2 Days Paracas and Huacachina Tour

Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Service
Group
Pickup
Hotel
Cancel
Non-refund
Guide
Difficulty
Easy

About this experience

Join us on the Paracas and Huacachina Tour – Paracas National Reserve 2D/1N. We will explore the stunning landscapes of Ica. We will experience adventure, wildlife, and local culture in every moment. This journey will create unforgettable memories.

We will visit the famous Paracas National Reserve and observe its diverse wildlife. We will cruise around the Ballestas Islands and admire sea lions and birds. Our boat trip will provide close-up views of these unique ecosystems. Every moment will offer perfect opportunities for photography and nature appreciation.

We will discover Ica city and enjoy its sunny charm. In Huacachina, we will ride dune buggies across golden sands. We will try sandboarding and feel the thrill of sliding down massive dunes. The desert sunset will provide an unforgettable backdrop for our adventure.

We will also taste local wines and piscos during this tour. Our local guides will share stories about Ica and Paracas’ traditions. We will return with enriching experiences from nature, culture, and adventure combined. Every detail will ensure a seamless and exciting journey.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Hotel Check-In and Tubulares in Huacachina

At 05:30 AM  we will be picked up from your hotel in Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro. We will travel to the Cruz del Sur bus station. Travel time will be approximately 4 hours.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel in Huacachina. We will check in and enjoy the refreshing pool surrounded by massive sand dunes. The hotel will provide a relaxing atmosphere after the road journey.

At 04:30 AM we will ride tubulares (dune buggies) across the Huacachina desert. We will climb steep dunes and slide down sand slopes. We will practice sandboarding for thrilling downhill experiences. The tour will last about 2 hours, finishing at 06:30 PM. Sunset will provide perfect photo opportunities and an unforgettable desert view.

Distance traveled
250 km
Highest altitude
420 m.a.s.l
Lowest altitude
180 m.a.s.l.
Route
Lima - Ica - Huacachina
Difficulty
Moderate (desert driving and sandboarding activities)

Day 2: Day 2: Islas Ballestas and Paracas National Reserve (Option 1)

We will leave early from Huacachina to Paracas. Travel time will be approximately 1.5 hours. We will board a speedboat at El Chaco pier.

We will first observe the famous Candelabro geoglyph from the water. We will continue to Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, penguins, and various seabirds. We will cruise close to the rocky cliffs for excellent wildlife photography. This boat tour will last approximately 2 hours.

At 11:00 AM. we will explore Paracas National Reserve. We will walk along coastal cliffs and enjoy desert-meets-ocean landscapes. We will observe flamingos, pelicans, and local wildlife. We will take in panoramic views of pristine beaches and arid desert.

We will return to Huacachina or can drop at Paracas/Ica bus stations around 04:00 PM. This completes a full nature and wildlife experience in southern Peru.

Distance traveled
120 km
Highest altitude
200 m.a.s.l.
Lowest altitude
0 m.a.s.l.
Route
Huacachina - Paracas - Huacachina
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate (boat tour and short walking trails)

Day 3: Day 2: Wine and Pisco Tour in Ica (Option 2)

In the morning, we will visit Hacienda Tacama to explore traditional wine production. We will see vineyards and historic cellars. We will taste different wines and learn pairing tips.

Next, we will explore Cultur Pisco to understand traditional pisco production. We will observe distillation techniques and fermentation processes. We will enjoy sampling piscos and other products crafted locally.

We will conclude our vineyard tour after approximately 4 hours (2:00 PM). We will return to your hotel or the bus station in Ica, completing a cultural and gastronomic experience.

Distance traveled
50 km
Highest altitude
400 m.a.s.l
Lowest altitude
180 m.a.s.l.
Route
Huacachina - Ica Vineyards - Huacachina/Ica
Difficulty
Easy (walking in vineyards, seated tastings)
Note: itineraries are subject to change.

Inclusions & exclusions

What's included

  • One night of accommodation at Carola Lodge in Huacachina.
  • Exciting dune buggy ride and sandboarding experience in the Huacachina Desert.
  • Guided Ballestas Islands Tour and Paracas National Reserve Tour (Option 1).
  • Entrance tax to Paracas National Reserve (Option 1).
  • Exclusive Tacama Vineyard Experience with wine tasting (Option 2).
  • CulturPisco Experience to discover traditional Pisco-making (Option 2).
  • Entrance ticket to Hacienda Tacama (Option 2).
  • Local tax in Huacachina included.

What's not included

  • Bus tickets between Lima, Ica, and Paracas are not included.
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
  • Personal expenses and optional activities are not covered.
  • Travel insurance and medical expenses are not included.
  • Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers are optional.
  • Any services not mentioned in the inclusions list are not included.

Frequently asked questions

We answer your questions about this tour

1 Is the tour available all year round?

Yes, the tour operates throughout the year. Ica enjoys a sunny and dry climate almost every day.

2 Do we need to bring anything special?

We recommend comfortable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and bottled water. For sandboarding, wear closed and resistant shoes.

3 Do we need previous experience for sandboarding or dune buggies?

No, both activities are perfect for beginners. Our guides will give short instructions and stay with the group during the activity.

4 What payment methods are available to book the tour?

We accept bank transfers and credit or debit cards. A small deposit is required to confirm your reservation.

5 Is the Paracas and Huacachina Tour - Paracas National Reserve family-friendly?

Yes, the tour is suitable for families, couples, and friends. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

6 What happens if the weather changes during the tour?

We will adjust the schedule if needed to ensure safety and comfort. Alternative activities will be offered when possible.

Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us

$430
per person
WhatsApp
Traveler Experiences

What our travelers say about our Machu Picchu tours

Our reputation is built on the experiences of real travelers. With more than 1,200 verified reviews across TripAdvisor and Google, we are consistently rated 4.9 out of 5 — one of the top-rated Machu Picchu tour operators in Cusco.

4.9
out of 5 based on
PS
MR
DK
AC
SE
+1k
+1,200 reviews
See all on TripAdvisor
Tripadvisor

"Punctuality, very attentive guide and perfect organization. From the hotel exit, transit by train, lunch schedule and guided tours."

AS

Andrey S.

October 14, 2025

Google

"Machu Picchu Peru Tours full day Sacred Valley was an amazing highlight of our trip to Peru. Do not miss it! Our driver Julio Cesar took us on time and safely to all amazing places and experiences beating the crowds. The guide, Erik, was the most passionated guide I've met. An incredible story teller, knowledgeable and giving us a superb experience. It was a real perfect day and an amazing almost private tour feeling like a super engaging history class. Don't think twice."

PN

Patricia N.

A year ago

Tripadvisor

"A very enriching experience, a lot of history, although it rained that day, was a good for nothing our tour. Our guide was very attentive and professional."

MR

Maria R.

October 12, 2025

Google

"We had a amazing tour with Machu pichu Peru tours to the vinicunca mountain, or the rainbow mountain. Tour was well organised and your tour guide took really good care of us. Also the breakfast and lunch was quite good. We can totally recommend this tour organisation."

DK

Daniel K.

2 years ago

Tripadvisor

"The tour starts very early type 3-4 am, how good you can sleep on the way, we breakfast in a very good buffet and then depart for the mountain. Here the height is the problem, you can walk up but it requires a lot of condition, the good thing is that there are horses that you can pay and for 90 suns they leave you 15-20 minutes from the top. Wear layered clothes as you can warm up when climbing. We already walk down and the road is much easier. On horseback you go up in 40 minutes, you are on the mountain an hour to take pictures and the return is about 1 hour or so. In the end we still had lunch in the same very rich buffet!"

AC

Alejandra C.

October 12, 2025

Google

"I highly recommend Machu Picchu Peru Tour. Their service is incredible. I highly recommend their guides, especially Rocio and Jhordi. They are very professional and super friendly. My recommendation is because they have everything arranged and structured so we can fully enjoy the experience: transportation, lodging, food, and tourist attractions. I hope you can take advantage of traveling with them and enjoy it as much as we did."

CG

Cesar G.

8 months ago

Tripadvisor

"I liked the Service and attention I received, plus the quality of the guide who touched us to know the sacred valley on the way to Machu Picchu was first class, with extensive knowledge of the Inca culture and with very good explanation, I highly recommend them."

SM

Salvador M.

September 19, 2025

Google

"It was a wonderful experience. Getting to know one of the wonders of the world and learning its history in detail was very rewarding. We had an excellent guide who answered every one of our questions and her support was unconditional. The guide, Veronica Quispe, and the drivers who supported us were incredible. Thank you so much. They made the trip wonderful."

PN

Patty N.

10 months ago

Tripadvisor

"They were exceptional! Everything very organized, took care of all the details, we hired all the tours, lodging and transfer, we do not regret!"

SE

Sarah E.

October 12, 2025

Google

"The quality and friendliness of the staff were impressive. Wendy served us and was always very attentive to everything, responding quickly. They offer good options without breaking your budget. A short but substantial excursion. The guide Jaime knew everything in detail and provided excellent explanations. I recommend him, especially if you're traveling with children or older adults, as he really has everything under control."

AS

Ara S.

3 years ago

Tripadvisor

"Recommended! What a beautiful place!!! Most of us went up there on mules. Important to clarify if the person weighs more than 110 kg he will not be able to carry it and will have to walk up. It is still very expensive, to have proper footwear."

VL

Veronica L.

October 12, 2025

Google

"I had the wonderful experience of coordinating a group trip with Carolina from this agency, and it was very positive. They were always willing to help and facilitate the trip. On the tours, we had the opportunity to meet Alex on the Sacred Valley tour. He is an excellent guide, very friendly and knowledgeable about all the sites, making the tour very entertaining. In Machu Picchu, we were guided by Edmar, an excellent, knowledgeable, and friendly guide."

KD

Kevin D.

2 years ago

Google

"I loved that the travel agency made everything easy for me in Cusco. All I had to worry about was being on time for pickup and choosing what to eat at the buffet. The agency itself took care of everything. If I could highlight anything, it's the fact that I had a different guide on each tour, and they were all very kind and polite. They did their jobs well and knew how to explain the history of each place."

EG

Enrique G.

10 months ago

Google

"The excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas was a great one. Our guide, Veronica, accompanied us the entire time and did her best to make the experience as informative as possible."

AG

Agustin G.

A year ago