Lima, Paracas & Ica: Private tour with Ballestas Islands + hotel

4.75

(16 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, did you say catacombs?” That was my first reaction when our guide in Lima grinned and led us down into the cool, echoey tunnels beneath San Francisco church. The air smelled faintly of old stone and something sweetish—maybe candle wax? I kept close to the group (not ashamed to admit it). Above ground, we wandered past the main square just as the guards changed shifts—so formal but people still snuck photos. Our guide pointed out a tiny chocolate shop near the literature house; I bought a piece and it melted almost instantly in my hand. The city felt busy but somehow gentle at that hour.

The next morning started way before sunrise—4:30 am is not my best time, but watching the sky turn pink over Paracas Bay made up for it. We boarded these little boats (sliders, they called them) out to the Ballestas Islands. Sea lions barked so loud you could feel it in your chest, and there were birds everywhere—honestly, I’d never seen so many at once. The salt air stung my nose a bit. Back on land, we took silly photos by the water before heading off toward Ica. The drive was long (650 km total for this day trip from Lima to Paracas and Ica), but our driver played old Peruvian songs and told us about his favorite pisco brand—he swore by it.

I didn’t expect to love Huacachina as much as I did. It’s this tiny oasis ringed by sand dunes that look fake until you’re actually there. We crammed into buggies for sandboarding—my board spun out twice and everyone laughed (including me). Lunch was right by the lagoon; I tried ceviche that was way spicier than I thought possible. Later we visited an old pisco hacienda where they let us taste everything—my Spanish got worse with each sip but nobody seemed to mind. Our guide teased me about my pronunciation (“You sound like my cousin from Lima!”) which I’m pretty sure wasn’t a compliment.

The ride back felt quieter somehow—I watched the desert roll by through dusty windows while thinking about those sea lions and how small Huacachina looked from above the dunes. There’s something about seeing so many sides of Peru in just three days that sticks with you—you know?