We made our way to Ica, a little further South Peru, about a week later. From here we visited the Ballestas Islands. These are a set of islands claiming to be the ‘poor man’s Galapagos’ and although we saw lovely little Humbolt penguins and sealions, they were not as impressive as the islands with the same nickname in Ecuador. I LOVE Peru and think it so worth visiting, but since there are so many other places to see I could leave the Ballestas off of a future itinerary.
This was also where we visited Huacachina from; the town in the middle of the desert. We had the fastest and most dangerous ride in a sand buggy which I was sure was going to roll over at any moment! Then we did a little sandboarding. I didn’t ask why we weren’t allowed to stand up on the boards but assume this had come from in due to multiple accidents. A guy in our hostel had broken his finger on the boards just the day before!
I had seen multiple photos of this oasis before visiting and, as is happening time and time again in my travels I was a little shocked by the reality of what looks in photos like a perfect paradise. I am too naive, perhaps!? The location is picturesque and I am grateful to have seen it, but the only activities here are super-touristy. It is swarming with touts and the dunes are (in true South American style) covered in rubbish. With hindsight, I would not book anything organised to visit here, but take a taxi from Ica instead and just sit and enjoy a sunset without relying on a guide.
The highlight of that day came on the way home when the driver told us we were going on a the full day tour instead of the half day. We didn’t want to drive around all the ‘sights’ (strangely shaped trees, old witch locations and anything else which could possibly be cunjured up to make some money…) in the city, until he told us that this included wine and pisco tasting! We had an excellent afternoon sampling locally made wines on a tour we didn’t pay for. What a result! Unfortunately, the driver also joined in on the tasting and when we asked if he was okay to drive, said “it’s only ten minutes down the road”! South American rules…
From Ica it was finally time to head to Cusco. one of the places we were most looking forward to on our entire trip and the location that inspired our year of travelling. Most importantly, it is also the gateway to the Inca Trail, and we couldn’t wait!
STAY | We stayed in Ica Adventures 2 and did a day tour to Huacachina from there. Dorms start at £4 / 18 soles and double rooms start at £15.80 / 70 soles . We stayed in a variety of rooms and dorms over the four nights because they are SO popular, so secure in advance.
TOUR | Our afternoon tour to Huacachina cost £5 / 22 soles each although be aware that some operators will try and charge much more than this. Haggle hard! Our Ballestas tour cost £12.50 / 56 soles, note no food included in that.
