Definitely visit Ica if you get the chance while in Peru- especially if you’re already in Southern Peru. The city has perfect Pisco, dope dunes for sandboarding, and is near awesome wildlife-viewing and cultural experiences. Ica has a unique cultural heritage and, being in a desert, offers different outdoor opportunities than the jungle and Andes. It’s a great stop for a Southern Peru trip or just as a getaway from Lima.
What to Do
The Popular Spots
Huacachina
Huacachina is the name of the game for tourism in Ica. The desert oasis has gotten too popular for some visitors in recent years. But it’s worth walking around a real oasis and sandboarding down those awesome dunes at sunset!
The dune buggy tours will take you to several dunes to sandboard down. Too many buggies and tourists have had a negative impact on Huacachina, so consider just walking up a dune instead. Work those calves, baby.
Nazca Lines
The Paracas and Nazca cultures made the enigmatic Nazca Lines between 200 BC and 700 AD. There are crazy spirals, long lines, and figures such as a hummingbird, monkey, condor, and even one called the spaceman, still etched in the sand.
We still don’t know why the lines were made, but underground waterways are possibly connected. (Aliens certainly are not.)
And contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a plane ride from Lima to see the Nazca Lines. Just take more environmentally-friendly local transport to Palpa (1.5 hours) or Nazca (2.5). Both towns have viewing towers from which many of the lines and figures can be seen.
From Nazca, you can return to Ica or go on to Cusco and Arequipa.
The Cultural Experiences
- Brujas de Cachiche: The famous witches of Cachiche are a mere 10 minutes from Ica. If witchcraft ain’t your thing, at least see the mysterious 7-headed palm tree and the witch’s monument.
- El Carmen District, Chincha: Check this out on the way from Lima. El Carmen is the place to witness and experience Afroperuvian food, dress, and music. Chincha is only 1.5 hours from Ica.
- Ruta del Pisco: Literally, the Pisco Route. This isn’t an official, mapped out route. Just start at one of the distilleries such as El Cantador or Vista Alegre for a tour and tasting and take a mototaxi to the next one. My personal favorite Pisco maker? Tacama!
Parks and Wildlife
- Islas Ballestas: Penguins? Near the equator? Yup. There are also sea lions, flamingos (!), and dolphins. Take a boat tour and consider camping at Paracas National Reserve. There are campsites near El Chaco beach. The Islas Ballestas are next to Paracas, 1 hour north of Ica.
What to Eat
On and near the coast in Peru, expect fresh fruit at low prices. Try all the juices you can find.
Seafood, including ceviche, is fresh and delicious.
Locals enjoy lots of butter beans (“pallares”), especially with beef.
For sweets, “tejas” are chocolates filled with all types of flavors and they are hard to find outside of Ica.
Where to Stay
The Upcycled Hostel in Huacachina is the best of both worlds. It’s made of 100% recycled material and comes recommended by travelers.
When to Visit Ica (Including Weather)
Ica is sunny, dry and warm year-round. But nighttime gets a little chilly. Average temperatures range from 66 F (19 C) in July to 74 F (23 C) in January.
There are even more things to do during Tourist Week in November. Nearby, Chincha has a Tourist Week in October.
How to Get There
Public buses are the most environmentally-friendly way to travel across Peru. To visit Ica take any of the major bus companies that go south of Lima.
| Destination | Trip Length (Hours) | Typical Cost (Soles) |
| Lima | 4-5 | 40-80 |
| Paracas | 1 | 14-40 |
| Nazca | 2.5 | 30-80 |
| Arequipa | 12-13.5 | 115-155 |
| Cusco | 17.5 | 170-180 |
Ica does not have an airport.
Conclusion
It’s easy to add Ica to your Peru itinerary since it’s close to Lima. Definitely try slowing down your trip instead of jetting right from the capital to Cusco.
Travelers who slow it down and visit spots on the road between Lima and Cusco will have a better, even more immersive experience in this rich and beautiful country. And, of course, Ica is a GREAT option to add to any itinerary for Southern Peru.
Have you been to Ica? Do you plan on going? Let us know!
