sled down the sand. Dune buggies are also available for those seeking a more exhilarating ride as they speed through the dunes, offering a thrilling roller coaster-like experience. We explored the dunes as a group. Guides are highly recommended as they know the perfect spots for buggy rides, sledding and the best locations to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunset.
We didn’t stay the night in Huacachina, but the town has a range of accommodations, including hotels, hostels, and lodges, catering to different budgets. The village surrounding the oasis offers a selection of restaurants and bars where visitors can indulge in traditional Peruvian cuisine and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. With the encouragement of a highly enthusiastic waiter, we ordered dinner from Huacafuckingchina, a restaurant situated by the lagoon, for our drive back to Lima.
Back to Lima
As the day ends, it’s time to unwind and bask in the beauty of the starry night sky while we make our way back to Lima. Our spontaneous day trip to the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina was one of the highlights of our Peru journey. The stark contrast between the bustling wildlife of Ballestas Islands and the serene tranquility of Huacachina offered a diverse and enthralling experience.
Our experiences in Paracas and Huacachina reasserted Peru’s natural and cultural richness, making it an unforgettable part of our trial retirement. This trip truly encapsulated Peru’s diverse allure – from its wildlife and natural landscapes to its cultural history and recreational activities. It’s a testament to Peru’s unparalleled beauty and charm, which will surely draw us back for more exploration in the future.
Trial Retirements are periods we dedicate to travel to beautiful countries to know if they are perfect for us when we eventually retire. The time spent outside work will preview our habits and behaviors when we reach Financial Independence, of course, our way to recharge after months of hard work.
Anything we missed? Questions? Violent reactions? Let us know in the comments below!
Check out our trial retirements in Mexico and Costa Rica! Subscribe and Follow TheraFIRE on our socials!
TheraFIRE 