Wildlife & Culture: Peruvian Desert Adventures
Your TourHero
Hello, my name is Carly and traveling is my passion. I love adventure and discovering new places so this Peru trip is right up my alley! Want to discover this amazing country with me? Come along! I'm super excited to share this awesome trip with you and hope you'll love what's in store!
Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Travel Date
Mar 20 – 24, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 20
Transportation
Van, bus, boat
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
18 – 30
Travel interest
Nature, health and wellness, wildlife, hiking
Fellow Travelers
Leon
Elaina
Kimmy
Ron
Amber
Nola
Ivan
May
Felicity
David
Cassidy
Regina
Miriam
Terry
Matthew
Charmain
Deeann
Beck
Sven
Isa
MelissaYour Local Guide
With a passion for creating unique and customizable itineraries that highlight authentic experiences in Peru, the team at Peru InsideOut ensures that no two trips with them are ever the same. Their pioneering spirit takes visitors to dynamic and unforgettable places, offering insights into city life, history, wildlife and nature. With years of experience, local knowledge and training, every trip is a varied delight from start to finish. Let the knowledgeable guides from Peru InsideOut do all the hard work for you, so you can simply concentrate on the adventure of a lifetime.
Peru offers a once-in-a-lifetime excursion. Combine city, wildlife and desert, all within a 5-day trip! Visit Lima’s archaeological side with the Huaca Pucllana, then take in city sites like San Martin Square, the cathedral and Plaza Mayor. Board a boat to the Ballestas Islands and meet sea lions, penguins and pelicans close-up. Witness the incredible rock formation of La Catedral on the Paracas National Reserve, then discover Ica, the city of desert-like valleys, where you’ll see brandy being made and get to taste it yourself. Finally, visit Huacachina, the village in the desert, complete with its own oasis. A truly magical adventure from beginning to end.
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
Your TourHero
Hello, my name is Carly and traveling is my passion. I love adventure and discovering new places so this Peru trip is right up my alley! Want to discover this amazing country with me? Come along! I'm super excited to share this awesome trip with you and hope you'll love what's in store!
Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Travel Date
Mar 20 – 24, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 20
Transportation
Van, bus, boat
Peru offers a once-in-a-lifetime excursion. Combine city, wildlife and desert, all within a 5-day trip! Visit Lima’s archaeological side with the Huaca Pucllana, then take in city sites like San Martin Square, the cathedral and Plaza Mayor. Board a boat to the Ballestas Islands and meet sea lions, penguins and pelicans close-up. Witness the incredible rock formation of La Catedral on the Paracas National Reserve, then discover Ica, the city of desert-like valleys, where you’ll see brandy being made and get to taste it yourself. Finally, visit Huacachina, the village in the desert, complete with its own oasis. A truly magical adventure from beginning to end.
Timeline
- Day 1 · Lima
- Arrive in Lima
- Transfer to hotel
- Check-in at 1900 Hostel Lima (or similar according to availability)
- Relax, unwind and meet your tour guide
- Free evening
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Overnight stay in dorm rooms
- Day 2 · Lima and Paracas
- Breakfast
- Half-day Lima City Tour
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Bus trip to Paracas
- Check-in at Kokopelli Hostel (or similar according to availability)
- Free evening
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Overnight stay in dorm rooms
- Day 3 · Paracas and Ica
- Breakfast
- Boat trip to Ballestas Islands
- Excursion to Paracas National Reserve
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Transfer to Ica
- Check-in at Banana Hostel (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Overnight stay in dorm rooms
- Day 4 · Ica
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Visit local artisans and vineyards
- Taste unique Pisco brandy
- Free afternoon to explore Ica Huacachina
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Sandboarding & buggies (not included in price)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Overnight stay
- Day 5 · Departure
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Bus journey to Lima
- Transfer to Jorge Chavez Airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Peru! Relax, unwind and explore Lima, the Peruvian capital
We’re delighted to welcome you to Lima, our capital city. One of our guides will meet you at the airport, with transfers arranged to your hotel. You’ll have the chance to rest or take in the beautiful vibe of the city, before meeting your tour leader for an in-depth brief, covering your adventures ahead. Take in Lima’s nightlife and culinary delights and enjoy an overnight stay before the tour begins in full on day two!
Day 2
Explore Lima’s history and culture on a guided city tour
Stretch those limbs and let’s get started! You and Lima are about to get acquainted. The day begins with a trip to Huaca Pucllana, the city’s most sacred place. See this great clay pyramid in Lima’s Miraflores district and discover its history as a ceremonial and administrative center. Move on to explore the city’s downtown and colonial heritage, visiting some of the city’s oldest streets and treading in the footsteps of the Spanish Conquistadors. Take in the Government Palace, Plaza Mayor, the cathedral and beautiful San Martin Square, before winding down in the sublime culture of Barranco, Lima’s bohemian quarter. Take a moment to catch your breath, before transferring to the bus station for the next stage of your journey. Travel to Paracas where you’ll spend the night dreaming of penguins and other exotic creatures!
Day 3
Boat trip to Ballestas Islands and get up close and personal with local wildlife
After breakfast, pack your belongings and don’t forget your camera! You’ll embark on a gorgeous boat trip from Paracas to the Ballestas Islands, sailing on tranquil and vivid blue waters. Look out for El Candelabro en route, a magnificent geoglyph crafted into the coastal hillside, likely built by ancient people as a beacon for those at sea. Once at the islands you’ll have the pleasure of meeting sea lions, boobies, penguins, pelicans and many other sea birds, before an excursion to Paracas National Reserve. Enjoy more wildlife and breathtaking scenery in this special conservation area and see the amazing Catedral rock formation and La Playa Roja, a red-sanded volcanic beach. Shake off your sea legs with a late-afternoon transfer to Ica Huacachina for some much deserved R&R.
Day 4
Discover Ica Huacachina, the village in the desert
Visit local artisan craftspeople, the perfect place to snap up a unique souvenir or two! You’ll also be taken on a stroll through the region’s vineyards, where grape-based Pisco brandy is made, learn about the blending process and get to try it for yourself. In the afternoon you’ll be able to explore the amazing village of Huacachina for yourself. Housing around 100 locals, it sits in a vast bowl of desert dunes and is centered around a beautiful blue lagoon. Sand buggies and boards can be hired, or why not bathe in the water — it’s believed to have magical healing powers! Finally, wind down with another overnight stay.
Day 5
Goodbye to Peru, we hope to see you again!
After an overnight stay in Huacachina, board the bus to take you back to Lima. You’ll see some beautiful sights along the way and be able to reflect upon your adventures. Upon arrival, you’ll be provided with a transfer to Jorge Chavez Airport. We hope you’ve enjoyed our beautiful part of the world, and remember to come and see us again soon!
Accommodation
1900 Hostel Lima (or similar according to availability)
Situated in Lima’s historic center, 1900 Hostel is a beautiful early 20th-century mansion, in walking distance to all of the city’s main attractions. The hostel has a bar with TV, pool table and table football, or why not enjoy the view from the balcony? There’s also a spacious kitchen, and supermarkets close by. The shared occupancy dorms have bunk beds, private lockers and WiFi is found throughout the building. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Kokopelli Hostel Paracas (or similar according to availability)
Next to the beach and close to eateries, Kokopelli is a super-friendly, uber-comfortable hostel that’s perfect for accommodating groups of travelers. The hostel comes with its own bar and restaurant, and the dorm rooms offer private pods and lockers. 24-hour hot water is available, plus a communal room including pool and table football. WiFi included. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Banana Adventure (or similar according to availability)
The only adventure hostel in Huacachina has two rooftop terraces, a bar and swimming pool, all surrounded by banana trees, with hammocks making it a great setting for a siesta. There are countless eateries close by and an on-site restaurant. You can hire sand buggies and boards here and be taken on a local tour by the hostels experienced local drivers. The dorms have bunk beds, lockers, fans and an ensuite bathroom, plus WiFi. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Included
- 1 night in 1900 Hostel Lima (or similar)
- 1 night in Kokopelli Hostel Paracas (or similar)
- 2 nights in Banana Adventure (or similar)
- Shared occupancy in accommodation
- All activities described in the itinerary
- Bilingual guides during activities
- Day 2 and 3 breakfast
- 24/7 guest support
Not included
- Flights
- All food not mentioned in inclusions
- Optional add-ons
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Available add-on
Huacachina Dune Buggies & Sandboarding
Want to experience the desert dunes of Ica in the best way possible? Why not head out on a dune buggy, embark on an exhilarating trip across the sands to the heart of the desert, and enjoy an epic session of sandboarding? Zip down the slopes amidst some of the most amazing scenery you’ll find on Earth!
Price: USD 35
20 spots left
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
- View a variety of bird species on the Ballestas Islands - don't forget your camera! - Taik Lee
- Get up close and personal with wildlife on a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands - Zigor Agirrezabala Vitoria
- The beautiful sands of Huacachina Desert. - Tamara Bravo
- Peaceful Huacachina Village under the stars. - Alex Azabache
- Lima and its wonderful coastline - Aarom Ore
- Visit the magnificent Government Palace in Lima. - Jhordy Rojas
- Downtown Lima shows the city's colonial past. - Eduardo Garcia
- See monuments, history and culture galore at Plaza San Martin. - Juan Manuel Portocarrero Ramírez
- Stroll down Lima's beautiful city streets and soak up the local vibe. - Adrian Dascal
- Coast and city are on your doorstep in Lima! - Willian Justen de Vasconcellos
- The tranquil sands of Paracas Desert - Adrien Milcent
- A water source in Paracas Desert - Sander Lenaerts
- Start your adventure in fascinating Lima, Peru's largest city. - Willian Justen de Vasconcellos
- Stay in unique Huacachina, a village in the desert. - Willian Justen de Vasconcellos
- Paracas Nature Reserve is an untouched paradise - Spencer Arquimedes
- Find a bird and wildlife haven on the Ballestas Islands - Alexander Schimmeck