Your ultimate guide to an unforgettable desert adventure
Planning a trip to Peru and looking for something beyond Machu Picchu? Just a few hours south of Lima, Ica is one of the countryâs best-kept secrets â a destination packed with desert adventures, wine culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
If you’re visiting during a holiday like Spring Break or looking for a unique South America experience, this guide covers the best things to do in Ica, Peru to make your trip unforgettable.
Right in the middle of the desert, Huacachina looks like something out of a movie. This natural oasis surrounded by massive sand dunes is the top attraction in Ica. Walk around the lagoon, rent a paddle boat, or just enjoy the sunset views â itâs pure magic.
If you’re into adrenaline, this is a MUST.
Hop on a dune UTV and ride across the desert at high speed, then try sandboarding down giant dunes. Itâs like snowboarding â but hotter and wilder.
Pro tip: Go at sunset for the best views.
Ica is the heart of Peruâs wine and pisco production.
Visit traditional vineyards like Tacama Vineyard or El Catador to learn how pisco is made â and of course, taste it.
Expect great wine, history, and a fun cultural experience.
Just 1 hour from Ica, Paracas offers a completely different landscape.
Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands (often called the âPoor Manâs GalĂĄpagosâ) and see sea lions, penguins, and birds up close.
Want a deeper cultural experience?
Visit the Regional Museum of Ica to see ancient artifacts from the Paracas and Nazca civilizations, including textiles, pottery, and even mummies.
A hidden natural wonder in the desert with stunning geological formations.
Recommended experience:
Cañón de los Perdidos Tour â Includes desert exploration + local culture.
A unique combination of nature and history: a hidden oasis + ancient Inca ruins.
Recommended experience:
Ballestas + MorĂłn Lagoon + Tambo Colorado Tour
A unique combination of nature and history: a hidden oasis + ancient Inca ruins.
Recommended experience:
Ballestas + MorĂłn Lagoon + Tambo Colorado Tour
Take a piece of Ica home with you â from handmade crafts to local products.
Found in Huacachina & local markets
Ica is not just a destination â itâs a full experience. From adrenaline and nature to culture and gastronomy, it offers something for every traveler.
Whether you’re exploring dunes, tasting pisco, or discovering ancient history, every moment in Ica is unforgettable.
đ Ready for the adventure? Ica is waiting for you.