Ica is a region located in southern Peru and has a variety of tourist attractions and the opportunity to explore and fully enjoy the unique and exciting landscape that the desert offers.
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The city of Ica
The city of Ica is known for its rich history, the incredible desert landscapes that surround it, and its wine and pisco production. It mainly functions as the gateway to visit the oasis of Huacachina and learn about some of the pisco and wine produced in the nearby wineries.
Main Square
It is the heart of the city and a pleasant place to walk and relax. The scale of the square is human and very enjoyable. Here you can find the Ica Cathedral and other historical buildings.
Ica Regional Museum
Its full name is Ica Regional Museum “Adolfo Bermúdez Jenkins” It houses an important collection of archaeological pieces from the Paracas, Nazca, Wari and Inca cultures. You will be able to see mummies, ceramics, textiles and other ancient objects. It is well known because funerary customs are exhibited in its bioanthropology room (photo).
Vineyards and wineries
Ica is known for its production of wines and piscos. You can visit local wineries and vineyards to learn about the process of making these liquors and taste different varieties. We list some of the most popular ones:
Tacama Winery
It is one of the oldest wineries in South America and is located about 10 kilometers east of the city of Ica. They offer guided tours of their facilities, where you can learn about the wine and pisco production process, as well as taste their products.
Vista Alegre Winery
Located in the Subtanjalla district, a few kilometers from Ica, this family winery allows you to get up close and personal with the pisco production process. They offer guided tours and tastings of their piscos and wines. (Photo)
Bodega El Catador
Located in the Tate district, near Ica, this winery is known for its production of wine and pisco. They offer guided tours where you can learn about the production of these drinks and taste their products. (Photo)
Queirolo Winery
Located in the Lunahuaná Valley, about two hours by car from Ica, this winery is famous for its production of wines and piscos. They offer tours of their vineyards and wineries, where you can learn about the production process and taste their products.
Remember that it is advisable to check hours and reservation requirements in advance, as some wineries may require prior reservations for visits. Also, keep in mind that some wineries may be located in the surroundings of Ica and it may be necessary to have a means of transportation to get to them.
The lost city of Cahuachi
Just over 130 km from Ica is Cahuachi, an important archaeological site that was a ceremonial center of the Nazca culture. Cahuachi was the most prominent ritual center of the Nazca culture and appears to be connected to the famous Nazca lines, being the place from where the priests led the people to the lines to perform ceremonies. Here you will find pyramids, plazas and remains of ancient structures dating back to from more than 2,000 years ago.
The oasis of Huacachina
Located five kilometers west of Ica, the oasis is a lagoon surrounded by palm trees, eucalyptus and the species of carob tree known as huarango.
The waters are emerald green and arise from the outcropping of underground currents. It is one of the most colorful and beautiful places on the Peruvian coast.
According to legend, the name “Huacachina” means “woman who cries” in Quechua, and it is said that the lagoon was born from the tears of a beautiful green-eyed woman.
In addition, Huacachina has been recognized for its warm climate throughout the year and for the healing power attributed to its sulfur waters.
Here you can do various and exciting activities.
Sandboarding or Sandskiing
Enjoy the thrill of sliding down the dunes with a sand board or ski.
Boat ride
Relax and enjoy a boat ride on the nearby lagoon.
Picnic in the desert
Enjoy an outdoor lunch amidst the impressive desert landscape.
Buggies tour
Tour the dunes in all-terrain vehicles for an exciting experience.
Walk through the dunes
Explore on foot the impressive dunes that surround the oasis.
Canyon of the lost
The canyon is formed by the erosion of the Seco River that flows into the Ica River. In the middle of the canyon there is a lagoon.
The site is located 83 km from the city of Ica, to do so you take the Panamericana Sur highway, and at km 339, there is a detour to the right (entrance to Callango) where you follow a path or trail in good condition, which leads to the “Boca del Río”, along the left bank of the Callango hamlet towards the southwest. Travel time is an average of 2 hours leaving from Ica, in single traction mobility.
This wonder was discovered quite recently and the suggestive name of the lost ones comes from a story with a happy ending. In 2011, Mayor Pablo Alvites, together with some residents and journalist Maycol Herrera Benavides, got lost, but in the end managed to reach the aforementioned canyon. After the fact, the journalist decides to title the news as the “Canyon of the Lost” and from then on it is called this way.
YOU CAN ALSO VISIT…
Paracas National Reserve
Located near Ica, this national park offers stunning desert and coastal landscapes. You can take a boat tour to visit the Ballestas Islands and observe its marine fauna, as well as enjoy the beautiful beaches and cliffs.
FAQ
How to get to Ica from Lima?
By BUS: from the Javier Prado terminal, it will leave you right at the ICA terminal, located in the center of the city. The journey takes 4.40 hours.
How to get to Huacachina from Ica?
By TAXI: It is 15 minutes.
Estas son solo algunas de las muchas atracciones que puedes visitar…
