The Journey Begins
The Paracas National Reserve, located in the Ica region, lies along the border with Peru’s capital, Lima. It takes its name from the sandstorms known as “paracas,” which are common in the area. It is a place of incredible natural and historical richness, welcoming visitors with the sight of El Candelabro, a massive geoglyph etched into one of the dunes.
One of the main activities for visitors in the area is taking a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, which are part of the National Reserve System of Islands, Islets, and Guanera Points. This protected system extends beyond Ica to include the regions of Lambayeque, La Libertad, Áncash, Lima, and Moquegua. Here, colonies of sea lions can be seen in their natural habitat, along with Humboldt penguins and many other species.
Paracas and Ica 2 Days
DAY 1 – HOTEL PICK-UP (4:00–5:00 AM)
After your pick-up, we will prepare for an approximately 3-hour journey, with a stop at an artisan bakery. You will have free time to enjoy a freshly baked, hot breakfast.
Arrival in Paracas at around 9:00 AM. Start of the tour to the Ballestas Islands. We will enter the “El Chaco” pier and board a speedboat that will take us to the Ballestas Islands for more than 1 hour. Along the way, we will observe the Paracas Candelabra, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a wide variety of guano birds.
At 11:00 AM, we will continue with the tour to the Paracas National Reserve, the largest natural sanctuary on the Peruvian coast. As our first stop, we will visit the natural rock formation known as “La Catedral,” named for its unique shape and spectacular panoramic view. We will continue with a panoramic visit to the Isthmus viewpoint, and the Red and Mina beaches.
Finally, we will drop you off at Hotel Gamonal. You will have the afternoon free to enjoy activities on your own.
DAY 2 – BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL AND FREE MORNING
1:00 PM – Departure from the hotel. Arrival at a tourist winery and restaurant, where you will have free time to try traditional dishes from Ica (optional). Then, we will visit the tasting room to sample more than 5 varieties of wines, piscos, and cream liqueurs. There will also be time for shopping.
3:00 PM – The best part of the day. Arrival at the Huacachina Oasis, known as the Oasis of America, where we will enjoy an adventure activity with dune buggies, going up and down the dunes at high speed—like a roller coaster on the الرمال.
Once at the top, we will slide down the dunes on a sandboard, an adventure sport known as sandboarding. Afterward, you will have free time to walk around the oasis.
At 5:00 PM – Return to the city of Lima, arriving at approximately 9:30 PM.
Included
INCLUDES:
- Hotel pick-up from Miraflores
- Official tour guide
- Private tourist transportation (round trip)
- Lima – Paracas – Ica – Lima
- All entrance tickets
- Speedboat to the Ballestas Islands
- Tourist taxes for the Ballestas Islands
- Viewing of marine animals at the Ballestas Islands
- Visit to the National Reserve
- Adventure activities (tubulars/dune buggies and sandboarding)
- 1 night accommodation in Paracas
- 1 breakfast at the accommodation
No included
NOT INCLUDED:
- Meals not mentioned
- Personal expenses
- VAT (IGV) not included
Recommended
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- ID or passport (photo accepted)
- Warm and light (summer) clothing
- Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen
- Camera or phone with full battery
- Local currency (Peruvian soles)
- Sneakers/tennis shoes
- Snacks for the trip // Water
