Ica is establishing itself as one of the most complete destinations in southern Peru: desert, ocean, vineyards, ancient history, and adventure experiences all in a single trip. While tourism in the country continues to recover and grow year after year, the Ica region is gaining prominence as the perfect alternative to overcrowded circuits.
1. Huacachina Oasis: an icon of the Peruvian desert
Huacachina is the classic postcard of Ica: a lagoon surrounded by huge dunes and palm trees, considered the only natural oasis in the South American desert.
Here you can:
- Climb the dunes at sunset to watch the sun disappear over the desert.
- Enjoy restaurants, bars, and accommodations around the lagoon.
- Use Huacachina as a base for tours to vineyards or to the Cañón de los Perdidos (Canyon of the Lost).
2. Dune buggies and sandboarding: guaranteed adrenaline
The giant dunes that surround Huacachina are the perfect setting for one of the most popular activities in Ica:
- Dune buggy rides (4×4 buggies) that go up and down the dunes like a roller coaster.
- Sandboarding or sand skiing so you can slide down sandy slopes of 30 meters or more, either sitting or standing.
These tours run several times a day, with special schedules for sunset — one of the most photogenic experiences at the destination.
3. Paracas National Reserve: desert, cliffs, and sea
Just a few hours from Ica, the Paracas National Reserve brings together red-sand beaches, cliffs, rock formations, and a very rich marine ecosystem.
On a single route you can:
- Visit coastal viewpoints to see the contrast between the desert and the ocean.
- Visit beaches such as La Mina or Lagunillas.
- Learn about marine wildlife and the importance of the reserve for conservation.
It’s an almost mandatory stop if you combine Ica and Paracas on your route through the south.
4. Ballestas Islands: marine wildlife just minutes from the coast
Off the coast of Paracas lie the Ballestas Islands, famous for their huge concentration of wildlife:
- Colonies of sea lions.
- Thousands of guano birds, Humboldt penguins, and cormorants.
- The famous Candelabro geoglyph, visible on the desert hillside on the way to the islands.
Half-day boat tours usually depart early in the morning to take advantage of the calmer sea and the best light for photos.
5. Pisco Route and Ica vineyards
The countryside around Ica is synonymous with vineyards and wineries. Along the Pisco Route, you can visit everything from historic industrial wineries to small artisanal producers.
These visits usually include:
- A tour of the vineyards and production areas.
- An explanation of how wine, pisco, and cachina are produced.
- Generous tastings, perfect for understanding the different styles of the region.
It’s a perfect attraction to combine with Huacachina in a single day, or to dedicate a full day if you’re interested in wine and spirits.
6. Cañón de los Perdidos: the great secret of the Ica desert
The Cañón de los Perdidos (Canyon of the Lost), in the Ocucaje area, has become one of Ica’s star tours in recent years. It’s an impressive geological formation in the middle of the desert, with walls that can reach between 200 and 400 meters deep and stretch for several kilometers.
The full-day tour to the canyon usually includes:
- A vehicle ride through the desert with photo stops.
- Short hikes inside the canyon to see its different levels and ancient sediment layers.
- Stops at viewpoints where you can appreciate the magnitude of the arid landscape.
It’s an ideal experience for travelers who already know Huacachina and are looking for something wilder and less crowded.
7. Morón Lagoon: the hidden oasis
Morón Lagoon, in the district of Humay (province of Pisco), is a much quieter oasis than Huacachina, surrounded by soft dunes and vegetation. It is officially classified as a natural tourist site and is located at about 200 meters above sea level.
Here you can:
- Walk along the dunes without large crowds.
- Practice basic sandboarding on less intimidating slopes.
- Swim in the lagoon and enjoy a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
8. Cachiche: the village of witches
Just a few minutes from downtown Ica is Cachiche, a small village surrounded by palm trees and fields, known for its legends about witches and healers.
Among its main attractions are:
- The Witches Park, with sculptures and stories about the town’s mythical characters.
- The famous seven-headed palm tree, tied to local prophecies and superstitions.
- Souvenir stands and small shrines where some visitors ask for protection or energetic “cleanses.”
It’s a different kind of stop on your trip: a mix of folklore, quirky photo opportunities, and contact with local culture.
9. Ica Regional Museum: history before and after Nazca
The Ica Regional Museum “Adolfo Bermúdez Jenkins” showcases pieces from the Paracas, Nazca, Wari, Ica, Chincha, and Inca cultures, as well as a hall specialized in bioarchaeology.
The most striking things for visitors include:
- Samples of Paracas textiles, famous for their designs and colors.
- High-quality Nazca ceramics.
- Mummies and skulls with trepanations and intentional deformations that reveal ancient medical techniques and rituals.
Visiting the museum before heading to Nazca or Paracas helps you better understand the context of the entire region.
10. Nazca Lines: a mystery that’s still alive
Although the city of Nazca lies further south, it’s part of the same region and remains one of the main reasons to travel to Ica. The Nazca and Palpa Lines and geoglyphs, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cover a large stretch of desert with figures of animals, plants, and geometric shapes that can only be fully appreciated from the air.
