Pisco Route, Buggies and Sandboarding in the Ica Desert from Paracas

Experience the Best of Ica: Pisco, Vineyards, and Desert Adventures from Paracas

Imagine a full day exploring Peru’s famous pisco-making traditions, wandering through historic vineyards, marveling at the Oasis of Huacachina, and then kicking up dust in the Ica Desert with buggies and sandboarding. For just around $90 per person, this private tour from Paracas offers a well-balanced mix of cultural, natural, and adventurous activities wrapped into a roughly 9-10 hour experience.

What we love most about this excursion is how personalized it feels — since it’s private, you can tweak the itinerary to suit your pace or interests. Plus, the chance to enjoy authentic wine and pisco tastings at historic haciendas, combined with the adrenaline rush of buggies and sandboarding, makes it a real standout.

One thing to consider is that Hacienda Tacama is closed on Mondays, so on that day you’ll visit Hacienda Vista Alegre instead. Also, keep in mind that some entrance fees—like the S/25 for Hacienda Tacama—are not included in the price, so budget accordingly.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate a mix of culture and outdoor adventure, especially those eager to see the iconic Huacachina lagoon and experience the desert landscape firsthand. If you’re after a flexible, well-rounded day that combines history, scenic beauty, and thrills, this may be just right.

Key Points

• Private, flexible experience tailored to your interests.
• Authentic vineyard visits with wine and pisco tastings.
• Adventure in the desert: buggies, sandboarding, and sunset views.
• Includes transportation from Paracas to Ica and back.
• Visit the Huacachina oasis, famed for its stunning lagoon and legends.
• Cost-effective value for a full day of cultural, scenic, and outdoor activities.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour: From Vineyards to Desert Thrills

Starting Point: The Journey Begins in Paracas

Your adventure kicks off early in Paracas, with a pickup that promises a comfortable ride to Ica. The round-trip private transportation takes you through the desert landscape, giving a taste of the scenery even before you arrive at your first stop. This personalized aspect means fewer worries about navigating or crowded groups, allowing you to relax and focus on the views.

Visiting Tambo de Tacama: Peru’s Oldest Vineyard

Your first stop is the historic Tambo de Tacama, the pioneer in Peruvian winemaking since the 1500s. Here, you’ll learn about the vines planted by Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, and how the hot Ica valley provides the perfect climate for both wine and pisco. The hacienda itself, dating from 1540, is a beautifully preserved piece of colonial history, making it a real highlight for history buffs and photo enthusiasts alike.

The tasting session here is a major draw. You’ll sample piscos and wines directly from the bodega — a chance to savor the flavors of Peru’s iconic spirits and learn how they’re crafted. Since the tour doesn’t include the entrance fee of S/25 for Hacienda Tacama, it’s worth bringing some cash if you want to indulge further.

Exploring La Vies Bodega Lovera and Fundo El Arrabal

Next, you’ll visit La Vies Bodega Lovera, one of the oldest wineries in Ica, which has kept its tradition alive for generations. It’s a free visit, offering a more intimate glimpse into artisanal wine and pisco production.

Then, at Fundo El Arrabal, you’ll enjoy a farm tour where the process of making Peruvian wine and pisco is explained in detail. This stop emphasizes artisanal methods, making it a meaningful experience for those interested in traditional craftsmanship. The tasting here caps off the visit, providing a casual yet informative conclusion to your vineyard explorations.

Huacachina Oasis: Natural Wonder and Mythical Setting

After a cultural morning, you’ll be taken to Huacachina, often called the “Oasis of America”. This stunning lagoon, surrounded by towering sand dunes, is a magnet for travelers. You’ll hear stories and legends about its origins, adding a mystical layer to its natural beauty.

Here, you’ll have free time for photos and to soak in the scenery. But the real adrenaline starts with the desert ride in buggies. You’ll hop into powerful off-road vehicles that race over sand dunes, offering an exhilarating thrill while providing jaw-dropping views. The sunset backdrop makes the whole experience even more memorable.

Sandboarding and Sunset: The Perfect End

Sandboarding is an optional but popular activity, where you’ll slide down dunes on a board — a fun way to embrace the desert landscape. The tour lasts about two hours in total for the desert adventure, and the sunset provides a breathtaking setting for this outdoor fun.

The ride and sandboarding are included in the price, making it a fantastic value considering the adrenaline and scenery packed into this part of the day.

Flexibility and Additional Notes

If your schedule is tight or if you’re visiting on a Monday, you’ll visit Hacienda Vista Alegre instead of Tacama, as the latter is closed. Entrance fees like the S/25 at Hacienda Tacama are optional extras, so plan for that if you want to go inside.

The tour offers a mobile ticket and pickup service, making logistics easy. Participants consistently praise the personalized attention and professional guides like Joel and Brayan — their knowledge and friendliness are often highlighted as major highlights.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $90, this experience packs in a lot — from tasting authentic Pisco to exploring historic vineyards, to thrilling desert rides at sunset. The private nature of the tour means you avoid large groups, allowing for a more relaxed and customizable day. The combination of culture, scenery, and adventure makes it a well-rounded choice for diverse interests.

The timing is well-structured, with enough free time to appreciate each location without feeling rushed. Plus, the inclusion of transportation and desert ticketing simplifies logistics, giving you peace of mind.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventure lovers wanting a taste of desert thrill, culture enthusiasts eager to learn about Peru’s pisco heritage, and scenic seekers who want stunning sunset views. It’s especially suited to travelers who appreciate personalized experiences, as many reviews emphasize the flexibility and attentiveness of guides.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but sandboarding and buggy rides are more suitable for those comfortable with outdoor activities and a bit of adventure.

How long does each activity last?
Vineyard visits vary from 35 minutes to an hour, and the desert adventure with buggies and sandboarding lasts around 2 hours, including time for the sunset.

Are entrance fees included?
No, some entrance fees like the S/25 for Hacienda Tacama are not included. Be prepared to pay cash on-site if you wish to visit.

What about food and drinks?
You’ll have a one-hour break for lunch at a country restaurant, but the tour does not include meals. You are free to bring snacks or plan for a meal during that time.

Can I customize the tour?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss with your guide about adjusting the itinerary, especially if you want more time at specific stops.

Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup from your location in Paracas is provided, making the morning stress-free.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change last minute.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-balanced day of culture, scenic beauty, and adventure for those based in Paracas ready to explore the vibrant vineyards, mystical oasis, and thrilling desert landscape of Ica. The combination of history, authentic flavors, and adrenaline-packed activities makes it a compelling option for many travelers.

If you’re searching for a way to see more of Peru’s legendary landscapes and traditions without sacrificing comfort or flexibility, this experience hits many of those marks. It’s especially suitable for those who value personalized service, appreciate storytelling, and are eager to embrace some outdoor fun before heading back to Paracas.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, this tour provides a chance to experience Ica’s unique vibe in a single, scenic, and engaging day.

Remember, the best trips often come from combining a bit of culture with outdoor adventure — and this tour manages to do that seamlessly, wrapped into a manageable day with memorable sights and experiences.