Before you go

Your trip to Ica.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Ica – Ica Destination Paracas, Ica and Nazca Capital

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional Capitán FAP Renán Elías Olivera (PIO) Pisco · 75 km
Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez (LIM) Callao · 305 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before you buy. From Lima it's about 300 km via the Panamericana Sur, 5 to 6 hours by bus. From Paracas it's 75 km, about 1h15. From Ica to Nazca about 145 km, 2h30. Buses arrive at the companies' terminals in town.

How many days

One day: the morning at the Museo Regional and at a valley bodega, and the afternoon in Huacachina with a dune tour and sunset. With one night in Huacachina there's time for more bodegas.

When to go

Year‑round, with sun and almost no rain. From December to April it tends to be very hot. The grape harvest, from February to April, is the season for picking grapes, and in March the town usually holds the Fiesta de la Vendimia with parades and contests. Desert nights are cool.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. Taxis connect downtown to Huacachina in 10 minutes, and agencies sell tours to the valley bodegas and the dunes. A car helps if you want to visit several bodegas, but don't mix drinking with driving.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Ica

Morning
Museo Regional
Start with the Museo Regional de Ica, with the mantles and skulls of the Paracas culture and Nazca pottery.
Afternoon
Valley bodega
Visit a bodega in the Ica valley to see how pisco is made, from the presses to the barrels, with a moderate tasting.
Late afternoon
Huacachina and dunes
Head to Huacachina and take the buggy and sandboard tour on the dunes, with a stop for the sunset.
Evening
Lagoon
Have dinner around the Huacachina lagoon and walk along the oasis' waterfront.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What is pisco?

It is a distilled grape brandy produced in the valleys of the southern coast of Peru, with Ica as the main center. It is the base of the pisco sour. Drink in moderation.

Can you visit bodegas in Ica?

Yes. Many wineries in the valley, from traditional ones to larger producers, welcome visitors to show their production and offer tastings. Agencies sell the tour, and there are taxis that run the circuit.

How far is Ica from Huacachina?

About 5 km, 10 minutes by taxi from the center.

Is it hot in Ica?

Yes, mainly from December to April, with strong sun during the day. Desert nights are cool. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water.

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