From Ica | 2-Day Excursion to Ica – Huacachina and Paracas

Embark on an unforgettable 2-day adventure from Ica, Peru’s renowned winemaking hub. Dive into the region’s captivating landscapes, from the dreamy Huacachina lagoon to the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands. Explore historic sites, indulge in local pisco and wine, and experience thrilling activities like buggy rides and sandboarding. This guided tour offers an incredible value, making it a must-consider for adventure and culture enthusiasts. Get ready to uncover the hidden gems that make this part of Peru truly remarkable.

Good To Know

• 2-day tour exploring the historic town of Ica, the scenic Huacachina lagoon, and the Ballestas Islands in Paracas.
• Activities include buggy rides, sandboarding, boat trips, and pisco and wine tastings, providing a well-rounded experience.
• Guided tours of Ica’s historic sites, such as the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, and Casa de las Tejas.
• Scenic boat trip to the Ballestas Islands to observe diverse wildlife, including guano birds and Humboldt penguins.
• Guided land tour of the Paracas National Reserve to appreciate the unique landscapes and ecosystems.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the 2-Day Excursion

This 2-day excursion to Ica, Huacachina, and Paracas offers travelers an opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural experiences of Peru’s southern coast.

The tour includes a guided exploration of historic Ica, a visit to the picturesque Huacachina lagoon with buggy rides and sandboarding, and a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands to see wildlife like Humboldt penguins and sea lions.

Along the way, you’ll also enjoy pisco and wine tastings, a visit to Paracas National Reserve, and comfortable hotel accommodations.

At just $90 per person, this tour is an excellent value for the experiences provided.

Exploring Ica and Huacachina

The tour begins with a pickup in Ica’s historic center, where travelers explore the city’s rich past.

Travelers embark on a journey to Ica’s historic center, seeing the city’s rich cultural heritage.

They’ll visit the Plaza de Armas, the grand Cathedral, and the charming Casa de las Tejas.

Next, it’s off to the nearby Huacachina lagoon, a picturesque desert oasis.

Here, they’ll partake in thrilling activities like a buggy ride and sandboarding down the towering dunes.

To cap off the day, the group stops at a local winery for a pisco and wine tasting, savoring the flavors of this renowned Peruvian spirit.

It’s an immersive experience blending culture, adventure, and natural beauty.

Guided Tour of Ica’s Historic Sites

Visitors embark on a guided exploration of Ica’s historic center, venturing into the heart of this captivating city. They stroll through the Plaza de Armas, admiring the grand Cathedral and the charming Casa de las Tejas. The tour provides insights into Ica’s rich history and architecture, transporting guests back in time. A table showcases the highlights of this immersive experience:

| Site | Description |

|——|————-|

| Plaza de Armas | Ica’s main square, featuring colonial-era buildings |

| Cathedral | Impressive Catholic cathedral dating back to the 17th century |

| Casa de las Tejas | Historic mansion with distinctive tiled roof |

| Pisco Tasting | Sample the region’s famous pisco at a local winery |

| Buggy Ride | Thrilling dune buggy adventure in the nearby Huacachina |

Huacachina Lagoon and Winery Visit

After exploring Ica’s historic center, the tour proceeds to the captivating Huacachina lagoon.

This desert oasis, surrounded by towering sand dunes, offers an adrenaline-filled experience. Guests hop aboard dune buggies and zoom across the golden sands, then try their hand at sandboarding down the steep slopes.

Following the thrilling activities, the group visits a local winery to sample the renowned Pisco, Peru’s national spirit, as well as a selection of flavorful wines.

The expert guide provides insight into the region’s winemaking traditions, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Ica.

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Buggy Ride and Sandboarding Adventure

Adrenaline-seekers gear up for an exhilarating buggy ride across the undulating golden dunes surrounding Huacachina’s serene lagoon.

The nimble off-road vehicles tear through the desert, providing thrilling twists and turns. Riders then switch to sandboards, carving graceful lines down the towering sand slopes.

Experienced guides provide safety instructions and help participants conquer the dunes. The combination of high-speed buggy adventure and the rush of sandboarding creates an unparalleled experience, blending adrenaline, skill, and the natural beauty of this desert oasis.

Experienced guides ensure safety as participants conquer the dunes through a thrilling blend of buggy adventure and sandboarding.

Adventurers return to Ica with memories of an unforgettable day in the dunes.

Ballestas Islands Boat Trip

From the Paracas pier, travelers embark on a scenic boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the "Galapagos of Peru."

Navigating the choppy waters, they catch sight of the impressive El Candelabro geoglyph etched into the cliffs, a mysterious pre-Inca design visible only from the sea.

Arriving at the protected nature reserve, they spot a variety of wildlife, including guano birds, Humboldt penguins, and dolphins.

After exploring the islands, the tour concludes with a visit to a sea lion conservation center, allowing travelers to learn about the efforts to protect these marine mammals.

Paracas National Reserve Land Tour

Following the boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, the excursion continues with a land tour of the Paracas National Reserve.

The scenic Reserve offers breathtaking viewpoints and beaches. Participants will explore the unique landscapes, spotting wildlife along the way.

The tour includes visits to key spots within the Reserve, giving travelers a chance to appreciate its diverse ecosystems and geological features.

With an English-Spanish speaking guide, the land tour completes the two-day excursion, providing a well-rounded experience of the Ica region’s natural wonders.

Important Information and Inclusions

The excursion includes a range of essential inclusions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation by minibus/bus and boat, are provided. An English and Spanish-speaking guide will lead the tour. Pisco and wine tasting, buggy rides, and sandboarding are all included. Lunch and dinner are also provided.

However, there are important caveats to note. The itinerary may change due to weather, strikes, or other events, and any cancelations for these reasons are non-refundable. Plus, there’s a charge for certain activities. Participants should check availability and starting times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. However, some meals are already included, so you may not need to bring your own. Check the inclusions to see what’s provided.

Is the Tour Suitable for Travelers With Limited Mobility?

The tour may not be the best fit for travelers with limited mobility. While the buggy ride and sand boarding activities can be challenging, the boat trip to the Ballestas Islands and walking in the Paracas National Reserve may pose difficulties for those with mobility issues.

How Much Spending Money Should I Bring for Optional Activities?

The tour includes Pisco and wine tasting, as well as buggies and sandboards, which cost around $10 per person. Travelers should plan to bring an additional $35-$50 for these optional activities and any other personal expenses.

Are Professional Photos and Videos of the Tour Available for Purchase?

Yes, professional photos and videos of the tour can be purchased for an additional fee. You’ll have the option to buy these at the end of the excursion to capture your memorable experience.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Destinations?

Yes, you can extend the tour to include additional destinations. The tour operator offers flexibility to customize the itinerary based on your interests and available time. Just let them know what other places you’d like to visit.

The Sum Up

This 2-day excursion from Ica offers an unbeatable combination of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Explore historic Ica, soar over the Huacachina dunes, and witness the diverse wildlife of the Ballestas Islands – all for an incredible value. Whether you’re seeking thrills or culture, this guided tour is the perfect getaway for adventure and nature enthusiasts.

You can check availability for your dates here: