Review: Lima to Paracas & Huacachina Full Day Exclusive Trip

Thinking of swapping the Lima city grind for something with sunshine and sand? Very, very possibly the ‘Full Day Exclusive Service From Lima Visit Paracas and Huacachina’ sounds like the kind of trip you’re after. It promises, just a little, a peek at Peru’s wilder side, with a boat ride to see wildlife and a dune buggy adventure. But is it, in fact, worth ditching the city for the day? I went along to see for myself, and I’m here to give you the lowdown.

Early Start and the Road to Paracas

Okay, so the adventure starts super early, like your alarm’s yelling at you at around 4 AM. Ouch. But honestly, that’s pretty, just pretty standard for these kinds of day trips that clock up some miles. You get picked up from where you’re staying, which is handy, and then basically settle in for a roughly 3 to 4-hour drive southward down the coast. It’s, as a matter of fact, a reasonable ride. Use that time to snooze, catch up on emails, or, just a little, mentally prepare for the day. Very possibly, the scenery outside starts to shift. Lima’s cityscapes gradually give way to desert landscapes. This helps ease you into that vacation frame of mind, you know?

First Stop: Ballestas Islands (the “Poor Man’s Galapagos”)

The Ballestas Islands, it is almost like everyone tells you, are nicknamed the “Poor Man’s Galapagos.” Don’t expect, really, Galapagos-level wildlife encounters, right? Still, they, for instance, are cool. You jump on a boat for a guided tour that whips around these rocky outcrops that happen to be bursting with wildlife. Thousands of birds squawk and swoop overhead. You’ll likely spot loads of sea lions lounging about, plus maybe even Humboldt penguins waddling around.

A bit, actually, more specifically: that distinct smell of guano, or bird poop, it tends to be super strong. Like your nostrils get a workout, very. If you happen to be sensitive, bring something to mask the odor, just maybe. Anyway, the boat zips along at a reasonable clip. So you can get pretty close to the action and capture some great pictures. The tour usually hangs around an hour and a half or so, and it’s very worthwhile. Plus you get a cool ocean breeze.

Next Up: Paracas National Reserve

Right after the boat trip, the tour hits up the Paracas National Reserve, that basically protects a big chunk of desert and coastline. You ride in a comfortable vehicle and zip to a few key spots that deliver scenic views. Keep your eyes peeled, and, pretty much, you’ll notice the stark desert landscape butting right up against the crazy blue Pacific Ocean. One cool stop is La Catedral. It used to be a rock formation that was shaped like a cathedral. Now, that has been unfortunately damaged in an earthquake. Still, basically, the views there remain amazing.

Another very worthy highlight is Playa Roja, so named that has this red sand beach, created, maybe, through volcanic activity. It’s something a bit different. Do remember, actually, to bring sunglasses and sunscreen, alright? The desert sun beats down, and you’ll appreciate some protection, to be honest.

Huacachina: Oasis and Dune Buggy Thrills

Huacachina? That’s basically your picture-perfect desert oasis, surrounded by big, towering sand dunes. Very, very possibly, the main reason that people do this tour. After the National Reserve, you’ll get driven there, and you’ll have a chance, maybe, to grab some lunch. Lots of little restaurants are dotted around the lagoon. Okay, the food may not, actually, win any awards. You can still find a decent meal to fuel you up for the next adventure.

And what might that next adventure happen to be? Dune buggy time! These big, powerful buggies tear up and down the dunes. So your adrenaline kicks in very nicely. It is really and truly such a buzz. The drivers, very likely, are a little crazy (in a very good way). They whip you up, down, and around the dunes with serious skill. Oh and yes: sandboarding. You, for instance, get to slide down a dune on a board. It looks easier than it turns out to be, alright? But actually it’s a total laugh. Even if you wipe out – which, likely, you will. So don’t wear any clothes you care about, like your posh trousers or dresses.

Is the “Exclusive” Service Worth It?

Right then, the word “exclusive,” too it’s almost always gets you thinking. Does it truly deliver? With this tour, “exclusive” could be that you get a smaller group size. Maybe you are after more personalized attention from your guide, that actually makes it better than standard group tours, definitely. That is if those factors truly matter to you. The guides, too it’s almost generally speak really very good English, and so they’re fairly happy to answer questions. But bear in mind, still, even on an “exclusive” trip, you are more likely still going to be sharing transport with some other travelers. That is unless you want to pay quite a bit more to book a strictly private trip. So, manage your expectations.

Things to Keep in Mind

Early start is key: Seriously, too it’s almost brace yourself. Get to bed at a reasonable hour the night before!
Pack for all conditions: Layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat… you want them all. Desert weather is wild, right?
Bring water and snacks: Keeps those energy levels stable all day, to be honest.
Be prepared for sand: It gets everywhere. Seriously. Everywhere.
Motion sickness alert: If you’re prone to feeling queasy on boats or rollercoasters (dune buggies!), just, pretty much, bring medication!

Overall Impressions

Wrapping things up, you see: the ‘Full Day Exclusive Service From Lima Visit Paracas and Huacachina’ provides, might be, a cool and pretty efficient way to check out a chunk of Peru’s coast. If you’re short, kind of, on time but you are itching to see some wildlife and also want the buzz of dune buggies, then this ticks lots of boxes. Are there longer, deeper explorations you might be able to do of these spots? Oh and yes, certainly. This, in that case, packs a punch for one single day, but.

Is this trek worth your precious holiday time? Absolutely. Paracas and Huacachina both offer an invigorating counterpoint, you understand, from the usual hustle that happens to be Lima city explorations.

The main problem could be, of course, if you really are somebody that dislikes such full on excursions that are a bit manic: getting up super-early might not appeal.

The very long travel times – even as part of small, intimate private group, really will require huge levels of commitment to those coastal sights being explored. Yet should you happen to relish the opportunity, still you’ll have a fantastic experience you likely can hold onto for several years ahead!