Ica-Paracas: 2 Days, 1 Night

We’ll begin the tour with a pickup at the Ica bus station, then you’ll be taken to downtown Ica to start the city tour. We’ll visit the following places: an artisanal winery, where you’ll learn about wine and pisco—both made using traditional methods—and see the wine press used to crush the grapes. Next, we’ll visit the Plaza de Armas, where we’ll see the two beautiful obelisks representing the two great cultures that flourished in the department of Ica, as well as the Luren Sanctuary (panoramic view). Afterward, we’ll head to Laguna Huacachina to learn about its legend. For those who love adrenaline, you can ride on sand buggies through the dunes and try sandboarding—it’ll be a blast! At the appropriate time, you’ll be taken to Paracas to rest.

Early the next morning, we’ll set out on the Ballestas Islands tour. Our first stop will be the Candelabro, located on the Paracas Peninsula, then we’ll continue on to the islands, where we’ll be able to admire the rock formations while the guide explains the local flora and fauna. You’ll be able to spot animals such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various bird species, including boobies, guanay, cormorants, and zarcillos, among others. Once the tour is over, we’ll return to the starting point in the Chaco.

We’ll have about an hour of free time, which you can use to stroll along the Chaco Boulevard, where you’ll find many craft shops. Afterward, we’ll meet back at the Paracas Explorer office for the tour of the Paracas National Reserve.

In the Paracas National Reserve, we’ll visit the Peninsula’s Isthmus—definitely one of the best spots in the Reserve, as it offers a fabulous view of places like Lagunillas, Playa Roja, and La Mina. After visiting the Isthmus, we’ll continue on to Playa Roja, where we’ll make a short stop to enjoy the scenery. This beach is famous for its distinctive red sand—it’ll leave you spellbound! We’ll continue on to La Mina Beach, where you’ll have some time to enjoy the beach. Finally, our last stop will be at Lagunilla, a “fishing cove,” where you’ll have the chance to sample the delicious dishes offered by the restaurants before returning to the starting point.