Ica is one of the most visited destinations on Peru’s southern coast. Its combination of desert landscapes, beaches, vineyards, archaeological sites, and legends makes it an ideal place for travelers looking for different experiences in just a few days. In this guide, you’ll find the 15 best tourist attractions in Ica, along with practical information, recommended tours, and tips for planning your trip in 2027.
How to Get to Ica
The city of Ica is about 300 km south of Lima, a four- to five-hour bus ride along the Pan-American Highway South. Paracas is approximately one hour from the city, while Nasca is about two and a half hours away, so it’s best to organize your trip by area: Paracas and Pisco to the north, Ica and Huacachina in the center, and Nasca to the south.
Top Tourist Attractions in Ica You Shouldn’t Miss
1. Nasca Lines: The Mystery of the Desert
The Nasca Lines are one of the great mysteries of world archaeology and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. These enormous geoglyphs were created in the desert by the Nasca culture and depict animals, plants, and geometric shapes that are best viewed from the air, including the hummingbird, monkey, and spider.
The flight over the lines from the Nasca airfield lasts about 30 minutes. Flights are also available from Ica and Pisco, although they take longer and cost more. If you prefer not to fly, the observation tower next to the Pan-American Highway South allows you to see some of the figures up close, although only a portion of them. Always choose authorized airlines and avoid eating a heavy breakfast before your flight.
2. Paracas National Reserve and Ballestas Islands
One hour from the city of Ica is the Paracas National Reserve, a protected area that combines desert landscapes, cliffs, beaches, and marine wildlife. Within the reserve, you can visit the interpretation center, the Playa Roja viewpoint, La Catedral, and beaches such as La Mina and Lagunillas.
The most popular excursion is the boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, which departs in the morning from El Chaco port and lasts about two hours. From the boat, you can see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of guano-producing seabirds. Along the way, you’ll pass the Candelabra, a geoglyph of still-debated origin carved into the hillside of the peninsula. Boats do not land on the islands, and departures may be suspended if the Port Authority closes the port due to rough seas.
3. Huacachina Oasis and Its Sand Dunes
About 5 km from downtown Ica, Huacachina is a small oasis surrounded by giant sand dunes, making it one of the most photographed landscapes in Peru. You can take a boat ride on the lagoon, walk along its palm-lined promenade, or relax at one of its hotels.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, dune buggy rides (tubulares) and sandboarding are the main attractions. Tours usually depart in the afternoon and end with a sunset view from the top of the dunes, one of the most anticipated moments of the visit.
4. Tambo Colorado: Inca Heritage in the Desert
Located in the Pisco Valley, in the district of Humay, Tambo Colorado is one of the best-preserved Inca adobe complexes on the Peruvian coast. Its walls still show traces of red, yellow, and white paint, while its trapezoidal niches resemble the Inca architecture of the highlands. It served as an administrative and control center along the road connecting the coast with the Andes. It’s less than an hour from Pisco and can easily be combined with a visit to Paracas.
5. Tacama Vineyard: One of South America’s Oldest Wineries
Ica is the birthplace of pisco, and visiting a winery is an essential part of the trip. Tacama, located on the outskirts of the city, is considered one of the oldest vineyards in South America, dating back to the 16th century. Its colonial hacienda house, with its pink facade, is particularly photogenic. You can tour the vineyards, learn about the production process, and taste the winery’s piscos and wines.
6. Canyon of the Lost: The Desert’s Hidden Wonder
In the Ocucaje Desert, south of the city of Ica, the Canyon of the Lost is a natural formation with walls eroded by water and wind over millions of years. This area is known for its marine fossils, including remains of prehistoric whales and sharks, which reveal that the desert was once underwater. The final stretch of the journey follows a dirt track, so it’s recommended to take a 4×4 tour and leave early to avoid the midday heat.
7. The Witches of Cachiche and Their Theme Park
Just a few kilometers from downtown Ica, Cachiche is a village famous for its legends about witches. According to tradition, women healers once lived here and performed rituals using medicinal plants. Today, you can visit a park with sculptures of witches and hear the stories that keep this oral tradition of Ica alive.
8. Ica Regional Museum: History and Mummies
The Adolfo Bermúdez Jenkins Regional Museum houses artifacts from the Paracas, Nasca, Wari, and Ica-Chincha cultures. Highlights include mummies and skulls showing evidence of trepanation, which demonstrate these societies’ medical knowledge, as well as textiles, ceramics, and quipus. It’s a worthwhile stop to understand the region’s history before exploring its archaeological sites.
9. Cahuachi: The Ceremonial Center of the Nasca Culture
About 25 km west of the city of Nasca, Cahuachi was the main ceremonial center of the Nasca culture. It consists of adobe pyramids and platforms built in the middle of the desert. Much of the complex remains buried beneath the sand, but the visible structures offer a glimpse of the religious importance this site once held and its connection to the Nasca Lines.
10. Ica’s Beaches: Paracas and Chincha
Ica’s coastline has beaches for different tastes. Within the Paracas National Reserve, La Mina and Lagunillas offer calm waters and desert landscapes beside the sea. La Mina has limited visitor capacity, so it’s best to arrive early. Farther north, in the province of Chincha, Jahuay Beach is a popular option during the summer. In the fishing villages, you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood at reasonable prices.
11. Cantalloc Aqueducts: Ancient Engineering
Just minutes from the city of Nasca, the Cantalloc Aqueducts are underground channels built by the valley’s ancient inhabitants to bring water to agricultural fields. Their spiral-shaped openings, known as ojos or puquios, made it possible to clean the channels and helped water flow through the system. Several remain in operation today, supplying water to local farmers.
12. The Seven-Headed Palm Tree in Cachiche
This palm tree is another symbol of Cachiche. Its trunks branch out into several sections that locals call heads, and legend says that if another head grows, Ica will suffer a major catastrophe. It’s a short and unusual stop that can easily be combined with a visit to the witches’ park.
13. Chauchilla Cemetery: Mummies in the Open
About 30 km south of Nasca, Chauchilla Cemetery preserves open tombs containing mummies in fetal positions, accompanied by remains of textiles and ceramics. Thanks to the dry desert climate, many still retain their hair and clothing after centuries. It’s a striking site that offers insight into the burial beliefs of the region’s ancient inhabitants.
14. Morón Lagoon: The Hidden Oasis
Less well-known than Huacachina, Morón Lagoon is an oasis in the desert of Pisco Province, surrounded by dunes, reed beds, and vegetation. You can reach it by road followed by a stretch of sandy terrain, usually by dune buggy or 4×4, from Pisco or Paracas. It’s ideal if you’re looking for nature and quiet, away from the crowds.
15. El Catador Winery: A Winemaking Tradition
In the district of Subtanjalla, El Catador Winery is one of the most visited wineries in Ica thanks to its family-friendly atmosphere. It offers tours of the production area, pisco and wine tastings, and a countryside restaurant serving traditional dishes. In March, during the Grape Harvest Festival, many wineries take part in the traditional grape stomping activity.
Recommended Excursions and Tours in Ica
Huacachina Tour with Sandboarding and Dune Buggies
A classic experience that combines adventure on the dunes with sunset views over Peru’s most famous oasis. It usually lasts about two hours.
Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve Tour
Ideal for observing marine wildlife in the morning and exploring the reserve’s landscapes in the afternoon, all in one day.
Nasca Lines Scenic Flight
The best way to appreciate the geoglyphs. You can combine it with visits to Chauchilla and Cantalloc on the same day.
Pisco and Vineyard Route
A tour of traditional and industrial wineries to taste piscos and wines and learn about Ica’s winemaking tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ica
How Many Days Are Recommended for Visiting Ica?
Ideally, you should spend two to three days exploring Paracas, Huacachina, and at least one winery. If you also want to take a scenic flight over the Nasca Lines and visit lesser-known places such as the Canyon of the Lost or Morón Lagoon, consider adding one or two more days.
Is It Safe to Travel to Ica on Your Own?
Yes, Ica welcomes thousands of domestic and international travelers every year. As with any tourist destination, keep an eye on your valuables, book tours with licensed operators, and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Huacachina?
Huacachina can be visited year-round because it rarely rains in Ica. Between December and March, the weather is hotter and there are more domestic tourists during the summer. From April through November, temperatures are more pleasant for activities on the dunes, although the nights are cool.
What Destinations Can Be Combined with Ica on a Trip to Peru?
Ica naturally combines with Paracas and Nasca, and from Nasca you can continue to Arequipa along the Pan-American Highway South. Many travelers include it in a longer itinerary alongside Cusco and Machu Picchu. If you want to explore these destinations without worrying about the logistics, check out our Peru tour packages, and if you’re heading to Cusco, don’t miss our Machu Picchu tour.
