Experience the Best of Ica: Huacachina and Paracas in One Day

If you’re looking to pack an entire Peruvian adventure into one day, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. For $93, you’ll visit Paracas’s famous Ballestas Islands, see the surreal Huacachina oasis, and taste some of Ica’s finest wines and piscos. The tour is typically around 16 hours long, starting early and ending late, making it ideal for those with limited time but big travel ambitions.

What makes this tour especially appealing is the chance to see diverse landscapes in one trip—from marine wildlife and desert dunes to lush wineries. We especially appreciated the balance of activities—from boat rides to sandboarding—and the inclusion of local tastings, which add depth to the experience. The only downside might be the long day in transit, but for travelers eager to maximize their time, it’s worth it.

This trip suits adventurous travelers and those interested in authentic tastes and scenery. If you love the idea of seeing marine wildlife, walking through desert dunes, and sampling local wines, this tour will hit the mark.

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Key Points

Diverse landscapes: Experience both coastal marine life and desert dunes.
Authentic tastings: Sample local wines, piscos, and mistelas from Ica.
Adventure sports: Enjoy buggy rides and sandboarding at Huacachina.
Early start: The tour begins before sunrise, maximizing sightseeing opportunities.
All-inclusive value: Meals, guide, transportation, and activities are covered.
Long but rewarding: A full day packed with highlights, ideal for eager explorers.

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An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting early and traveling in comfort

The day begins at around 5 a.m., with a pickup point in Miraflores. From there, you’ll travel approximately 4 hours to Paracas, giving you a good chance to chat with your guide—if you’re lucky, you’ll get some insights into local stories or geography. The early start ensures you beat the crowds at the main attractions, especially the Ballestas Islands.

Visiting the Ballestas Islands

The boat trip from the port of El Chaco lasts about two hours and is often cited as a highlight. You’ll see the famous “Candelabro”—a large geoglyph only visible from sea or air, which lends an air of mystery. Expect to see large colonies of guano birds, Humboldt penguins, and playful sea lions. If luck is on your side, dolphins may join the show.

Guests often comment on the stunning marine views and the chance to witness wildlife up close. One reviewer mentioned, “Seeing the penguins and sea lions in their natural habitat was a real treat,” which captures the essence of this part of the tour.

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Exploring Ica’s vineyards and tasting local libations

After returning from the islands, the tour proceeds to Ica city for a hearty lunch at Catador farm, where the included menu offers a taste of local flavors. This is a good time to relax and gather energy for the afternoon.

Post-lunch, the focus shifts to Ica’s wine and pisco production. The visit to the Tres Esquinas Estate, in operation since 1856, is particularly engaging. Here, you can see traditional methods—clay pots, distillers, and an ancient acacia press—and learn about the historic process of making wine and pisco. The tasting session follows, with wines, piscos, pisco creams, and mistelas, which many describe as a delightful way to appreciate local craftsmanship.

Guests frequently highlight the authenticity of these tastings, noting the difference in flavors compared to mass-produced spirits. One reviewer said, “The tastings of pisco and wine felt genuine, and the guide’s explanations helped us appreciate the process more.”

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Visiting Huacachina oasis

Just 5 kilometers from Ica, the Huacachina oasis is a true highlight. The lagoon, surrounded by towering sand dunes, offers stunning views and plenty of activities. You’ll have time to walk around, take photos, and soak in the desert tranquility.

For thrill-seekers, the adventure sports are a major draw. You can hop into buggies that race over the dunes or try sandboarding—both exhilarating and a perfect way to break up the day. Several travelers note how fun and adrenaline-pumping these activities are, with one saying, “Sandboarding down those dunes was a rush I’ll never forget.”

The return journey

By around 7 p.m., the tour departs Huacachina for the return trip to Lima, arriving around 10 p.m. While the long day can be tiring, many feel the experience justifies the effort, especially considering the depth and variety of sights they’ve enjoyed.

What Travelers Say About This Tour

Reviews often mention the well-organized schedule and the friendly, knowledgeable guides. One traveler said, “The guide was fantastic—he shared stories and made everything clear,” which enhances the overall experience. Others praise the value for money, especially considering the comprehensive nature of the trip, including meals, tastings, and activities.

Some feedback about the timing notes that early mornings can be challenging, but most agree it’s a small price to pay for the rich experiences. The long transit times are balanced by the variety of stops, making it ideal for those eager to see a lot in a single day.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and adventure sports.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses—sun protection is essential in the desert and coastal areas.
Pack a light jacket or sweater for the boat ride and cooler evenings.
Be prepared for a full day—snacks and water are recommended since food and drinks are not included outside the provided meals.
If you want to maximize your experience, arrive early and stay hydrated.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day adventure is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of southern Peru without multiple days of travel. It offers a balanced mix of nature, culture, and thrill-seeking, ideal for those with a sense of adventure and curiosity about local wines and wildlife.

Expect a long but rewarding day filled with unforgettable sights, flavors, and activities. If you’re eager to see marine life, explore a desert oasis, and sample Pisco, this is a solid choice that packs a lot into one trip.

It’s also a good fit for those who enjoy guided tours, appreciate authentic experiences, and don’t mind a busy schedule. Be prepared for an early start, but know that the variety of highlights makes it worth every minute.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins around 5 a.m., giving you a head start on the day’s adventures.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation, a tour guide, visits to the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, and Ica wineries, adventure sports, and tastings of Pisco, wines, and mistelas. Meals are included as part of the lunch at Catador farm.

Is the boat ride at the Ballestas Islands safe?
Yes, the boat ride is a standard part of the tour, lasting about two hours, with safety measures typically in place. The boat is operated professionally, and most travelers find it enjoyable and safe.

Can I participate in the adventure sports?
Absolutely. The tour includes options for buggy rides and sandboarding at Huacachina, which many guests find to be the most exciting part of the trip.

How long is the travel time from Lima?
The drive from Lima to Paracas is approximately four hours each way, so be prepared for a long day of travel.

Are the tastings included?
Yes, tastings of wines, piscos, pisco creams, and mistelas are included after visiting the winery.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for walking, with layers for changing temperatures. Don’t forget sun protection and a hat, especially for the desert and boat ride.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most activities are family-friendly, the long hours and adventure sports might be best suited for older children and teenagers.

This tour offers a well-rounded Peruvian experience—perfect for curious travelers eager to see marine wildlife, desert dunes, and taste local spirits—all in one memorable day.