What to do in Ica: 10 Best Activities

You will realize your travel and you don’t even know what to do in Ica? Here we gonna show a list of the 10 best activities that you need to realize during your visit to Ica.

Where is Ica located?

Ica is located in the proximity of Lima, exactly on the coast of the central south of the Peruvian literal. This is a fascinating destiny in the south of Perú because is rounded by an imponent desert and has the freshness of the Pacific Ocean, this gem of Perú captivates travelers with its geographic and cultural diversity and includes a surface of 21 328 km2.

Ica is an incomparable destiny of experiences. The geographic limits make the dunes of Huacachina into the Paracas National Reserve part of the city, where the desert is located with the sea in a fusion of charm more natural.

10 Best Activities to do in Ica

1. Huacachina: An Oasis in the Desert of Ica 

Huacachina is a unique oasis in the South American desert and it’s only 10 minutes from the city of Ica. Located around imponent dunes, this place offers more than a beautiful landscape. You can be part of the adventure in this place with activities like tubing, sandboarding, and quad bikes. All in the desert!

The lake’s dark green color is not suitable for swim, but despite the shine between the dunes, it becomes a perfect scenery for enjoying the sunset while you practice sandboarding.

2. Explores The Paracas National Reserve

The Paracas National Reserve, a treasure that is natural of Ica, has a unique marine ecosystem in the Perú, especially the impressive Islas Ballestas. The access is only for boats, these islands are the home of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, flamingos, and a variety of birds. In addition, on the road, you will find «El Candelabro de Paracas», an enigmatic geoglyph traced on the hillside, adding a touch of mystery to your trip.

3. What to do in Ica:  El Cañón de los Perdidos

Cañon de los Perdidos is located exactly 90 kilometers from the city of Ica, Cañon de los Perdidos is a gem discovered in the desert of Atacama. Have approximately 20 to 30 million years old, this cannon has one of the best spectacular views. If you want adventure and unique landscapes, this place is ideal for exploring.

The name «Cañon de los Perdidos» is because of an expedition that realizes the past mayor Pablo Alvites with many residents and the local journalist Maycol Herrera. When this group of persons was headed to this place they went astray, losing the couple of hours inside the Cannon. When finally they were no longer lost, the journalist decided to title the report with the name of «Cañon de los Perdidos».

Arrive to the cañón de los perdidos with a tour

The tour al cañón de los perdidos starts with the from your hotel in Huacachina or in the center of Ica heading to Ocucaje. First, you gonna visit the small square where you can take a lot of photos with a monument of «Megalodón, then visit the Pampa de Piedras and finally the Cañon de los Perdidos where you can take fantastic photos and descend into this immense crevice.

4. Fiesta de la Vendimia

This long-awaited celebration is realized in the first weeks of March. Is a celebration that honors the grape harvest in Ica. Inside this celebration, you can enjoy cultural events, cock fighting, folklore dances, and one of the traditions of Ica is the grape crushing. Be part of the rich local culture and participate in this festivity full of joy and traditions in Ica.

5. Cachiche, the Town of Legends

To 4 kilometers to the south of Ica, is located Cachiche. A town is full of histories and legends of whiches. According to the tradition in this town, a palm of the seven heads saves a secret, and if the seventh head of this palm grows, the city of Ica will disappear. In addition, it is also said that in this town which reunited can realize their rituals.

For all these legends of this fascinating town, there are statues, histories, and an enigmatic aura that if you visit this town captivates you. We recommend you visit the town between 8 in the morning to 6 in the afternoon.

6. Glamping in Huacachina

If you don’t know what to do in Ica, one unique experience out of normal that you can’t lose is Glamping in Huacachina. Just imagine being under the glow of the sky starry of the Huacachina desert, rounding for majesty dunes, you can see the total beauty. Glamping in Huacachina, is a fusion of glamour, luxury, and camping, in this Peruvian oasis.

The glamping is based on instead of using traditional tents, here you can be in luxury and comfortable tents, equipped with modern commodities for a nice night. You wake up with the soft breeze of the desert. The Huacachina is also known for providing adventures in the sand like sandboarding and rides in a buggy, now you can enjoy an experience new and especially outdoors but with the difference that you will not renounce elegance.

The experience of glamping offers a unique escape, where you connect with the environment to create unforgettable memories in the heart of the Peruvian desert of Ica.

7. The Pisco Route

The city of Ica is known as the wine region most important in all of Perú and is popular for the fabrication of tint wines and pisco. You can realize the Pisco Route Tour where you can explore vineyards and wineries, and best of all you can taste these exquisite drinks on the Route.

Discover the process of production of these drinks, from the harvest of the authentic grapes to the elaboration of the wines and piscos. You will know Tacama, the first winery in South America, that offers the most delicious wines and has a fascinating colonial architecture that without doubt transports you to the past of this region.

8. The Center of Ica

If you don’t know what to do in Ica you can visit the center of Ica and see the history through the neoclassic architecture. You can see the Municipal Palace of Ica and the Cathedral of Ica, in addition, you walk the streets that narrate the rich culture of the region. For example, the Regional Museum Adolfo Bermúdez Jenkins, where you can see the collection of old pieces that transport you to the pre-Columbian civilizations, adding you a cultural touch to your visit.

Also, the parks and central squares, like Plaza of Armas and the Independence Park of Ica, show how the Spanish colonial architecture and the elements of indigen culture intertwine, incentive you to walk and marvel at every corner of the Center of Ica.

9. Visit the Nazca lines

Ica is not only the home of desert landscapes and magic oases, but it also counts with one of the archeological enigmas most remarkable of all the world: these are the mysterious Nazca Lines. These are geoglyphs that are carved in the earth’s surface, forming figures and intriguing patterns that are of the Nazca culture between the centuries of I and VI a.C. This incredible discovery is located in the same desert of Nazca, and is inside of the cultural experience that was offered by Ica. So inside your list of what to do in Ica, visiting the Nazca lines should be part.

10. Tour UTV in the dunes of Huacachina

If you are a lover of adventure and you are in search of an intensive dose of adrenaline and an exciting experience in Ica, The Tour UTV in the dunes of Huacachina is perfect for you. You can feel all the adrenaline of riding a buggy in the sand with professionals with experience in the use of these vehicles, in the desert.

Ica, with one of nature’s marvelous and unique experiences, invites you to explore in all the essence. From the Huacachina Oasis to the intriguing Nazca Lines, every corner of this region offers you a history and adventure together. Be part of this unforgettable trip with Machu Picchu Perú Tours and discover the true beauty of this region of Ica!

Explore more tourist destinies and more of Perú in our travel blog and plan your next trip with us!