How long is the drive from Lima to Ica?

Approximately 4 hours each way.

Is the dune buggy ride safe?

Yes, it is operated by professional licensed drivers.

What wildlife can be seen at the Ballestas Islands?

Sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and many seabirds.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, though dune buggy rides may not be recommended for very young children.

Light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, windbreaker for the boat ride, and comfortable shoes.

Paracas & Ica Escape: 2 Days of Desert & Ocean | Tours Daniel

Transportation
Van, Suv, Speed boat
Group Size
Smal group
Departure from
Lima - Miraflores - San Isidro
Guiding method
English, Spansih
Duration
2 Days 1 Night

Experience the perfect coastal adventure south of Lima with this 2-day journey combining desert landscapes, pisco vineyards, wildlife encounters, and dramatic ocean views.

Travel through the fertile Ica Valley, explore traditional wineries, feel the adrenaline of dune buggies in the oasis of Huacachina, and discover marine wildlife at the stunning Ballestas Islands and the breathtaking Paracas National Reserve.

A perfect short getaway blending culture, adventure, and nature.

Highlights

Ica Valley & Pisco Vineyards – Taste Peru’s national spirit.
Huacachina Oasis Adventure – Dune buggy and sandboarding experience.
Overnight in Paracas – Relax by the Pacific coast.
Ballestas Islands Boat Tour – Sea lions and Humboldt penguins.
Paracas National Reserve – Desert cliffs meeting the ocean.

Day 01 :

Lima – Ica Valley – Huacachina – Paracas

Early morning pick-up from your hotel in Lima. Travel south along the coastal highway toward the sunny region of Ica.

Upon arrival in the Ica Valley, visit a traditional vineyard where you will learn about the artisanal production of wine and Peru’s famous pisco. Enjoy tastings of local varieties while discovering the history of this emblematic spirit.

Continue to the magical oasis of Huacachina — a natural lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes. Here, adrenaline takes over as you board a dune buggy for an exciting ride across the desert. Feel the thrill as you climb and descend massive dunes, followed by sandboarding on golden slopes — an unforgettable desert experience.

In the late afternoon, transfer to Paracas, a peaceful coastal town on the Pacific Ocean. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure — relax by the sea, stroll along the boardwalk, or dine at a seaside restaurant.

Overnight in Paracas.

Day 02 :

Ballestas Islands – Paracas National Reserve – Lima

After breakfast, head to the Paracas pier for a speedboat excursion to the Ballestas Islands. Along the way, observe the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph etched into the desert hillside.

At the islands, witness abundant marine life including playful sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seabirds. The rocky formations and wildlife make this area known as the “Mini Galápagos of Peru.”

Return to Paracas and continue with a land tour of the Paracas National Reserve. Explore dramatic coastal landscapes where vast desert cliffs plunge into the deep blue Pacific Ocean. Visit scenic viewpoints and unique red-sand beaches shaped by millions of years of natural forces.

After the tour, begin the journey back to Lima, arriving in the evening with unforgettable memories of Peru’s coastal desert.