Disclaimer: We want to make sure you don’t accidentally book a hotel in Ica and then wonder where the oasis is! Ica is both a province and a city, located about 4 km from Huacachina, the famous oasis. When travelers talk about visiting Ica, they usually mean Huacachina, a small village built around a natural lagoon. In this article, we use both names, but when we say Ica, we are actually referring to Huacachina.
How to Visit Ica and Paracas on a Budget from Lima - Ica and Paracas Travel Guide
ICA AND PARACAS TRAVEL GUIDE
How to Get from Lima to Ica on a Budget
Taking the Bus to Ica: The Best Budget Option
Wondering, how to visit Ica? Basically, there are four ways to get to Ica.
The first option is an organized tour from Lima, but as we mentioned earlier, these tours are expensive and take too long. The second option is a private transfer, which is the most comfortable choice but also the priciest, costing around 100 dollars per person. The third option is renting a car, but we strongly advise against it. While the road outside of Lima is easy to drive, the city’s traffic is chaotic, and there are frequent, unpredictable police checkpoints that can be frustrating for travelers.
The fourth option is the one we chose. As Vicky is from Lima, she knows which bus companies are reliable, so we decided to go with Cruz del Sur. Buses depart almost every 30 minutes, and the price for a one-way ticket is just 19 USD. We recommend taking an early bus to avoid Lima’s rush hour traffic. This way, the estimated driving time is only about 4 hours.
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Where to Stay in Ica on a Budget: Our Top Pick
If you’re wondering where to stay in Ica, we highly recommend Banana’s Adventure Hostel Huacachina, where we’ve stayed twice already! This cozy and affordable hostel is located right in the heart of Huacachina, making it perfect for budget travelers. Dorm beds start at just $18, while private rooms cost around $90. The shared rooms are comfortable, and each bed comes with a curtain for extra privacy.
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What to Do in Ica – Best Activities and Attractions
Huacachina Oasis is the best place to stay when visiting Ica. We’ve already covered where to stay in Ica and how to get to Ica, so now it’s time to plan your day! There are two activities we highly recommend during your visit. Let’s explain what to do in Ica.
1. Visit a Pisco Vineyard and Take a Tasting Tour
The Pisco Vineyard Tour was an amazing experience! If you book it directly through your hostel, it costs around $20 and lasts about two hours with two stops. That’s why it’s a good idea to take an early bus to Ica, so you have enough time to join it. The tour starts at 10:30 am. When we did the tour, it was just Vicky and me, which meant we had a private experience with our own driver.
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2. Explore the Huacachina Oasis
The most important tip is if you are doing a buggy tour, book the sunset tour. This is when the desert looks its most stunning. Plus, it is super convenient because you will only have a five-minute walk back to your hostel afterward. Sounds good right? Since we have been to Huacachina twice and done the tour both times, we can confidently recommend the following one. We booked it spontaneously on site both times and it was totally worth it.
The tour operator for this adventure is Wilder Tours, with a small office located right on the way to the starting point of the buggy tours. Both times we booked, we were assisted by an older, very friendly man. The tour is affordable, well-organized, and absolutely worth it for an unforgettable experience in the sand dunes of Ica!
We talked to a local who shared how the Huacachina Oasis was formed. Underground water naturally rose to the surface, creating a small lake surrounded by palm trees and sand dunes. But there’s also a legend. He said that a princess’s tears created the lagoon. Whether fact or myth, Huacachina is an incredible place. In the past, swimming was allowed, but due to pollution, it’s now restricted. However, you can still enjoy boat rides on the lagoon. We ended our evening at the hostel, ready for an early start. Now, here’s our next essential travel tip: Learn how to save both time and money when traveling from Ica to Paracas!
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Wilder Tours
Address
Balneario de hucachina s/n, ica 11000, Peru
WhatsApp
+51954522694
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/wilder_tours_ica/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/p/Wilder-TOURS-ICA-100063885552554/
Best Paracas Tour from Ica – What to do in Paracas?
If you’re in Ica, a visit to Paracas is a must! But, what to do in Paracas? The Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve are absolutely worth seeing, offering amazing landscapes and incredible wildlife. Plus, Paracas is conveniently located on the way back to Lima, making it a perfect stop on your journey. As mentioned earlier, you can book tours directly through the Banana’s Adventure Hostel in Huacachina. That’s how we booked our tour to Paracas right after we arrived.
1. Smart Travel Hack: The Fastest and Most Budget-Friendly Way to Visit Paracas
The Paracas tour starts at 6:45 AM and costs $28 USD, covering transport and guided excursions. But here’s the best travel hack to save both time and money! Instead of returning to Ica with the tour, stay in Paracas and take a Cruz del Sur bus directly to Lima. This way, you avoid backtracking, making your journey much faster and more efficient. Plus, the driver drops you off right at the bus terminal, so you can hop on the next bus without hassle. By skipping the return to Ica, you’ll save hours of travel time and make your trip smoother, cheaper, and way more convenient!
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Addresses
Steelers
Heinz St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, United States
2. What to Expect on the Paracas Tour – Ballestas Islands & National Reserve
The tour is divided into two parts. After approximately 1.5 hours, we arrived in Paracas, where we had a quick restroom stop before heading straight to the speedboat for our trip to the Ballestas Islands. On the way, we passed by the Candelabro, a massive and mysterious geoglyph on a sand dune. Its origin remains unknown, but many believe it is linked to the Nazca Lines or sailors who used it as a navigational marker.
The boat ride to the Ballestas Islands takes about 30 minutes. Once we arrived at the islands, we were amazed by the incredible sea life. It was truly a nice moment for us to see so many animals in their natural habitat, including seabirds, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and crabs.
The Ballestas Islands are a group of three islands: North Ballesta, Ballesta Center, and South Ballesta, each offering breathtaking natural beauty. The impressive cliffs and rock formations, including a stunning natural rock arch, are among the highlights of the trip, making the islands a must-visit destination.
After about 2 hours, you’ll return to the harbor and board the minibus for the next part of your adventure. Now, it’s time to explore the Paracas National Reserve. Just 10 minutes from the small town, the reserve begins. This protected area features a mix of desert and coastal landscapes, including cliffs, rock formations, and red beaches.
During your Paracas National Reserve tour, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy lunch (not included in the price).
The tour includes multiple stops for photos, where the guide will explain the unique red cliffs and the area’s geological history. You’ll also visit a beach for a swim.
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Traveling back from Paracas to Lima
Since, as mentioned earlier, we didn’t take the return trip, we were dropped off directly at the bus terminal. The guide kept an eye on the time to ensure we would catch our bus. We purchased the tickets on-site, and the cost was $20 per person. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours. We used Cruz del Sur again for our return journey because this bus company is known for its comfort and reliable service. The ride was smooth, and we felt safe throughout the 3.5-hour trip back to Lima.
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Cruz del Sur
Paracas to Lima Price
Departure Point
Unnamed Rd, Paracas,, Peru
Total Costs Overview: A Complete Breakdown of our expenses
The total price of this 2 days in Ica and Paracas trip is only $123.39 per person, which is incredibly affordable when you consider everything that’s included. Plus, the clever trick of not having to return the same way makes your trip even more relaxing, giving you more time to enjoy sightseeing in Paracas and Ica. This budget-friendly experience allows you to explore these beautiful destinations without breaking the bank!
Bus Lima to Ica: 65 soles (17.63 USD)
Taxi Ica – Huacachina: 16 soles (4.34 USD)
Hostel Ica: 75 soles per person (20.34 USD)
Buggy Tour: 2-hour tour is 50 soles per person (13.55 USD)
Huacachina Tax: 4 soles (1.08 USD)
Dune Buggy Tax: 3.50 soles (0.95 USD)
Pisco Tour: 47 soles (12.74 USD)
Paracas Tour: 80 soles (22.00 USD)
National Park Reserve Tax: 18 soles (4.95 USD)
Other Taxes: 22 soles (6.05 USD)
Bus Paracas to Lima: 70 soles (18.97 USD)
Quick Summary
In just two days, we explored the best of Ica and Paracas on a budget. From the sand dunes of Huacachina to the amazing wildlife at the Ballestas Islands, our trip was packed with adventure and stunning landscapes. We also visited the Paracas National Reserve, home to the red cliffs and red-sand beaches. Plus, our smart travel hack—taking a direct bus from Paracas to Lima instead of returning to Ica—saved both time and money. If you’re looking for an unforgettable mix of nature, adventure, and budget-friendly travel, Ica and Paracas are must-visit destinations!
Thanks For Reading
We truly hope that our 2 Days Ica and Paracas Travel Guide – Oasis and Sea Life has inspired you to visit these incredible places! If you’re wondering what to do in Lima, where to eat in Lima, or if you’re planning to hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu or visit Arequipa, be sure to check out our blog posts.
We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments and would greatly appreciate your support in helping our travel blog grow. If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
Vicky & Malte
