From Lima: 2 Days Paracas Ica Huacachina and vineyards

Traveling from Lima to the southern coast, this two-day tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife, local flavors, scenic landscapes, and adventurous activities. For just $114 per person, you’ll visit the famous Ballestas Islands, sample Peruvian wines and piscos, and experience the iconic Huacachina Oasis with optional sandboarding. Led by knowledgeable guides, this trip is perfect for those wanting an authentic, compact taste of Ica’s highlights without breaking the bank.

Two things we especially appreciate about this tour are the diverse stops, from sea lions to vineyards, which keep the experience lively and varied, and the well-organized logistics that allow ample time at each site without feeling rushed. One potential consideration is the early start—pick-ups begin around 4:20 AM—so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with early mornings and long days. Overall, it’s ideal for adventurous travelers eager to see multiple aspects of Ica in a short timeframe, especially if you enjoy a mix of nature, culture, and thrill-seeking activities.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary including wildlife, wine, city, and desert adventures.
• Affordable price offers great value for a two-day experience.
• Early start and long days, suitable for energetic travelers.
• Optional activities like sandboarding and buggy rides for adrenaline lovers.
• Authentic local experiences with wine, pisco, and sweet tastings.
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pick-up and drop-off included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Peru’s Coastal and Desert Charms in Two Days

This tour promises a thorough introduction to the highlights of the Ica region—perfect for travelers who crave a snapshot of Peru’s diverse landscapes and local culture. Starting with the Ballestas Islands—sometimes called the “poor man’s Galápagos”—you’ll hop aboard a motor yacht to spot seals, penguins, and a variety of seabirds. The tour guide, Juan, or whoever is hosting on the day, tends to make these wildlife sightings both informative and fun, with a splash of humor. The Candelabra geoglyph visible from the boat adds an intriguing touch, sparking curiosity about its origins.

After this, you’ll enjoy a local sweet tasting—think tejas and chocotejas—which showcases traditional Peruvian confections. It’s a sweet way to connect with local flavors and grab a few souvenirs before heading to the wineries on the Pisco route. Here, you’ll taste seven varieties of wines and piscos, gaining insight into Peru’s famous distilled spirit. Many visitors find these tastings a highlight, as they get to appreciate the different flavors and learn about the production process firsthand.

By mid-afternoon, the tour moves to Ica city, where you’ll visit the main square, the Church of Luren, and local landmarks like the San Francisco Church. The town of Cachiche is also on the agenda—famous for its legendary witches and supernatural tales, offering a quirky glimpse into local folklore. The evening finishes at the Huacachina Lagoon, a surreal desert oasis where you can relax, take photos, or, for thrill-seekers, choose to add buggy rides and sandboarding.

What’s Included and What to Consider

For the price of $114, the tour covers hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation, all guided tours of the islands and vineyards, and tastings. The small additional costs include entrance fees (around $6), optional activities, and personal expenses like souvenirs or tips. The tour is flexible enough to accommodate different hotel locations within Miraflores and San Isidro, making logistics straightforward.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour may require you to bring luggage if your hotel isn’t in Huacachina, as the adventure concludes there. The early departure—around 4:20 AM from Lima—means you should be prepared for a long day with limited rest before your adventure begins. It’s not ideal if you prefer sleeping in or have limited energy for early mornings.

Day 1: Wildlife and Flavors

The journey begins with an early morning pickup, which can be a bit of a challenge but ensures you’re among the first to catch the sights. The Ballestas Islands are a real highlight; seeing sea lions basking on rocks, penguins waddling, and seabirds soaring is a treat. The boat ride is generally well-organized, with bilingual guides explaining the significance of the islands and their wildlife.

Following the boat trip, you’ll indulge in the local sweet tasting, which is a lovely way to experience authentic Peruvian confections. Many reviews mention how these treats are delicious and provide a taste of local craftsmanship. Afterward, the wine route offers a chance to taste seven varieties of wines and piscos, some of which might surprise you with their smoothness and depth. Visitors often find the tastings informative and fun, especially when guides explain the differences between each.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant, where you’ll get to try sopa seca, a signature dish that’s hearty and flavorful. After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Huacachina or dropped off at the lagoon for the night. The lagoon, with its surreal desert landscape, provides a peaceful yet visually striking setting.

Day 2: Desert Adventures and Cultural Insights

The second day begins with some free time in the morning—perfect for relaxing or exploring at your pace—before meeting your guide for a city tour of Ica. You’ll visit the main square, the Church of Luren, and the San Francisco Church, each offering a glimpse into the region’s colonial architecture and history.

The visit to Cachiche is a fun detour into local folklore, known for tales of witches and supernatural powers. It’s one of those quirky stops that add character to the trip and give you a taste of local legends.

Next, you’ll explore Ica’s prominent wineries and pisco distilleries, learning about the largest producer of pisco in Peru. The tastings here help deepen your understanding of Peru’s national spirit, with many visitors remarking on the quality and variety of the drinks.

In the late afternoon, you can choose to partake in optional buggy rides and sandboarding at Huacachina. These activities may incur extra costs but are well worth considering for the adrenaline rush and fun. The meeting point is at CyC Buggys, and the experience often gets praise from those who enjoy a bit of adventure.

The tour concludes with a comfortable bus ride back to Lima, leaving you with a sense of having experienced a broad spectrum of what this fascinating region offers.

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Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

This tour strikes a good balance between structured activities and free time. The bilingual guides ensure you understand the significance of each site, whether it’s wildlife, folklore, or wine production. Travelers often comment that guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to make the experience engaging.

The transportation is air-conditioned, which is a relief given the early start and the heat often present in the desert. The group size tends to be manageable, allowing for interaction but also providing enough space for comfort. The cost of $114 is quite reasonable considering the number of sites visited and the inclusions, especially since it combines several attractions into one seamless trip.

The tour’s timing—starting early and lasting around 2 days—may be tiring but ensures you maximize your experience without feeling rushed. Keep in mind that the itinerary involves some long drives, so bringing snacks or water is advisable. Also, bringing some cash for souvenirs or optional activities is recommended.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers eager to see wildlife, enjoy local tastings, and explore desert landscapes in a short period. Those who appreciate cultural insights and quirky local stories will enjoy the Cachiche witches and city tours. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling on a budget but want a comprehensive look at Ica’s highlights.

Since the tour involves early mornings and optional activities like sandboarding, it’s suited for energetic, flexible travelers who enjoy a full day of exploration and activity. Families with older children and groups of friends will find it especially fun.

Final Thoughts

At $114, this two-day tour offers solid value, combining wildlife, culture, and adventure in Peru’s beautiful coast and desert region. It gets you close to nature with the Ballestas Islands, introduces you to local flavors through vineyard tastings, and offers a taste of the desert thrill at Huacachina. The logistics are straightforward, and the inclusion of hotel transfers simplifies planning.

While the early start and long days may not suit everyone, most travelers will leave with a richer understanding of Peru’s diverse landscapes and a handful of memorable experiences. It’s particularly well-suited for those looking to pack a lot into a short trip while enjoying authentic local encounters.

Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a wine enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, this tour covers a broad swath of Ica’s appeal—delivering fun, flavor, and scenery in one well-organized package.

FAQ

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $114 per person, which includes transportation, guides, and most activities, making it a good value for the full experience.

How long is the tour?
It’s a two-day experience with a very early start, beginning around 4:20 AM, and concluding with your return to Lima in the evening.

What is included in the tour?
Included are hotel pick-up and drop-off (within certain areas), transportation, the boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, vineyard visits with tastings, a city tour of Ica, and tastings of local sweets.

Are there optional activities?
Yes, activities like buggy rides and sandboarding are optional and incur additional costs.

Can I bring luggage?
If your hotel isn’t in Huacachina, it’s recommended to bring luggage, as the tour will conclude at the oasis.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s suitable for those comfortable with early mornings and active days, including families with older children who enjoy outdoor activities.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, hats, water, and some cash for souvenirs or optional activities. Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended, especially for the desert activities.

Is the tour bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication regardless of your preferred language.

How do I reserve the tour?
You can reserve with Trip Tour, with options to book now and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning your trip.

This tour provides a compact yet comprehensive glimpse into Ica’s wildlife, culture, and landscapes, making it a fantastic choice for travelers wanting to maximize their time without missing out on Peru’s desert and coastal treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby