2-Day The Wine and Pisco Route in Paracas from Lima

Experience the Best of Southern Peru’s Wine, Pisco, and Desert in Just Two Days

Embarking on the 2-Day The Wine and Pisco Route in Paracas from Lima offers a fascinating peek into Peru’s lesser-known but incredibly vibrant vineyard landscapes and desert scenery. For $299 per person, you’ll enjoy comfortable transportation, guided tours, and plenty of tastings, all arranged to take the hassle out of independent planning. Starting early from Lima, this journey takes you south to the Ica region, famous for its pisco production and desert landscapes, with highlights including the historic Tacama Winery and the surreal Huacachina Oasis.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines educational wine and pisco tastings with adventurous desert scenery, providing a well-rounded snapshot of Peruvian culture and landscape. Plus, the included hotel stay in Paracas allows you to unwind after a day of exploration. On the flip side, some travelers might find the duration a bit tight if they prefer more leisurely, unstructured days. It’s best suited for those who appreciate a structured, all-in-one experience that balances tasting with sightseeing. If you’re eager to learn about Peru’s pisco-making traditions and enjoy a short getaway from Lima, this tour is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Convenient all-in-one experience with transport, accommodation, and guided visits included
• Tastings of pisco and wine provide insight into Peru’s alcoholic specialties
• Visit to Huacachina Oasis offers a unique desert adventure
• Historical winery visits reveal local grape-growing traditions dating back centuries
• Small group size (max 20 travelers) encourages a more intimate experience
• Hassle-free round-trip transportation from downtown Lima simplifies logistics

A Deep Dive into the 2-Day Pisco and Wine Route Tour

Day 1: A Smooth Journey to Paracas

Your adventure begins early at 7:00 am, with a comfortable pickup at your Lima hotel. The bus ride south to Paracas in the exclusive Paracas Premium Service is quiet and relaxed, giving you a chance to settle in and enjoy the scenery. Arriving in Paracas, you’ll have the afternoon free to relax, explore the waterfront, or simply enjoy the comforts of the included hotel. This downtime is a nice touch, especially after an early start, and allows you to absorb the coastal atmosphere.

Paracas itself is a small but captivating coastal town, best known as a gateway to the Ballestas Islands, but here, the focus is on unwinding and enjoying the views. The accommodation included provides a good base, with enough amenities to refresh before the next day’s adventures.

Day 2: From Vineyards to Desert Dunes

The highlight of Day 2 is a visit to the Ica valley, home to Tacama Winery, which has been producing grapes since 1540. As the oldest winery in South America, Tacama’s colonial architecture and historic cellars are a treat. We particularly appreciated the guided tour through the vineyard, wine cellar, and bell tower, which offered a tangible connection to Peru’s wine-making roots.

A major highlight is the visit to the handcrafted pisco cellar, El Catador. Here, you can observe ancient clay vessels used in traditional pisco production, as well as the oak press—a rare sight that shows how Peru’s national spirit is crafted with care. The tasting sessions are a delightful chance to compare different piscos and wines, and the guide’s explanations help demystify the process.

From vineyards, the tour takes an exhilarating turn with a visit to Huacachina Oasis—a desert lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes. We loved how this unexpected desert scene contrasts sharply with the lush vineyards, creating a fascinating geographical juxtaposition. You might want to try a sandboarding or dune buggy ride, although that depends on your preferences and the schedule.

Finally, a lunch in Tacama offers local flavors that complement the wine and pisco tastings. Afterward, you’ll return to Lima in the evening, filled with new knowledge and a few bottles to take home.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

• Historical and Cultural Insights: Visiting Tacama Winery, with its colonial architecture and centuries-old vines, gives you a window into Peru’s wine history. The El Catador pisco cellar adds authenticity with its traditional clay vessels and oak press.

• Diverse Scenery: Traveling from the coastal town of Paracas to the desert dunes of Huacachina offers a stunning visual contrast that keeps the trip interesting and memorable.

• Taste of Local Traditions: Sampling Peruvian pisco and wine directly at the source is a real highlight, especially for those interested in gastronomy and spirits.

• Convenience and Comfort: With transportation, accommodation, and most meals included, this tour suits travelers who prefer a worry-free experience without sacrificing authenticity.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

While the tour offers a packed schedule and a lot of value, some might find the timing tight—especially if you’re keen on taking your time at each stop. The 6-hour day may feel rushed for those who want to linger longer at wineries or explore Huacachina more extensively. Also, since it’s a small group, the experience might lack the flexibility of private tours, but it benefits from a more engaging, intimate atmosphere.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine and pisco enthusiasts, curious travelers eager to explore Peru’s heritage beyond Lima, and those who appreciate well-organized trips with transportation included. It’s also suitable for people comfortable with early mornings and structured days. If you’re looking for a blend of culinary culture, scenic landscapes, and a bit of adventure, this tour hits the right notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes bus transfers from Lima to Paracas and back, as well as transportation between stops during the two days.

Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
Not much—just your passport details when booking, as they are required for confirmation. Wearing comfortable shoes and bringing some cash for optional extras is advisable.

How many people are on the tour?
The group size is limited to 20 travelers, which helps create a more personal experience but also means booking early is wise.

Is breakfast included?
Yes, you’ll receive breakfast on both mornings. Lunch is also included on Day 2, at Tacama winery.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a guided tour, modifications are limited. However, the itinerary covers the main highlights, and you’ll have some free time in Paracas to relax.

What is the best season to do this tour?
While the data doesn’t specify, typical travel conditions favor dry months—generally from May to October—when the weather is nice and dunes are perfect for activities.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Absolutely. The tour includes tastings, but you are not required to participate in all of them. The focus on the scenery and history makes it enjoyable regardless.

What if I want to stay longer in Huacachina or at the winery?
This tour is designed as a set itinerary, so additional time at stops would need to be arranged separately.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Pisco and Wine Route offers a well-rounded glimpse into Peru’s agricultural traditions, desert landscapes, and coastal scenery. For those who love learning about local spirits, enjoy scenic drives, and prefer organized transport, it’s hard to beat the convenience and richness of this experience. The inclusion of accommodation and guided visits makes it especially appealing for travelers who want an authentic taste of Peru without the hassle of planning every detail.

If you’re eager to see vineyards with centuries of history, explore the dunes of Huacachina, and sample Pisco in its birthplace, this tour offers a fantastic, value-packed way to do it. Just keep in mind that the schedule is somewhat packed, so if you prefer a more leisurely pace, consider extending your time or choosing specific stops to explore on your own.

In sum, this tour strikes a good balance between education, adventure, and comfort—perfect for curious travelers who want a taste of Peru’s diverse landscapes and flavors in a short, organized trip. Whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip, you’ll come away with new insight, some great photos, and perhaps a new favorite spirit to bring home.