Paracas and Ica: Jewels of desert

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Paracas and Ica are situated in the department of Ica, just 303 km south of Lima (capital of Peru) and 4 hours by bus. Because of its location on the coast, its territories are basically composed of deserts. However, the privilege of having the Pacific Ocean bathes its shores, allows, specifically Paracas, to have beautiful beaches with blue and turquoise waters. Deserts, beaches, vineyards and stories of witches is what awaits you if you dare to visit.

Here I present the tour that placeOK recommends.

DAY 1: Paracas

7.30 AM Arrival in Paracas.

8.00 AM Baggage in custody Hotel Gran Palma (This is an OK hotel).

8.30 AM Walk on the beach and bay El Chaco where you´ll enjoy a beautiful view of the harbor where you can watch the dung birds or, if you're lucky, a amazing pelican next to you.

9.30 AM Departure to Inti-Mar (This is an accommodation and attraction OK) in order to spend a full-day where you can enjoy a "private" beach, Playa Athens, in which not only you´ll see sea lions swimming but also a dozen of endemic birds and, with a little of luck, some dolphins. This beach offers the opportunity to observe, throughout the day, how the waters change their color ranging from bright blue to turquoise.

In Inti-Mar you can also visit the Interpretation Centre because this area is full of scallops, Grab a boat and go deep waters to observe the complete process in the scallops hatchery. Practice snorkel or join a professional diver.

Taste a marine "piqueo" (a light dish of several snacks) prepared by a great chef (Carlos Zambrano) who, undoubtedly, will delight you with its cuisine.

Take photos on the private dock or capture some shells for your collection choosing the nicer from thousands of those found on the shore. You´ll have the chance to swin in a natural pool or practice use one of the picturesque boats.

Closes the day talking with Luis Zapata, owner of Inti-Mar, or any of its employees while savoring one refreshing drink or a delicious cocktail.

5.30 pm Late check-in at Gran Palma Hotel, accommodation.

7.30 pm Evening free to explore the small central square and have dinner at some of the restaurants in the area.

6.00 AM Buffet breakfast in the cozy terrace Gran Palma Hotel with a stunning view of the bay.

7.00 AM Boat trip to the Ballestas Islands where you'll be deligthed with the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and its clear waters. The impressive fauna consists of dung birds, Humboldt penguins and sea lions will leave you speechless. Try to solve the mystery of the giant "geoglifo" known as "The Chandelier" during your tour.

10.00 AM Separate time in your schedule for kayaking, alone or with a friend on El Chaco beach. Check-out from the hotel and leave your stuff in custody.

11.00 AM Start the tour to the Paracas National Reserve, stop at the Interpretation Centre, visit the Cathedral, the palaeontological site Turritelas, or Yumaque and Supay beaches, the viewpoint in the isthmus, or spend the day at the  Red Beach or La Mina beach. Finally have lunch at Lagunilla beach.

3.00 pm Get your things and embark towards Ica.

4.00 pm Check-in at Hotel Villa Jazmin, accommodation (this is an OK hotel).

5.00 pm Don´t loose time and go around walking or biking through the Residencial La Angostura (area where the hotel is located). Stop at Cafe Soleiol to grab a delicious cake, according to the cultural agenda of this nice place you could find live music.

7.00 pm Spend some time in the hotel, maybe checking your emails or enjoying the videogame room. Take a cocktail at the pool bar or relax with your friends on the terrace of the hotel.

8.30 pm Dare to enjoy a delicious pizza or pasta in the great Trattoria Del Burgo (an Italian restaurant close to the hotel), all without leaving the Residential.

DAY 3: Ica

8.00 AM Buffet breakfast at hotel.

9.30 AM Notice how the sun is taking over the sky from the ecologically heated pool or read a book in one of the comfortable pool chairs of Villa Jazmin.

1.00 pm Enjoy a delicious gourmet menu that offers the hotel, you will not regret it! Opt for trying the lomo saltado, aji de gallina or a Belgian dish called estofado flamenco, prepared by the hands of the owner of Villa Jazmin.

3.00 pm Depart to meet the witches in the mystical town of Cachiche. Listen directly from local children, stories of good witches and bad witches. Meet the Seven-Heads Palm and discover the mystery behind its sinuous forms.

4.00 pm Stroll in paddleboats or rowing boats in the beautiful Huacachina lagoon.

4.30 pm Experience the adrenaline that only the buggies can give to you. The high speed of these particular cars is perfectly complemented with the emotion of sandboarding over the dunes of Huacachina desert. If speed does not fit to you, opt for a more relaxing buggy tour with stunning views. 

6.30 pm Walk the boulevard, buy a souvenir or spend time with your friends in some of the bars, restaurants and cafes of the area.

DAY 4: Ica

7.00 AM Buffet breakfast at hotel.

8.30 AM Take away the incessant heat with a delicious dip in the pool.

10.00 AM Check-out of the hotel, leave your bags in custody.

10.30 AM Visit the famous Lord of Luren church, buy some fruits in the Model MArket or tour the Plaza de Armas and Cathedral.

1.00 pm Go out and enjoy a delicious ceviche or a majestic jalea (dishes made of fish) in one of the most prestigious "huarique" (almost a hidden secret place) in Ica, Marisqueria Mancora, in the Residential Angostura.

2.30 pm Visit a couple of industrial or artisanal vineyards where you will appreciate the entire process of wine and pisco production (the pisco is the most famous beverage in Peru). Taste the different varieties of drinks and buy some bottles to give away. If until now you haven´t had lunch, you can choose one of the restaurants in the "haciendas" you´re visiting.

6.30 pm Departure but don´t forget to buy the very famousIca sweets called "tejas" and "chocotejas" or some delicious mangoes (a delicious fruit) for your road.

Places recommended by placeOK

Athens beach, Inti-Mar and Gran Palm Hotel (Paracas), Marisqueria Mancora, Villa Jazmin Hotel and Residential Angostura (Ica).

Tour type: Ecological, wine-tour, adventure, cultural.
Number of individuals: Alone, couples, family, with friends.
Number of days: 4 days, 3 nights.
Departure and arrival: Lima, Peru.
Transport: By bus.

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