Paracas – Ica Full Day Tour
Paracas and Ica Full Day Tour: Sea, Desert and Adventure
Exploring the southern coast of Peru is to immerse yourself in a world of fascinating contrasts where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean. Our Paracas and Ica Full Day tour is designed to take you on an unforgettable journey through two of the region’s most iconic destinations. In a single day, you’ll go from feeling the fresh sea breeze surrounded by abundant wildlife to enjoying the warm desert sand under the radiant Ica sun.
This expedition is the perfect combination of nature, culture, and adrenaline. In the morning, you’ll sail the waters off the Paracas Peninsula to discover the mysticism of the Candelabro geoglyph and the impressive wildlife that inhabits the Ballestas Islands. In the afternoon, you’ll venture into the golden dunes surrounding the magical oasis of Huacachina, where the speed of the dune buggies and the thrill of sandboarding guarantee unforgettable memories.
Join this adventure and discover why this tour is a favorite among travelers.
ITINERARY
Itinerary
The following itinerary details this extensive and exciting day, assuming the standard departure point from Lima. Times are approximate and subject to change depending on traffic.
- 5:00 AM – Pick-up from your hotel or pre-arranged meeting point in Lima to begin the journey along the Pan-American Highway South.
- 9:00 AM – Arrival at Paracas Bay and immediate transfer to the tourist pier.
- 9:30 AM – Start of the boat tour to the Ballestas Islands. Observe the Candelabro geoglyph and have a close encounter with sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various guano birds in their natural habitat.
- 11:30 AM – Disembarkation in Paracas. Short time to stroll along the boardwalk or purchase local souvenirs by the sea.
- 12:00 PM – Travel by tourist transport to the sunny city of Ica.
- 1:00 PM – Visit to a traditional winery. We will tour the facilities to learn about the wine and pisco production process in Peru, followed by a complimentary tasting.
- 2:30 PM – Free time to enjoy a typical regional lunch at the winery’s restaurant or nearby.
- 4:00 PM – Arrival at the impressive Huacachina oasis. You will have time to walk along the shores of the palm-fringed lagoon and take photos of the scenery.
- 4:30 PM – Start of the adventure in the vast desert. An exciting high-speed ride in dune buggies, going up and down the dunes, followed by sandboarding.
- 5:30 PM – Strategic stop at the top of a dune to contemplate the majestic sunset over the Ica desert.
- 6:00 PM – Descent to the oasis and boarding of the transport to begin the return trip.
- 22:30 – 23:00 – Arrival in the city of Lima, ending the service near your accommodation or at the initial meeting point.
INCLUDES
Includes
- Modern, air-conditioned tourist transportation for all transfers to and from Lima.
- Shared boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands.
- Guided tour and liquor tasting at a small or large winery in Ica.
- Adventure dune buggy ride through the Huacachina Desert.
- Sandboard rental.
- Professional tour guide services at the attractions.
- Ongoing assistance from our operations team throughout the trip.
Not Include
- Port taxes and entrance fee to the Paracas Marine Reserve (payments are made directly at the pier).
- Tourist tax for entering the dune area in Huacachina.
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and beverages during the tour.
- Personal expenses and purchases of pisco, wine, or handicrafts.
- Tips for drivers, guides, or crew members.
- Travel insurance.
Recommendations
Recommendations
- Dress in layers. In the morning on the boat, you’ll need a windbreaker due to the chilly sea breeze, while in the afternoon in the desert, you’ll need very light clothing.
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, preferably sneakers that can be easily shaken out after the intense activity on the sand dunes.
- Protect yourself from high sun exposure by applying sunscreen frequently, as well as wearing sunglasses and a hat or cap with a snug fit.
- Keep cameras and cell phones well protected in zippered pockets or protective cases during the dune buggy ride to prevent damage from the fine desert sand.
- Have cash in local currency (Peruvian Soles in small denominations) to cover tourist taxes, lunch, and small personal expenses.
Additional
Additional information
- Difficulty: Easy. This is a scenic and recreational tour that doesn’t require extensive physical preparation, although the day trip is quite long and intense.
- Climate: Varied. The Paracas coast is usually cool and very windy in the mornings, while the city of Ica is characterized by a dry, warm, and very sunny climate during the day.
- Altitude: The entire circuit takes place at sea level in Paracas and at just over 400 meters above sea level in Ica, eliminating any risk related to altitude sickness.
- Recommended age: Suggested for travelers over 6 years old. Due to the sudden movements and impacts of the dune buggies on the sand, this activity is not recommended for pregnant women or people with serious spinal or heart conditions.
- Reference times: As this is an excursion that covers two different provinces in a single day starting from the capital, the times on the road are long, requiring a start in the early hours of the morning and finishing after ten o’clock at night.
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