ICA
From adventure into relaxation, Ica is a destination in which the land’s energy connects you to both its past and its present…
ICA
The city of Ica is right at the border of the Atacama Desert and is truly one of the driest cities in all of the world. It is adjacent to the ocean and boasts several special vineyards, Pisco distilleries, and wide-ranging sand dunes that invite adventure along with discovery. Here, you can try sandboarding and dune buggy rides; or you can perhaps seek the peaceful energy of the Huacachina Oasis, which features its supremely serene lagoon. Ica offers a complete balance of adventure along with reflection. For the lovers of history we invite you to thoroughly dive into the rich history of both Paracas and Nazca cultures at the Regional Museum of Ica, where ancient artifacts carefully reveal the deep spiritual wisdom of Peru’s early civilizations…
Plan your trip
Where the Desert Meets the Sea
Paracas
Paracas and Ica offer truly unforgettable experiences in exploring all of the wonders of nature and history. Begin your explorations at the Ballestas Islands, frequently referred to as the “Galápagos of Peru”. Here, you’ll observe outstanding wildlife, alongside a number of unique species. Embark into skies with a flight across mysterious Nazca Lines, departing out from Pisco and Ica, then cap in your day onto the desert oasis of Huacachina – ideal to sandboarding through dune buggy adventures. For wine lovers, Pisco is home for some of the oldest wineries located in Peru, where we produce both wine and the iconic pisco made from local grapes. We recommend spending two to three days exploring this region, since Paracas and Ica have so much to offer and discover.
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Maximum altitude
3399 MSNM
Travel Style
Cultural, Historical
Absolute places
Must-see
places in ICA
Located approximately 300 km south of Lima, Ica is a small town that offers a deep dive into culture, a rich history, and unforgettable adventures. One of the destinations in Ica is Huacachina, which is known as one of its most iconic destinations. Huacachina is a stunning desert oasis that’s just 20 minutes from the city. The oasis presents a unique pairing of scenic views and exciting adventures…
what to do in Ica
Ica and Huacachina
Located approximately 300 km south of Lima, Ica is a small town that offers a deep dive into culture, a rich history, and unforgettable adventures. One of the destinations in Ica is Huacachina, which is known as one of its most iconic destinations. Huacachina is a stunning desert oasis that’s just 20 minutes from the city.
Whe oasis presents a unique pairing of scenic views and exciting adventures. You can begin travels by going on a trip to local vineyards, for the enjoyment of a guided pisco tasting. Pisco, that well known grape brandy from Peru, along with the needed ingredient for the classic Pisco Sour. Learn about how it’s made as well as its different forms. During that process, fully enjoy a host of local producers’ hospitality.
The Ica Regional Museum is generally a must-see destination for most history enthusiasts. Offering understanding across Peru’s ancient civilizations, in addition to pre-Columbian cultures, it has 26,000 archaeological artifacts. Then, you should proceed on onward to Huacachina, for a truly energizing desert experience. Surrounded by many towering sand dunes, with certain ones reaching up to 1,600 feet, this oasis is perfect for sandboarding and dune buggy adventures at high-speed. It’s another way for immersion within landscapes of the Peruvian desert’s dramatic region. To bring your visit finally to its close, think then about another flight over the most mysterious of Nazca Lines. These certain geoglyphs, etched into the desert floor, still continue to puzzle the archaeologists and stay as one of Peru’s most mysterious enigmas. Ica and Huacachina offer experiences for any traveler, whether exciting adventures, cultural tours, or unwinding as you sip pisco.
Escape to Huacachina
Huacachina is a tiny, charming town that is built around a peaceful desert lagoon, and with about 100 people calling the town home. The name comes from Quechua, meaning «hidden lagoon,» also it really does feel like a secret spot in the middle of the desert. The town is famous, quite truly, for its incredible range of sand dunes, nearly reaching heights of 500 meters (1,600 feet).
You are able to ride within dune buggies across dunes and then try sandboarding down from them – an energizing adventure which is not to be missed. The best time to go is late afternoon, around 4 PM. At this time, the desert heat starts to cool off. You’ll get to enjoy certain stunning sunset views from the top of the dunes, and there’s no better way to end the day than with a drink of purely locally brewed pisco in hand. Huacachina is sure to be memorable, whether you seek adventure or just beautiful views.
Peru’s Pisco and Wine Culture
Ica is basically the capital for Pisco in Peru – this town is the place for being if you’re into Pisco or wine. The country’s largest wine producer has vineyards and wineries all over the place. Therefore, for any wine or Pisco-tasting day you want, it is easy to hop among several bodegas. A certain thing to keep in mind is that Peruvian wine is on the sweeter side, due to the hot desert climate. But if you’re into sweet, into fruity wines, you’ll love it! You are able to go to visit local distilleries and wineries, to then learn about how they are making Pisco (that famous Peruvian brandy) and wine. Additionally, there’s generally a tasting around the conclusion, and you’ll get to try various different flavors.
The best part about it is that the local guides lead all of these tours, and they will explain everything in English or in Spanish, so there are no worries for you if you are not fluent within the Spanish language. If you are a Pisco lover as well as a wine enthusiast, Ica has all that you need in order to kick back, learn, and enjoy those delicious drinks!
Ica’s Museum
Founded in 1946, the museum gives an exploration that is in-depth into cultures of Peru before the Spanish. With about 26,000 archaeological pieces, it is a cultural hub of importance to those interested in the ancient history within the region. The museum presents a wide array of artifacts from diverse indigenous cultures as well as the Inca, Paracas, Nazca, Chincha, and Wari civilizations. Among some highlights remain Inca utensils, also Paracas textiles, plus Nazca ceramics, and even miniature models of the Nazca Lines. The collection does also include certain Huaco (ancient Peruvian pottery) and a range of ancient bones, offering a full view into cultural and into daily life of those ancient peoples. SamCorporations provides bilingual tours for those preferring guidance in English, because the museum’s official tours happen in Spanish.
This ensures a full immersion into the rich history. It also highlights the importance of displayed artifacts. This museum is definitively a must-visit for anyone seeking to deepen their comprehension of Peru’s fascinating ancient cultures.
What to do
in ICA
The best of Paracas and Ica Ballestas Islands & SandBoarding
If you’re looking for a journey with impressive scenery, deep culture, and lasting memories, this 2-day adventure is just what you need. We start our travels in Paracas with just a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, frequently known as the “mini-Galápagos of Peru” due to their impressive biodiversity. You might spot various sea lions and penguins. In their natural habitat, expect a wide variety of seabirds too.
From that location, we head toward the nearby town of Pisco, from which Peru’s most iconic spirit originates. You’ll visit one local bodega to learn of the production process, and you'll appreciate tastings of both pisco and customary Peruvian wines.
Quality
Why choose
100% Customised itinerary
Talk to our travel experts and get ready for the most incredible adventure of your life.
100% Customised itinerary
Contact us easily via WhatsApp, email, or phone.
Professional and experienced
Our guides are locals and cultural experts who will teach you all about Peruvian history.
Local peruvian company
100% local company, committed to development and environmental sustainability.
Small personalized groups
We keep our groups small to a maximum of 10 people to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Memorable trips
Embark on an extraordinary journey where adventure meets excellence.
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A transformational, magical, unforgettable journey - Such an amazing trip, mere words don't measure up to the experience. Puma and his team, Edgar, Nelida, Magaly, Rebi and many others are exceptional human beings that shared the... read more 
elenatS4380MS
22 de octubre de 2022 Beyond amazing, pure magic - We had a private tour(for 2 persons) for 8 days and they literally made every wish come true! We had Nelida as our guide and it was like travelling... read more 
andrea s
12 de septiembre de 2022 A trip I will never forget! - This was a life changing adventure! Our guides were amazing, full of love, fun to be with and they took wonderful care of us. I love them dearly! I highly... read more 
sherrycR6581VN
16 de junio de 2022
FAQ'S 2025
Cusco is a destination that you can visit in it year-round. During the dry season, which lasts from May to October, it is recommended to hike and explore certain mountains. Those mountains include Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake or Inca Trail. During each rainy season, from each November to each April, it is often advisable to remain prepared for more occasional rain. If you would like to enjoy consistently good weather and travel at a more relaxed pace with considerably fewer crowds, we recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons, from April to May and September to November.
Prior to adventures to high elevations, visit your doctor to make sure that your body is prepared. For easing the acclimatization process, we suggest going to the Sacred Valley upon your actual arrival in Cusco and spending a bit of time there. The Sacred Valley is situated at a lower altitude than is Cusco, and that will help your own body adjust much more smoothly. Another option would be to stay there in Cusco and to then allow yourself a few more extra days. This is all to acclimate prior to the start of the program. Drink plenty of water, have coca tea in the morning, avoid alcohol, along with eat light meals. Prior to taking each medication, be sure to consult with your doctor.
We recommend booking your experience at least 4 – 6 months in advance.If your trip includes Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, or other high-demand destinations, you may need to be flexible with dates and entrance tickets if you book less than four months in advance. Permits are very limited per day and sell out extremely quickly from May to September. For busy peak months like June and July, we highly recommend booking even earlier to secure your spot.
