From Lima: Full Day Private All Inclusive Paracas, Ica.

From Lima: Full Day Private All Inclusive Paracas, Ica

If you’re craving an escape from Lima’s urban buzz, this full-day private tour to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina offers a well-rounded mix of wildlife encounters, cultural insights, and adrenaline rushes — all in one comfortable package. For $210 per person, you’ll spend about 15 hours exploring Peru’s most iconic desert oasis, stunning marine preserves, and, of course, savoring pisco and local cuisine.

What we love about this experience is how it balances adventure with education. The boat trip among sea lions, penguins, and dolphins feels like a wildlife documentary come to life. Then there’s the thrill of sandboarding in Huacachina, which guarantees a fun, high-energy moment. Plus, the included wine and pisco tastings give a genuine taste of regional flavors, making this tour both flavorful and memorable.

A small consideration might be the long travel hours, especially considering you’ll be on the road for about three hours each way. This means the tour works best if you’re flexible with your schedule and eager to pack a lot into a single day. It’s ideal for those who love a mix of natural beauty, cultural insights, and a bit of adventure — perfect if you don’t mind an early start and a full day of activity.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive taste of southern Peru’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple trips. It’s especially good for first-timers or those with limited time who still want to experience a diverse array of sights, tastes, and experiences.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Everything from transportation to meals is covered, so you can fully relax and enjoy.
• Wildlife & Nature: The boat tour offers close encounters with marine animals and a chance to see the 2,500-year-old geoglyph.
• Cultural & Culinary Delights: Sampling pisco and regional cuisine adds authentic flavor to the trip.
• Adventure & Scenic Views: Sandboarding and dune bashing keep adrenaline levels high, especially at sunset.
• Flexible & Private: The experience is tailored for private groups, with flexible timing and pickup options.
• Educational & Fun: Learn about the region’s history, geography, and production of pisco from knowledgeable guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Complete, Practical Review of the Full-Day Private Tour

This private tour from Lima covers a lot of ground in a single day, making it an excellent choice for travelers who want to maximize their Peru experience without multiple bookings or complicated logistics. From start to finish, the focus is on comfort, convenience, and authentic encounters, all wrapped into a well-organized itinerary.

Departure and Transportation

We begin with a comfortable 3-hour drive from Lima, with options for pickup from San Isidro, Barranco, or Miraflores. The use of private vans ensures privacy and flexibility, and the journey itself is a chance to get oriented and chat with your guide. The coach or SUV is modern and equipped for a long day of travel, with a brief stop midway—ideal for stretching legs and grabbing supplies.

While the drive might sound lengthy, it’s an opportunity to see a slice of Peruvian life outside the city. The roads are generally good, and the stops are well-timed to keep fatigue at bay.

Paracas & the Ballestas Islands

The first highlight is the Boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Poor Man’s Galápagos,” for their incredible diversity of wildlife. Expect to see Humboldt penguins, sea lions, pelicans, and possibly dolphins darting alongside the boat. The boat itself is modern and safe, and the guide provides insightful commentary on the ecology and history of the islands.

A key feature here is the geoglyph of the Candelabra, carved into a hillside over 2,500 years ago. This mysterious figure has puzzled archaeologists and travelers alike, offering a glimpse into ancient Peru’s cultural landscape. The boat ride lasts about 3 hours, enough to soak in the scenery and take photos.

Many reviewers, like David Castelreanas, emphasize the quality of the guides and the chance to get close to wildlife: “Antonio took care of us at all times and made the experience unforgettable. Highly recommended, a total success.”

Ica: Pisco and Regional Cuisine

Next, we arrive at the CulturPisco vineyard in Ica, a highlight for lovers of wine and spirits. The tour includes a walkthrough of the vineyard where you’ll learn about the history and process of making pisco, Peru’s national spirit. You get to see the traditional distillation methods, and the tasting session is a definite treat. The included lunch features regional dishes, often accompanied by wine or more pisco, providing an authentic meal experience.

From the reviews, we know this aspect is highly praised. One traveler noted, “the tour in Ica was very good, with spectacular views and attentive guides giving us tips.” The tasting and food are not just added bonuses but core parts of understanding the local culture and gastronomy.

Huacachina: Dunes, Dune Bashing, and Sunsets

The dune landscape of Huacachina is the final, and some say most memorable, stop. This oasis in the middle of the desert has a surreal, almost cinematic quality. Here, you’re encouraged to climb into a dune buggy for an adrenaline-pumping ride, followed by sandboarding down the dunes — a lively and fun activity that appeals to adventure seekers.

During the late afternoon, as the sun begins to set, the dunes glow with dramatic colors, making for incredible photos and a peaceful, awe-inspiring moment. Many travelers have described the sunset as “one of the best in Peru,” a perfect way to end a busy day.

Returning to Lima

After sunset, the journey back takes about 3.5 hours, with a brief stop in Asia to stretch your legs. While long, this return leg is a good time to reflect on the day’s adventures, and the private transport ensures a comfortable end to your trip.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This tour’s main strength is how it combines multiple experiences into a single day — wildlife, cultural insights, adventure, and scenic beauty. The inclusion of all meals, tastings, and transportation ensures you know the cost upfront and don’t have to worry about logistics or extra expenses.

The private group aspect means the experience is tailored to your pace and preferences, with guides who are attentive and knowledgeable. The reviews consistently praise the guides’ care and tips, making the day both enjoyable and educational.

However, the long travel hours might be a drawback for some — it’s a commitment, especially if you prefer more relaxed itineraries. But for those eager to see a variety of highlights in one go, this tour offers excellent value.

Who This Tour Is Best For

The perfect guest is someone who:

• Loves nature, wildlife, and scenic landscapes.
• Is interested in Peruvian culture, wine, and spirits.
• Doesn’t mind a full day of travel and activity.
• Seeks a private, customizable experience.
• Wants to capture memorable photos and enjoy authentic regional cuisine.

It’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues or those looking for a more leisurely pace.

Final Thoughts

This full-day private tour from Lima delivers a diverse taste of Peru’s southern treasures, blending marine wildlife, historical geoglyphs, regional wine, and desert adventure. The all-inclusive approach simplifies planning and ensures you can focus on enjoying the experience — from the playful sea lions to the adrenaline rush of dune bashing.

For travelers craving an active, authentic, and hassle-free day trip, this tour offers excellent value. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors, couples, or small groups eager to pack a punch into one memorable day. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transport, and a well-paced itinerary, it makes exploring the Ica region both accessible and fun.

If you love a combination of nature, culture, and adventure, this tour will likely leave you with plenty of stories and stunning photos to share long after you return home.

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FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is private and flexible, activities like dune bashing and sandboarding are physically active and may not suit very young children or those with mobility concerns. It’s best for children comfortable with outdoor adventures.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring your passport or ID, a change of clothes, a camera to capture the sights, biodegradable sunscreen for outdoor protection, and comfortable clothes suitable for warm desert weather.

How long is the drive from Lima?
The trip takes roughly 3 hours each way, with a brief stop halfway to stretch and buy supplies. It’s a good idea to be prepared for the long journey with snacks and entertainment.

Are meals included?
Yes, all meals are included, including a full lunch at the vineyards and tastings of pisco and regional wines, making this a truly all-inclusive experience.

Is this tour suitable for people over 95?
No, the tour is not recommended for those over 95 years due to the physical activities involved, particularly dune bashing and sandboarding.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication during the trip and the various stops.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your plans are uncertain.

Are there options for pickup outside Lima’s main districts?
Yes, for a small additional fee, the tour can arrange pickup outside the standard districts, including more remote accommodations.

What makes this tour a good value?
Considering the transportation, guided visits, meals, tastings, and the variety of experiences packed into one day, it offers strong value for travelers wanting a comprehensive tour without extra planning or hidden costs.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby