From Lima Ica Paracas: A Detailed 2D/1N Tour Review & Helpful Guide

If you are considering a fast getaway from Lima, a 2-day, 1-night tour to Ica and Paracas might just be that perfect thing. So, I’m going to tell you a bit about what you might experience, and what to keep in mind to perhaps get the most out of your time.

First Stop: Paracas and the Ballestas Islands

Often, these tours will get moving really, really early – think around 3 AM or even 4 AM – with the goal being Paracas, which is more or less a little beach town. That’s where you’ll then head out to the Ballestas Islands. The bus trip by the way tends to be fairly long, and the quality can vary, so you could bring some things to keep you entertained or maybe a travel pillow if you feel like dozing along the way.

The boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands is fairly wonderful if the ocean is working with you. Keep an eye out for the interesting birds – you’ll likely see a whole bunch – and the sea lions, they’re just very awesome. Apparently, there are sometimes penguins, too it’s almost too good to be true!. If you are easily seasick, you could perhaps take something ahead of time. The boats can move a little, and you want to be able to like appreciate the views without that icky feeling.

And also, keep in mind, that the boat companies, very like the tour companies, tend to operate with a “hurry up and wait” method. The whole thing sometimes feels like a race, where it is see as many islands as possible in the shortest amount of time. Very unlike many travellers that would like more opportunities for seeing what’s going on, so in some respects be ready for things to move pretty fast, just like your boat!.

Ica and the Huacachina Oasis: Sandboarding Adventures

After Paracas, most of these trips will then move onto Ica, so to be specific, Huacachina. Huacachina is that pretty, tiny desert oasis that you often see in travel ads. It’s pretty hard to get a true sense of place there because everything tends to be very geared to tourists, but that does not necessarily mean that it should not be interesting and a sight to be seen.

The big thing to do here is the dune buggy ride with the sandboarding, that I think it is absolutely worth it. So, you are driven up and down some really high dunes in buggies that look like they just are almost unsafe, which I am saying this with love. That thrill ride gets you to different spots where you can go sandboarding.

Now, the sandboarding might be less snowboarding or surfing, very more sledding down dunes on your belly. And also, most of these tours very focus on getting folks in and out fast. Don’t assume that there’s always any instructions on what to do, very besides “lay on the board, go”. So, if you feel any reluctance, maybe you could watch a video beforehand so you almost know what’s going on. This tour honestly gives one of the bigger adrenaline rushes you’re likely to ever experience. What is essential is listen to your buggy driver – they are very important – and be alert as they like tend to zip all over those dunes.

Very few visitors, but this could happen so you should be in the lookout, decide to explore the oasis itself, very mostly after the sandboarding tours wind down. It could be that it becomes more pleasant when the main surge of day trippers start returning back to Lima. That said, that can still feel really touristy – kind of a place that is living merely for its picture-postcard look.

Accommodations: Don’t expect anything extravagant

For a one-night tour like this, don’t apparently have any illusions of lavish accommodations. So, it’s somewhere more to wash up and pass out because the itinerary runs so quick. Pretty much speaking, lodging ranges widely, so read the details closely depending on the tour. Verify it’s actually a secured place. Confirm the beds, and the linens that is actually clean. Sadly to say, several travelers feel duped by seeing glam hotel photos on these tours, very unlike to what they face, therefore make very detailed review to save your money!.

What to Pack and Prepare

Given it’s a quick trip with a blend of ocean and desert settings, so what is actually needed here:

• Sunscreen: The desert sun, very like the ocean reflection, that could actually get severe. You, like your tour guides, I think you both would say, don’t spare a drop!
• Layers: So, the mornings can actually start off coolish, specifically on that boat out to the islands, then things actually heat up. Bringing very layers that could definitely be a wise idea.
• Sunglasses and a hat: For sun protection in the desert.
• Motion sickness remedy: If you suspect any seasickness from the Ballestas Islands.
• Cash: Basically, some spots actually prefer cash, or sometimes cash is required for any little surcharge.
• Camera: I suggest using some gear that might deal with the sun and dust and keep ready so there is actually a big photo opp for those sea lions, those pretty dunes, very almost everyplace!

Tour Operators and Pricing

Countless tour operators are like hawking this Lima-Ica-Paracas itinerary, so of course read over very carefully what is included. Usually, some meals are going to be provided; additional stuff that actually is extra. Be watchful if some seem really so cheap it is hard to accept as those could skimp somewhere on excellence. What you pay will sometimes equate with what you get, usually said!

Consider, anyway if you booked in advance or prefer signing on after you land in Lima. What I might argue: browse, do some review analysis, and actually ensure their schedule has actually secured and also the provider looks credible. In person might get you somewhere on the charge, though what you could surrender there that might actually be time to carefully investigate. Some providers that you get locally probably tend to make you happy!

Is a 2D/1N Tour Worth It?

So, here’s that central puzzle: Should you put time into this lightning tour from Lima? Actually speaking, whether it “pays off” that could actually depend.

• For Time-Pressed Travelers: Completely true, should your trip here get curtailed that 2D/1N provides little snapshots of what more that has to offer to discover there, maybe going as a taster before coming again later and going longer.
• Pace that can be intense: Know however, the excursion is pretty hectic, expect actually extensive time spent in transports and so some destinations appear a whirl, mostly as Paracas that can rush.
• Budget Considerations: Know tour packs could save the cost versus if arranged things independently, yet one needs carefully measure the inclusions & maybe overall value versus one wishes to stay for the long hours, should flexibility is key for enjoyment for oneself..