Exploring the Ica and Paracas regions in just two days offers a vibrant mix of wineries, desert dunes, wildlife, and stunning coastal landscapes. For $213 per person, this tour takes you from Lima’s bus terminals into the heart of southern Peru’s most captivating sights. Expect a balance of relaxed cultural stops, adrenaline-pumping desert rides, and awe-inspiring nature encounters.

What we love about this experience is the chance to visit artisanal wineries, where you can taste local wines and piscos made using traditional methods—an authentic taste of Peruvian craftsmanship. Plus, the Huacachina oasis is a true marvel, with towering dunes perfect for daring sandboarding and thrilling buggy rides. The Ballestas Islands add a wild element, with sea lions, penguins, and a variety of seabirds in their natural habitat.

One possible drawback is the busy schedule—this tour packs a lot into two days, which means some moments might feel rushed, especially if you want to linger at each stop. Also, entrance fees for certain sites are not included, so you’ll need some extra cash for souvenirs or optional purchases.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure, wildlife, culture, and scenic landscapes. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want a comprehensive taste of the coast and desert. Whether you’re a nature lover, a curious foodie, or an adrenaline junkie, this trip offers plenty to keep you engaged and inspired.

Key Points

Diverse Activities: Combines cultural visits, adventure sports, and wildlife viewing.
Authentic Experiences: Visits to artisanal wineries and local sites in Ica.
Stunning Landscapes: Dunes at Huacachina and coastal formations at Paracas.
Wildlife Encounters: Sea lions, penguins, and a variety of seabirds at the Ballestas Islands.
Practical Convenience: All transportation, guides, and lodging are included, making it a hassle-free experience.
Extra Costs: Entrance fees and personal purchases are not covered, so plan extra cash.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Guide to Your 2-Day Ica and Paracas Tour

This tour is a well-rounded way to experience some of Peru’s most photogenic and lively regions, ideal for travelers who want a taste of everything without the hassle of planning each detail.

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Day One: From Lima to Ica — Culture and Adventure

Your adventure begins early, with pickup from Lima’s Cruz del Sur or Peru VIP bus terminals. The journey to Ica is straightforward, and once there, your guide takes you straight into the heart of the area’s local charm.

The first stop, Cachiche Hamlet, is famous for its mystical reputation. Known as the “Witches’ Village,” it features the 7-headed palm tree and the Witches Theme Park, where stories of local legends and mystical practices come alive. This stop is not just about sightseeing but also about understanding how local folklore is woven into everyday life.

Next, you’ll visit the House of Tiles, a colorful spot where you can buy traditional Ica tiles and chocolates—great souvenirs to bring home. Then comes the highlight of the cultural portion: an artisanal winery visit. Here, you’ll learn how the local wines and piscos are crafted using age-old methods, often with organic ingredients. Tasting sessions give you a real taste of Ica’s unique flavors, and the guide’s insights make the experience educational, not just tasty.

Lunchtime offers a chance to sample local Peruvian cuisine, with options to try regional dishes that highlight Ica’s culinary traditions. Afterward, it’s time to head to the Huacachina oasis, a surreal scene: a lagoon surrounded by towering desert dunes that seem to stretch endlessly.

Here, adrenaline awaits. You’ll hop into a 4X4 buggy for a high-energy ride across the dunes, followed by sandboarding—a fun and slightly daring sport that’s perfect for thrill-seekers. The driver will give you tips on sliding down the dunes, and you’ll get plenty of opportunities for photos with the epic landscape as your backdrop.

In the late afternoon, you’re transferred to your hotel to relax after a day packed with sights and action.

Day Two: Wildlife and Coastal Wonders in Paracas

The next morning starts with a pickup from your hotel in Ica, heading toward the coast. Your first stop is the Ballestas Islands via a boat tour that lasts about two hours. From the pier, you’ll cruise past El Candelabro, a mysterious geoglyph carved into the hillside, visible from the water. The boat will also take you around the islands, where sea lions bask on rocks and penguins waddle about in their natural habitat. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the abundance of boobies, terns, pelicans, and even guanayes—a variety of seabirds that find sanctuary here. The guides are knowledgeable, sharing stories about the wildlife and the history of the islands, making this a compelling and educational experience.

After the boat tour, you’ll have some free time to explore the tourist pier—perfect for snapping photos, buying souvenirs, or grabbing a quick breakfast.

The land portion of your day takes you to the Paracas National Reserve, a protected coastal area with dramatic rock formations, beaches, and lagoons. Stops include the Catedral Rock formation, whose striking shape resembles a cathedral, and the beaches of Supay and Roja, where the scenery is both wild and scenic. The Lagunillas Beach offers a peaceful spot to relax or take more photos before your tour concludes in the late afternoon.

Practical Details and What to Expect

This tour is well-organized, with bus tickets, guides, and all transportation included, helping you avoid logistical headaches. The group size tends to be moderate, and guides speak both English and Spanish, accommodating a variety of travelers. The price reflects the convenience and the variety of activities packed into two days, but keep in mind that entrance fees for some sights are not included, so have some extra cash on hand.

The accommodation is in a 2-star hotel—simple but comfortable, suitable for resting after busy days. The sandboarding and buggy rides at Huacachina are the main adventure highlights, with the thrill of speeding across dunes and sliding down hills.

The marine tour to the Ballestas Islands** offers a chance to see wildlife in action and learn about the ecological importance of the area. As one traveler noted, “The guides were very knowledgeable, making the wildlife sightings even more fascinating.”

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Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re eager to see both the natural and cultural highlights of Ica and Paracas in a short time, this tour is a smart choice. It’s especially good for those who enjoy adventure sports like sandboarding and buggy riding, as well as wildlife lovers interested in bird and sea lion colonies. It’s also a great option for travelers who prefer organized tours that handle all the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery and experiences.

However, if you’re someone who likes to linger at each site or explore at your own pace, this packed schedule might feel a bit hurried. Also, be prepared for additional costs if you want to purchase souvenirs or pay for entrance fees not included in the package.

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Final Thoughts

This two-day adventure from Lima offers an exciting mix of cultural discovery, outdoor adventure, and wildlife viewing—a balanced way to experience southern Peru’s most iconic sights. The guides’ knowledge and the stunning landscapes make the experience both educational and inspiring. You’ll love the chance to try sandboarding, taste artisanal wines, and see sea lions up close—all in just 48 hours.

The value lies in how much you get packed into a relatively short trip, with transportation, meals, and accommodations all arranged for you. While it’s a busy schedule, it’s perfect for curious travelers eager to maximize their time and get a broad sense of what this diverse region has to offer.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, fun, and diverse tour that balances adventure with authenticity, this trip is an excellent choice. It’s especially suited to those who want to check off multiple highlights without the hassle of planning each detail on their own.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, bus tickets from Lima to Ica and from Ica to Paracas are included, along with all other transportation during the tour.

How long is the boat tour to the Ballestas Islands?
The boat tour lasts roughly two hours, offering close-up views of sea lions, penguins, and seabirds.

Are meals included?
Lunch in Ica is included, but other meals and snacks are not. You might find time for personal activities or to buy snacks during the free time.

Do I need to pay for entrance fees?
Entrance fees for certain sites are not included, so bring some cash for tickets and souvenirs.

What’s the best way to prepare for the desert activities?
Wear comfortable clothes, bring sunscreen, and be ready for some sweating in the desert sun while sandboarding and riding buggies.

Is the accommodation comfortable?
The hotel is classified as 2-star—simple but comfortable enough for resting after busy days.

Can I do this tour if I don’t speak Spanish?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, so language shouldn’t be a barrier.

How physically demanding are the activities?
Sandboarding and buggy rides involve some physical activity but are suitable for most travelers with moderate fitness.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and some cash for personal expenses.

How flexible is the booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and reserve now with the option to pay later, giving you flexibility for changing plans.

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of what southern Peru has to offer, combining scenic beauty, wildlife, and local culture all in one convenient package. If you’re eager for adventure, stunning views, and authentic experiences, it’s a fantastic way to spend two days discovering Ica and Paracas.