Experience the Natural and Cultural Wonders of Ica and Paracas in Two Days

If you’re looking to explore some of Peru’s most captivating landscapes and vibrant towns without breaking the bank, this 2-day tour of Ica, Huacachina, and Paracas is a fantastic choice. For $90 per person, you’ll enjoy a well-rounded mix of cultural sights, adrenaline-fueled desert activities, and incredible wildlife encounters. Guided by knowledgeable bilingual guides, this tour offers a comfortable way to see these highlights with a small group, ensuring a personal touch.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances adventure and relaxation. The sandboarding and buggy rides in Huacachina deliver fun and excitement amid stunning desert scenery, while the boat trip around the Ballestas Islands reveals a lively array of sea lions, penguins, and dolphins. Plus, the visit to the Paracas National Reserve offers sweeping views and impressive geological formations.

One consideration to keep in mind is that the itinerary can be affected by weather conditions, which might lead to changes or cancellations. Also, entrance fees to attractions like the Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve are not included in the tour price, so you’ll need to budget extra for those.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate a mix of nature, history, and adventure, especially those who enjoy seeing wildlife and trying something a bit different, like sandboarding. It’s perfect for those with a flexible schedule who want a guided experience that hits all the major sights without the hassle of planning.

Key Points

All-Inclusive Feel: Transportation, guides, and activities like sandboarding and boat trips are included.
Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants, fostering a more personal and intimate atmosphere.
Wildlife Encounters: Up-close views of sea lions, penguins, and dolphins at the Ballestas Islands.
Cultural Stops: The city tour of Ica and visits to local wineries offer authentic local flavors.
Adventure Highlights: Buggy rides and sandboarding in Huacachina deliver an adrenaline rush.
Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Planning more time in Paracas? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

Day 1: Ica, Huacachina, and Local Wineries

Your adventure begins with a hotel pick-up in Ica, where a guide will introduce you to the city’s highlights. We liked the way the city tour felt quite personal, stopping at the Plaza de Armas and the iconic Cathedral, which give a sense of Ica’s vibrant streets and history. The guide’s insights make the visit more meaningful, turning a simple walk into an engaging story about the area.

Next, you’re taken to the Huacachina lagoon, a natural oasis set amid vast desert sands. This spot is a visual treat — quiet, peaceful, yet surrounded by towering dunes. It’s easy to see why this place has become such a popular desert escape. Here, you’ll visit a local winery to taste piscos and wines, giving you a taste of the local culture and craftsmanship. The winery visit adds a genuine, authentic flavor that’s often missing in more commercial tours.

The afternoon is dedicated to adventure activities. The buggy rides across the dunes are a highlight — the guides are skilled at navigating the unpredictable terrain, ensuring fun and safety. Sandboarding adds a playful challenge, with boards provided on-site. We loved the way the guides explained the proper stance and technique, making it accessible even for first-timers.

The day wraps up with a return to your hotel, leaving you free for dinner or some downtime. We found that the combination of cultural exploration and desert thrill rides offers a well-rounded experience that appeals to both adventure seekers and those interested in local culture.

Day 2: Paracas, Ballestas Islands, and the National Reserve

After a hotel breakfast, the journey continues to the coast, where a boat ride begins from the Paracas pier. The boat trip is a real highlight, offering a peaceful crossing of the Pacific Ocean with stunning views of the Paracas peninsula. The geoglyph of El Candelabro is visible from afar — a mysterious figure carved into the hillside, which adds an extra layer of intrigue.

Once at the Ballestas Islands, the real wildlife spectacle begins. Expect to see guano birds, Humboldt penguins, and possibly playful dolphins. The marine fauna here is lively, and the boat guides are great at pointing out the various species. Travelers have appreciated the chance to see these animals in their natural habitat — it’s an authentic wildlife encounter.

Your visit continues with a stop at a sea lion conservation center, providing insight into local efforts to protect these charismatic animals. Afterwards, a land tour of the Paracas National Reserve offers sweeping views of beaches like Roja, Lagunillas, and Yumaque. The scenery here is striking: rugged cliffs, sandy shores, and vivid geological formations.

The day ends with a return to Ica, bringing the tour full circle. We found this combination of sea, sand, and sky to be a perfect way to appreciate both Peru’s coast and its remote desert landscapes.

Why Choose This Tour?

This 2-day guided experience offers excellent value for travelers eager to see a diverse array of Peruvian scenery and wildlife. The inclusion of English and Spanish guides ensures clear communication, and the small group size means you’re not just another face in a crowd. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to balance adventure, culture, and nature.

The adventure activities — buggy rides and sandboarding — add a fun, accessible thrill. Meanwhile, the wildlife encounters at the islands are genuine highlights, offering memorable moments if you enjoy observing animals in their natural environment. The cultural stops, especially the local winery visit, bring a human and authentic touch to the trip.

The only drawbacks are the potential for weather-related changes and the extra costs for entrance fees to attractions, which are not included in the tour price. These are common issues with outdoor and marine-focused tours but worth considering when budgeting.

This tour suits adventurous travelers who want a mix of fun and discovery, families with older children, and those interested in Peru’s scenic diversity without the hassle of planning each detail. It’s especially appealing to those who value guided insight and small-group intimacy.

More Great Tours Nearby

Final Thoughts

If you’re eager to explore Peru’s coast and desert landscapes in a straightforward and engaging way, this tour delivers a well-rounded experience. It combines cultural sights, wildlife viewing, and desert adventure, all within a comfortable, small-group setting.

Travelers who appreciate authentic experiences will enjoy the chance to taste local wines, see wildlife in their natural habitat, and try their hand at sandboarding. The guides’ knowledge and friendly approach help make the trip both educational and fun.

This tour is ideal for active travelers looking for variety — from scenic boat rides and wildlife to dune buggies and local wineries. Its moderate price point and flexible cancellation policy make it a practical choice for those wanting to explore with confidence.

In short, this guided tour offers a balanced, memorable exploration of Ica, Huacachina, and Paracas, perfect for those seeking a taste of adventure, culture, and nature in southern Peru.

While you're exploring Paracas, here are other experiences we've looked into

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children under 5?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 5, likely due to the adventure activities and boat ride involved.

What should I bring with me?
You should bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, snacks, sunscreen, water, a jacket, personal medication, and a pen for notes.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and dinner are not included. You’ll need to budget extra for meals during the trip.

How long is the boat trip to the Ballestas Islands?
The boat ride departs from Paracas pier and provides a scenic crossing of the Pacific, with a focus on wildlife viewing; specific duration isn’t provided but typically lasts about 1-2 hours.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It’s flexible and offers peace of mind.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve are not included and cost about 35.60 S/ ($10 USD) per person.

Is the tour bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, making the experience accessible to a diverse range of travelers.

This guided 2-day adventure through Ica and Paracas offers a compelling mix of landscapes, wildlife, and culture — a true taste of southern Peru’s natural beauty.