Paracas – Ica | 3 Days, 2 Nights

DAY 1

The tour begins with pickup at the Paracas bus station, where our driver will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name. We will then proceed to your chosen accommodation, which is not far from the bus station—just a 5-minute drive away.

You will receive a warm and friendly welcome at the hotel front desk so you can rest after a long day of traveling.

DAY 2

Early the next morning, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy breakfast at the hotel (we recommend 7:00 a.m.) so you’ll be ready 15 minutes before the tour begins. Remember to bring a jacket and sunscreen—it’s important. Once you’re ready, we’ll head together to the tourist pier to take the Ballestas Islands tour.

When you arrive at the pier, you’ll be able to enjoy the view of the boats and some birds—such as pelicans—that are hanging around the area. You’ll travel on a modern, safe speedboat, and everyone will be wearing a life jacket. Your guide will be waiting to welcome you, and from there you’ll head to the first stop, El Candelabro, where you’ll make a stop of approximately 15 minutes. Along the way, you’ll get a view of the modern Port of San Martín. Upon arriving at El Candelabro, our guide will explain the history of this enigmatic structure. Fifteen minutes later, we’ll arrive at the Ballestas Islands, where you can enjoy the wonderful natural surroundings. You’ll be amazed by the number of birds that inhabit this area—cormorants, boobies, pelicans, Humboldt penguins, vultures, terns, and more.

It will be fun to watch the penguins take a refreshing swim while the sea lions rest on the rock formations that are their home—undoubtedly the best place for nature lovers. After the guide’s explanation and once the tour is over, you’ll head back to Chaco, where the tour began. Along the way, you’ll enjoy an incredible sea breeze that will help you relax and clear your mind.

Upon returning from the pier, you’ll have about 45 minutes of free time to walk along the pier, browse handicrafts, take photos, or return to our office to wait for the next tour to the Paracas National Reserve.

In the Paracas National Reserve, we’ll visit various spots, such as the Peninsula’s Isthmus—definitely one of the best places in the Reserve, as it offers a fabulous view of sites 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 and take photos. This beach is very famous for its distinctive red sand—it will leave you spellbound! Next, we’ll visit 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 opportunity to sample the delicious dishes offered by the restaurants.

When you return from the tour after a long day, you'll need some time to rest, so the rest of the day is yours to enjoy.

DAY 3

On the third day, following the same schedule, you’ll have plenty of time in the morning to enjoy breakfast at the hotel (we recommend 8:00 a.m.) so you’ll be ready by 11:45 a.m. to continue with the itinerary; the next place to visit is Ica.

Ica is located 1 hour and 20 minutes from Paracas. Upon arrival, you’ll begin the city tour, which includes a visit to an artisanal winery where you’ll learn a bit about the production of wines and pisco, as well as enjoy a small tasting of these beverages accompanied by fun sayings you won’t forget, Then you’ll continue on to a panoramic tour of Ica’s Plaza de Armas, where you’ll see the two beautiful obelisks representing the two great cultures that flourished in the department of Ica and the Sanctuary of Luren. Afterward, you’ll head to the Brujas de Cachiche theme park, where you’ll get off the bus to hear a fascinating account of the witches’ history. Finally, we’ll continue the tour to the Huacachina Oasis, a beautiful lagoon steeped in history and traditions that will surprise you. You’ll undoubtedly enjoy the stunning scenery, and if you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is your chance to experience the fun of tubing and sandboarding on the dunes. Once the tour is over, we can drop you off at your lodging in Huacachina or take you to the bus station if you have a bus ticket to another destination.