Ica Travel Packages

The best time to visit Ica is during the dry season, from April to November, when the weather is warm, sunny, and perfect for exploring the desert landscapes. These months are ideal for outdoor activities like dune buggy rides, sandboarding in Huacachina, and visiting the vineyards. While Ica enjoys mild weather year-round, avoiding the peak of summer ensures more comfortable travel and cooler nights in the desert oasis.

Top tours in Ica include thrilling dune buggy and sandboarding adventures in Huacachina, wine and pisco tours through local vineyards, and excursions to the nearby Paracas National Reserve to see wildlife such as sea lions and birds. Many itineraries also combine Ica with a flight over the Nazca Lines, making the region a perfect destination for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural experiences.

There are many things to do in Ica, from adrenaline-filled sports on the dunes to cultural activities such as visiting historic haciendas and tasting Peru’s national spirit, pisco. Travelers can relax by the oasis lagoon in Huacachina, explore the vibrant city markets, or visit local museums that showcase the pre-Columbian cultures of the region. Ica is also a great base for discovering nearby attractions like the Ballestas Islands or the mysterious Nazca geoglyphs.

Ica enjoys a desert climate, with hot and dry conditions throughout most of the year. Daytime temperatures often range between 25–30°C, while nights are cooler, especially in the desert areas around Huacachina. Rain is almost nonexistent, making it a year-round destination, though visitors should prepare for strong sun exposure and bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water.

The nearest airport to Ica is Capitán FAP Renán Elías Olivera International Airport in Pisco, located about an hour away. From there, travelers can reach Ica by private transfer, taxis, or buses. Alternatively, many visitors arrive via Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport, followed by a four-to-five-hour bus or car ride along the scenic Pan-American Highway.

Ica offers a wide variety of accommodations, from luxury resorts near vineyards and desert oases to budget hostels and family-run hotels in the city center. Huacachina, in particular, is known for boutique hotels and lodges with pools that provide a relaxing retreat after a day of adventure in the dunes. Many accommodations highlight Ica’s unique landscapes and warm hospitality, ensuring a memorable stay.

Restaurants in Ica reflect the richness of Peruvian cuisine, featuring local specialties such as carapulcra, a traditional stew made with dried potatoes and pork, and fresh seafood dishes brought from the nearby coast. Visitors can enjoy fine dining experiences in vineyard restaurants, casual meals in Huacachina, or traditional flavors in local markets. Pairing meals with locally produced pisco is an essential part of the culinary journey in Ica.

Most hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in Ica accept credit and debit cards, but it is recommended to carry cash in soles, particularly for small purchases or when visiting local markets. ATMs are available in the city and in Huacachina, though it is advisable to withdraw money in advance, especially if combining the trip with excursions to more remote areas like Nazca.

Ica is home to colorful festivities throughout the year, with the International Vintage Festival being one of the most important. This celebration includes parades, dances, music, and, of course, wine and pisco tastings, highlighting the region’s proud viticultural tradition. Other local festivities often celebrate agricultural cycles and combine Catholic traditions with Andean heritage, providing travelers with a lively cultural experience.

Ica is a desert city located in southern Peru, famous for its wine and pisco production, the oasis of Huacachina, and its proximity to major attractions like Paracas and Nazca. The city has a rich history tied to pre-Columbian cultures, Spanish colonization, and modern viticulture. Its desert landscapes and unique traditions make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural exploration.

Must-visit places in Ica include Huacachina, the only desert oasis in South America; the vineyards and bodegas where Peru’s best wines and piscos are produced; and the Regional Museum of Ica, which showcases artifacts from ancient civilizations like the Paracas and Nazca. Nearby attractions such as the Ballestas Islands, the Paracas National Reserve, and the Nazca Lines also make Ica a central hub for exploring southern Peru.