From Paracas | Excursion to Ica and Huacachina

If you’re traveling through southern Peru and want a taste of local culture, history, and adventure in just a day, this tour from Paracas to Ica and Huacachina hits the spot. For $115 per person, you get about six hours of exploring, including visits to a traditional winery, the lively streets of Ica, and the stunning dunes of Huacachina—famous for its legend and perfect for sandboarding. Expect a mix of cultural insights and adrenaline-fueled fun, all with a knowledgeable guide by your side.

What we love about this experience is the chance to taste Peruvian Pisco and local wines directly at a winery—an authentic peek into Peru’s famed beverage traditions. Plus, the visit to Huacachina is a highlight, with its surreal, sun-bleached dunes and legend-laden lagoon offering a memorable scene for photos and stories. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the limited free time for meals, so planning ahead for lunch might be wise.

This tour suits travelers who are eager to combine local culture, scenic beauty, and adventure. Whether you’re a wine lover, history buff, or thrill-seeker, you’ll find something to enjoy. Keep in mind that it’s best for those comfortable with a busy schedule, and it’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users.

Key Points

Cultural & Historic Highlights: Includes visits to the Plaza de Armas, the church of Señor de Luren, and the Regional Museum, offering insights into the region’s varied civilizations.
Wine & Pisco Tasting: An authentic experience at a local winery, where you can sample some of Peru’s best-known beverages.
Spectacular Dunes & Legend: The Huacachina oasis provides stunning desert landscapes and an intriguing local legend.
Adventure Options: Opportunity to try sandboarding on the dunes, adding an exciting thrill to your day.
Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized, engaging tour.
Flexible & Convenient: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, with options for drop-off in either Paracas or Ica.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect

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Starting the Day: From Paracas to Ica

Your day begins with a comfortable bus transfer from your hotel in Paracas to Ica. The drive takes roughly an hour, giving you time to settle in and get excited about what’s ahead. The feeling of leaving the coast and heading inland toward the desert is striking—you’ll see the landscape change from coastal plains to vast, open sands.

Visiting a Local Winery

The first stop in Ica is a local winery known for producing wine and Pisco—Peru’s signature spirit. Here, you’ll learn about the production process, from grape to glass, gaining a deeper appreciation for Peru’s wine-making traditions. The tasting session is a real treat, with a chance to savor a few varieties. Several reviewers mention the quality of the samples, with one noting, “The wine tasting was a highlight—good quality and a relaxed atmosphere.”

Guided Tour of Ica

Next, your guide takes you through Ica’s lively streets, pointing out main monuments and emblematic spots like the Plaza de Armas and the church of Señor de Luren. The Regional Museum offers an overview of the region’s diverse cultures, from Paracas to Inca, highlighting artifacts and historical evolutions. A visitor remarked, “It’s a concise but insightful look into the region’s past, perfect for understanding the layers of history here.”

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Huacachina Oasis and Legend

Then, the adventure shifts to the Huacachina oasis, a captivating natural spot surrounded by towering dunes. The lagoon’s legend, involving a princess and a water maiden, adds a mythic flavor to the scenery. It’s hard not to be enchanted by the immense, shimmering desert landscape and the mystical atmosphere. You’ll have time to take photos, stroll around, or simply soak in the views.

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Optional Sandboarding & Free Time

For the thrill-seekers, the dunes offer a chance to try sandboarding—a fun activity that many find surprisingly easy to pick up. Even if you don’t want to slide down the dunes, the views alone are worth the visit. Afterward, you’ll get about an hour for lunch on your own, so consider bringing snacks or planning where to eat beforehand.

Returning to Paracas

As the day winds down, the bus departs Huacachina for the return trip to your hotel in Paracas, arriving around 8:00 p.m. You might also arrange for drop-off in Ica if that suits your plans better—just coordinate with your guide or agent.

The Experience in Detail

The Value of a Guided Tour

Having a guide, especially one who speaks both English and Spanish, makes all the difference. They enrich the visit with stories about the history, legends, and local customs, making the experience more meaningful than just a series of stops. Several reviews appreciate the knowledgeable guide, noting that they really helped bring the places to life.

Transport & Comfort

The bus transfer is described as smooth and comfortable, and the small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd. This intimacy helps foster questions and a more personal connection to the sites visited.

Cultural & Food Experiences

While lunch isn’t included, the free time offers a flexible window to try local eateries or bring your own snacks. The wine tasting at the winery is a highlight that many travelers find to be a delicious and authentic introduction to Peruvian flavors.

Adventure & Scenic Beauty

The dunes of Huacachina are genuinely awe-inspiring, especially when illuminated at sunset or under the bright desert sun. Sandboarding adds an active element that appeals to those craving a bit of adrenaline. Reviewers often mention the stunning views and the enjoyment of trying something new.

Cost & Value

At $115, this tour offers a well-rounded package of cultural, historic, and adventurous highlights. Considering transportation, guided insights, and wine tasting, the value compares favorably to similar tours in the region. It’s a practical choice for travelers who want a lot of experiences packed into a short time.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure suits travelers looking for a balanced mix of culture, history, and adrenaline. It’s ideal for those who want a taste of Peru’s iconic sights without committing to multiple days. If you’re a wine enthusiast, the winery visit will be especially appealing. For those who love landscapes and legends, Huacachina offers a surreal desert escape. But if you need a highly leisurely pace or have mobility concerns, this might feel a bit rushed.

Final Thoughts

This Ica and Huacachina tour from Paracas is a smart choice for anyone wanting a full, enriching snapshot of southern Peru’s desert culture and history. It combines scenic beauty, cultural insights, and a dash of adventure—all within a well-organized half-day experience. The small group size and knowledgeable guide ensure you’ll feel engaged, not rushed, and the included wine tasting adds an authentic local flavor that makes the trip stand out.

While it’s a busy schedule, the variety of sights and activities ensures that you’ll leave with vivid memories and plenty of stories. If your interests align with scenery, culture, and a bit of daring, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQs

How long is the tour and what’s included?
The tour lasts about 6 hours, starting from your hotel in Paracas. It includes transportation, a guided visit to a winery with tasting, city sightseeing in Ica, a visit to Huacachina, and some free time for lunch.

What should I bring with me?
Bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, snacks, a jacket, and personal medication. Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and sandboarding are recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults and older children. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users.

Can I customize the drop-off location?
Yes, if you prefer to be dropped off in Ica instead of Paracas, just coordinate with your guide or agent beforehand.

How much does the entrance to the Regional Museum cost?
Entry to the museum costs 15 S/. (Peruvian soles), and it’s not included in the tour price.

What’s the best way to get ready for the desert dunes?
Wear comfortable, breathable clothing, and consider bringing a change of clothes if you plan to sandboard. Sunscreen and a hat will help protect you from the sun.

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Ica and Huacachina, perfect for those eager to combine cultural appreciation with desert adventure in a single day.