Full Day Tour in Ica Paracas and Huacachina from Lima

A Full Day Exploring Ica, Paracas, and Huacachina from Lima

This tour takes you on an ambitious 16-hour journey, covering Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Huacachina oasis, and some of the best local wineries. Priced at $99 per person, it’s a surprisingly good deal considering how much ground you’ll cover, with pickup from your Lima hotel, transportation, a bilingual guide, and all entry tickets included.

What we particularly like about this trip is how it combines nature, adventure, and local culture all in one go. The boat ride around the islands offers close encounters with sea lions and penguins, while the visit to Huacachina gives you a chance for some sandboarding or buggy riding—fun for thrill-seekers. The wine and pisco tastings add a flavorful touch, rounding out a truly diverse day.

One consideration is the long day on the road, which could be tiring for some. The early start (around 4:30 am) is necessary to pack everything in, so a good breakfast before you go might be wise. This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a packed schedule and want a comprehensive taste of Ica’s highlights without a multi-day commitment.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience: Transfers, guide, tickets, snacks, and activities included.
• Diverse attractions: From marine life and desert oasis to local wine and pisco production.
• Long but rewarding day: Around 16 hours, perfect for seeing many sites in a single trip.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for most travelers, with options for activities like sandboarding and buggy rides.
• Authentic flavor: Tasting regional sweets, wines, and visiting local workshops.
• Early departure: Starts at 4:30 am, which requires some planning but ensures maximum sightseeing.

Exploring the Detailed Itinerary

Starting from Lima – The Early Rise

The day kicks off at a reasonable but early 4:30 am pickup from your Lima hotel, giving you a full day ahead. The drive along the South Pan American road takes about four hours, giving you time to settle in and enjoy the scenery. We found this transportation quite comfortable, which matters on such a long journey. The early start, while challenging, ensures you arrive at your first stop on time and make the most of the daylight hours.

Paracas and the Ballestas Islands – Marine Wildlife and Mysterious Geoglyphs

Once in Paracas, you’ll board a modern boat at El Chaco jetty for a roughly 30-minute ride to the Ballestas Islands. Here, the highlight is the abundant wildlife: sea lions basking on rocks, Humboldt penguins waddling along the shores, and a variety of seabirds including cormorants and flamingos. The boat tour lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes, giving plenty of time to snap photos of the famous Candelabra—a large, mysterious geoglyph etched into the sand that some believe has Nazca origins.

According to a traveler review, the guide’s detailed explanations and the boat crew’s attentiveness made this part particularly memorable. The natural beauty combined with the chance to see marine creatures up close really makes this stop worthwhile. Keep in mind, some travelers note that the sea can be choppy, so bringing seasickness medication might be wise if you’re sensitive.

The Desert Oasis of Huacachina – Adventure and Scenery

After returning from the islands, you’ll travel about an hour to the village of Ica, where the Huacachina Oasis awaits. This small desert town is famous for its picturesque lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes. The scenery here is striking—a shimmering water spot in the middle of a vast desert landscape.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for sandboarding or buggy rides —activities that many travelers find exciting and memorable. The provided tickets include access to the oasis itself, and you’ll have around an hour to soak in the views and perhaps try a little sand-surfing. One review fondly recalled the simple charm of Huacachina, making it clear that the surprise here is how unexpectedly beautiful and lively the little town becomes.

Tasting Local Sweets and Visiting Wineries – A Flavorful Finish

Moving on, your journey continues to Ica’s renowned chocolate shops. Here, you can taste regional sweets like chocoteja, alfajores, and homemade jams—delicious treats that offer a sweet break in the busy day.

Next, you’ll visit a local winery, where you’ll learn about pisco and wine production. The Fundo Tres Esquinas provides a fascinating look at the process of making pisco, Peru’s iconic spirit, with tastings to follow. This small but insightful stop highlights the region’s culinary pride and offers the chance to sample some of the best local wines and piscos.

The trip then moves to Chincha, a city renowned for its folk dance workshops and lively musical scene centered around the Peruvian cajón. Visitors often find this part of the tour to be a true highlight—an authentic taste of local culture and tradition.

The Experience and Why It Works for Travelers

This tour is designed for those who want a comprehensive snapshot of Ica’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple separate trips. The fully organized nature of the tour, with transportation, guides, and entrance fees covered, offers convenience and peace of mind.

The diversity of experiences—from wildlife watching, desert adventures, to wine tasting—means there’s something for all. Whether you’re a nature lover, culture enthusiast, or adventure junkie, this tour packs in enough variety to keep you engaged.

One traveler shared, “An unforgettable tour,” noting the excellent attention from Irvin and the well-explained circuit, which underscores the professionalism and friendly service provided. The inclusion of snacks and the option to change the tour date adds extra value and flexibility.

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling on a comfortable tourist bus with a maximum of 15 travelers makes for a manageable group—big enough for lively conversations but small enough to keep things personal. The transportation time is significant, but the bus’s comfort helps make the journey pleasant rather than tiresome.

Price and Value

While $99 might seem steep for a long day, the price includes all tickets, activities, snacks, and transportation. Comparing this to the cost of doing everything independently—car rentals, entrance fees, guided tours—it’s a cost-effective way to experience a lot in one day.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers with limited time who want a well-rounded taste of Ica’s natural beauty and local culture. It suits those who appreciate guided convenience and want to see marine wildlife, desert landscapes, and sample local products without the hassle of organizing each part themselves.

It’s also perfect for families or group travelers, given the variety of activities and the safe, comfortable transport. If you’re someone who enjoys learning about local traditions and trying regional flavors, this tour will hit the mark.

Final Thoughts

In essence, this full-day tour offers a well-organized, immersive experience that balances nature, adventure, culture, and flavor. It’s a great way to see Ica’s top sights without the stress of planning or multiple days away from Lima.

While it’s a long day, the diversity of the stops and the quality of the included activities make it a worthwhile investment for those eager to explore Peru’s southern coast. Expect stunning views at every turn, engaging guides, and a taste of local life—an adventure that leaves a lot of memories packed into just one day.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate authentic experiences, don’t mind a tight schedule, and want to maximize their time with a rundown of Ica’s treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at approximately 4:30 am with hotel pickup, so be prepared for an early start to make the most of the day.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup, transportation, a bilingual guide, all entrance tickets, snacks onboard, and activities like sandboarding and wine tastings.

How long is the boat ride to the Ballestas Islands?
The boat ride takes about 30 minutes, with approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to explore the islands and see the wildlife.

Can I perform activities in Huacachina?
Yes, sandboarding and buggy rides are optional activities included in the tour, providing a fun and adrenaline-filled experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Generally, yes. The activities are family-friendly, but keep in mind the early start and long hours.

Does the tour include meals?
No, breakfast, lunch, or dinner are not included, so consider packing a snack or eating beforehand.

What should I bring for this tour?
Bring comfortable clothes, a hat, sunscreen, seasickness medication if needed, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Is the tour customizable or flexible?
There’s an option to change the tour date, but no indication of additional customization, so plan accordingly.

This full-day adventure, with its blend of wildlife, desert landscapes, and cultural tastings, offers a rich, authentic look at Ica’s best. Perfect for those seeking a full experience in one day—it’s a trip that leaves you with stories, photos, and a deeper appreciation of this unique region.