Ica is one of the most visited destinations on the southern coast of Peru. Its mix of desert, beaches, vineyards, archaeological remains, and legends makes it a unique place for travelers seeking varied experiences in one location. In this guide, you will find the most important attractions in Ica, as well as tours and practical recommendations to plan your trip.
Top tourist attractions in Ica you can’t miss
1. Nazca Lines: the ancient mystery of the desert
The Nazca Lines are one of the greatest mysteries in world archaeology. They are enormous geoglyphs drawn in the sand that can only be appreciated from the air. There are figures of animals, plants, and geometric shapes that continue to raise questions about their origin and purpose. The flight lasts about 30 minutes and allows you to see them in all their magnitude. It’s an experience worth including in any itinerary for Ica.
2. Paracas National Reserve and Ballestas Islands
A few hours from the city of Ica is the Paracas National Reserve, a protected area that combines beaches, cliffs, and marine wildlife. The most popular tour is the boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, where you can observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of birds. You can also see the famous Candelabra, a geoglyph etched in the sand that remains a mystery. This area is ideal for nature and photography lovers.
3. Huacachina Oasis and its dunes
Huacachina is a small oasis surrounded by sand dunes, one of the most characteristic landscapes of Ica. Here you can take a boat ride on the lagoon, walk among palm trees, or simply relax. For those seeking adrenaline, tubing rides and sandboarding on the dunes are must-do activities. As evening falls, the sunset from the top of the dunes is one of the most spectacular in the region.
4. Tambo Colorado: Inca archaeological heritage
Tambo Colorado is an Inca archaeological complex built of adobe. It preserves walls with remnants of red, yellow, and white paint that allow you to imagine what the place was like during the empire’s time. It was a strategic administrative and military center on the coast, and although it is not as well-known as other sites, it offers a different perspective on the history of the Incas in the desert region.
5. Tacama Vineyard: the oldest pisco in South America
Ica is the birthplace of pisco, and visiting a vineyard is an essential part of the trip. Tacama is one of the oldest and most recognized wineries. You can tour its vineyards, learn about the production process, and taste different types of pisco and wine. The experience combines history, tradition, and flavors that define the region.
6. Lost Canyon: the hidden wonder in the desert
Located in Ocucaje, this canyon over 1.5 km long is a little-known natural formation. Walking between its compact earth walls and marine fossils feels like entering a landscape from another planet. Getting here requires a specialized tour, but it is worth it for the uniqueness of the place and the tranquility it offers.
7. The witches of Cachiche and their theme park
Cachiche is a town known for its legends of witches. According to tradition, women who practiced healing and rituals lived here. Today, you can visit a theme park with sculptures that recall this history and listen to local tales. It’s a different attraction that connects tourism with oral tradition.
8. Regional Museum of Ica: history and ancient mummies
This museum houses archaeological pieces from the Paracas, Nazca, Huari, and Chincha cultures. The most striking are the well-preserved mummies, some with cranial trepanations that showcase the medical advances of these civilizations. There are also textiles, pottery, and utensils that help to understand the cultural richness of the region.
9. Cahuachi: the ceremonial center of the Nazca culture
Cahuachi was one of the most important ceremonial centers of the Nazca. It consists of adobe pyramids in the middle of the desert. Although much of it is still buried, what can be seen conveys the grandeur this place once had. Exploring it allows you to connect with the spirituality and worldview of a culture that left its mark throughout Ica.
10. Ica beaches: Chinchaycamac and surroundings
On the coast of Ica, you can find quiet and uncrowded beaches like Chinchaycamac. They are ideal for those looking to relax away from the crowds. The area also has fishing coves where you can enjoy fresh seafood. The combination of sea and desert creates a unique landscape.
11. Cantalloc Aqueducts: ancestral engineering in the desert
These aqueducts built by the Nazca culture are still functioning today. They are underground channels with spiral-shaped vents that were used to conduct water and irrigate fields in an arid environment. Exploring them is a clear example of how ancient civilizations managed to adapt to such a challenging environment.
12. The seven-headed palm tree in Cachiche
This palm tree is another symbol of Cachiche. It has several branches that appear to form human heads and is surrounded by myths related to prophecies about the city of Ica. It’s a brief but curious stop for those visiting the area.
13. Chauchilla Cemetery: mummies on display
This Nazca cemetery preserves open tombs with mummies, pottery, and original textiles. Walking among them creates a strong impact, as many remain in their original position after more than a thousand years. It is both an archaeological site and a testament to the life and beliefs of the ancient inhabitants of the region.
14. Morón Lagoon: the hidden oasis
Less known than Huacachina, Morón Lagoon is a quieter oasis, surrounded by dunes and vegetation. You can reach it by walking or by vehicle from Pisco. It is ideal for those seeking nature without the crowds of tourists, a perfect space to relax and hike through the desert.
15. El Catador Winery: winemaking tradition in Ica
Another recommended winery is El Catador, famous for its pisco and wines. Here you can enjoy guided tastings and learn about the families that keep this tradition alive. Additionally, they have a restaurant where you can try typical dishes from the region paired with a glass of local wine.
Recommended excursions and tours in Ica
Huacachina tour + sandboarding + tubing
A classic that combines adventure and fun in the dunes of Peru’s most famous oasis.
Ballestas Islands tour + Paracas Reserve
Ideal for observing marine wildlife and unique coastal landscapes in a single trip.
Nazca Lines flight
The best way to appreciate this archaeological enigma from the air.
Pisco and vineyard route
A tour to taste piscos and wines, visit traditional wineries, and learn about the winemaking culture of Ica.
Frequently asked questions about Ica
How many days are recommended to visit Ica?
Ideally, you should spend between 2 and 3 days exploring the main attractions like Huacachina, Paracas, wineries, and, if time permits, a flight over the Nazca Lines. If you want to include lesser-known destinations like the Lost Canyon or Morón Lagoon, consider adding an extra day.
Is it safe to travel to Ica on your own?
Yes, Ica is a safe destination for both domestic and international travelers. As in any tourist area, it is advisable to take basic precautions such as keeping an eye on valuables and avoiding walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.
What is the best month to visit Huacachina?
Huacachina can be visited year-round, but the most recommended months are from April to November when the weather is drier and skies are clearer. In summer (December to March), the heat can be intense, but it is still a good time if you’re looking for fewer visitors.
What tours can be combined with Ica in an itinerary through Peru?
Ica is often combined with nearby destinations like Paracas and Nazca. It is also common to include it in a broader itinerary that covers Arequipa, Cusco, and Machu Picchu. Many agencies, like Machu Picchu Wayna, offer packages that connect these destinations in an organized way.