A two-day adventure through Peru’s Ica region offers an authentic taste of desert landscapes, coastal wildlife, and local traditions. For just $90, you’ll visit vibrant cities, taste exquisite piscos, and encounter remarkable natural sights.

What we love about this experience is how it balances cultural insights with adrenaline-pumping activities—sandboarding and buggy rides in Huacachina add a thrilling touch, while visits to historic sites and marine reserves deepen your understanding of the area. Plus, the knowledgeable guides bring the experience to life with stories and explanations that make the scenery even more meaningful.

A possible consideration is that the itinerary, though packed, involves some long travel stretches and outdoor exposure, which might not suit those seeking a more relaxed pace. Yet, if you’re eager to see a variety of landscapes and wildlife in a short time, this tour offers good value.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded, affordable introduction to southern Peru. Outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and wildlife lovers will all find something to enjoy while soaking up the unique atmosphere of Ica and Paracas.

Key Points

Diverse landscapes: From the bustling city of Ica to the desert oasis of Huacachina and the coastal beauty of Paracas.
Active adventures: Sandboarding and buggy rides in Huacachina provide fun and adrenaline.
Wildlife encounters: See penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and seabirds on the boat tour of the Ballestas Islands.
Cultural insights: Learn about the process of making pisco and explore historic Ica landmarks.
Scenic views: The Paracas National Reserve offers breathtaking coastlines and desert vistas.
Guided expertise: Bilingual guides add depth with local stories and explanations, enhancing your understanding.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Ica Region: A Practical Guide

Day 1: From Ica to Huacachina
Your adventure begins with a pickup in Ica, a city known for its vibrant plazas and historic charm. The guided city tour covers the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Casa de las Tejas, offering a glimpse into local life and architecture. These sights are not just photo backdrops but gateways into Ica’s past and present.

Next, you’ll head to Huacachina, a natural oasis in the desert famed for its striking lagoon surrounded by towering dunes. Here, the tour includes a visit to a local winery for a tasting of pisco and wines, a highlight for those interested in Peruvian spirits. The tasting provides insight into the country’s renowned liquor tradition, with guides explaining the process and local varieties.

The main attraction in Huacachina? The dune activities. A short buggy ride whips you across the sands, offering adrenaline and great photo ops. Sandboarding adds to the fun, providing a playful way to enjoy the dunes—no prior experience needed, just a sense of adventure.

The evening concludes with free time for dinner and rest at your hotel. The blend of cultural sights and outdoor fun makes this first day memorable, striking a good balance between learning and thrill.

Day 2: Coastal Wildlife and Reserves
The second day kicks off with breakfast before heading to the Paracas pier. The boat trip across the Pacific is the highlight, taking you past the El Candelabro geoglyph, whose mysterious origins fascinate many travelers. The boat then reaches the Ballestas Islands, sometimes called the “poor man’s Galápagos,” where wildlife viewing is spectacular.

Expect to see guano birds, Humboldt penguins, and playful dolphins, as the boat glides past cliffs teeming with seabirds and marine mammals. Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge, with comments like, “We loved the way our guide explained the different bird species and pointed out dolphins jumping in the distance.”

After the wildlife encounter, a visit to a sea lion conservation center offers a chance to learn about local efforts to protect marine life. The tour then continues to the Paracas National Reserve, where scenic viewpoints overlook the rugged coastline and colorful beaches like Roja, Lagunillas, and Yumaque.

The diverse landscapes—coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, and desert plains—are reasons many find this part of the tour especially captivating. The guide’s explanations help put these natural formations into context, making the scenery more meaningful.

Finally, the return trip to Ica wraps up two days of energetic exploration, wildlife observation, and cultural discovery, leaving you with an appreciation for this unique corner of Peru.

While in Paracas, here are other experiences we've covered

What the Tour Includes and What It Doesn’t

The tour offers excellent value, especially considering what’s included. Transportation by minibus and boat ensures comfort and ease. The guides, fluent in Spanish and English, make the experience accessible and engaging.

You’ll enjoy pisco and wine tastings, along with buggy and sandboard rentals—activities that bring fun and authenticity without extra cost. The price of $90 is quite reasonable given the variety of sights and experiences packed into two days.

However, note that lunch and dinner are not included, which means you’ll need to budget around 35.60 S/ (about 10 US$) per person for meals. Entrance fees for the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas Reserve are also separate, so it’s worth factoring those into your budget.

Transport schedules and itinerary details are subject to change due to weather or unforeseen events, a common caveat for outdoor excursions. The tour’s flexible nature means you might experience slight adjustments, but safety and quality are prioritized.

How to Get the Most from Your Experience

To maximize your trip, arrive with comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat—outdoor activities and boat trips mean lots of sun and wind. Bring a camera with a good zoom for wildlife and scenery shots. The guides are eager to share their knowledge, so ask questions and soak up their insights.

Booking ahead ensures you get a spot, especially during peak seasons. Since you can reserve with the option to pay later, it’s easy to secure your place while keeping your plans flexible.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for active travelers eager to see both historic sites and natural wonders without spending a fortune. It suits those who enjoy a mix of cultural exploration, wildlife, and outdoor fun. If you prefer a leisurely pace, you might find the busy itinerary a little fast, but for most, the variety is a highlight.

Families with older children, couples, and solo travelers will find plenty to love here. The guides’ friendly approach and the well-organized schedule make it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of visitors.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Sum Up

This 2-day Ica tour offers a practical, engaging way to experience southern Peru’s highlights without breaking the bank. The combination of city sights, desert adventures, and coastal wildlife provides a well-rounded snapshot of the region’s natural and cultural richness.

The inclusion of knowledgeable guides and active pursuits like sandboarding and boat trips makes the experience both educational and fun. For travelers looking for an authentic taste of Peru, this tour delivers a good mix of excitement, scenery, and storytelling.

While some might find the schedule a bit packed, the overall value and variety make it a worthwhile choice. It’s especially suited for those who want to see a lot in a short amount of time and enjoy outdoor adventures along the way.

If you’re after a lively, informative trip that combines nature, culture, and a touch of adrenaline, this tour to Ica, Huacachina, and Paracas is a smart pick.

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

FAQs

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, transportation by minibus or bus and boat is included, making it easy to move between the different sites.

What’s the cost for meals?
Lunch and dinner are not included in the tour, and you’ll need approximately 35.60 S/ (around $10 US) per person for meals.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both Spanish and English, ensuring clear explanations and engaging stories for all travelers.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in case your plans change.

What activities are included?
You’ll enjoy a pisco and wine tasting, buggy rides, sandboarding, and wildlife boat tours—activities that add fun and local flavor.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve are separate and need to be paid on site.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best for older children and teens who can handle outdoor activities and boat trips. Check with the provider for specific age recommendations.

How long is the boat trip?
The boat trip to the Ballestas Islands is part of the day’s schedule, but the exact duration isn’t specified; expect a typical marine excursion from the pier.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and a camera. A jacket might be useful for breezy boat rides.