Ica is the second most stop-by region in Peru, popular for its variety of natural wonders, tourist attractions, and adventure sports. Ica comprises a notable part of the Pacific coast in Peru, as well as the amazing Peruvian desert. Don’t let this opportunity slip by your hand and learn everything tours in Ica, what to see, and more!
The department of Ica is situated South of Lima, together with the Pacific coast. In this area, you’ll find various tourist attractions that you simply can’t miss which include:
- Paracas
- Huacachina
- Nazca
Get ready for this adventure! Keep reading and learn everything you need to know about these dreamy destinations!
Paracas
Paracas is situated 4 hours away from Lima, in this place you’ll be able to encounter part of the gigantic Peruvian desert combined with the sea. Paracas is a small beach town, popular for being the location of Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve, making it the best getaway location within shouting distance from Lima!
Paracas is renowned for its tropical-like weather since it has cardinal warm temperatures and it’s mostly sunny with clear skies throughout the year. So, for many local and foreign tourists, this is the ideal place to cut and run from Lima’s stress and crowded streets. To see the biggest picture, we have mentioned the main activities you can do in Paracas:
Ballestas Islands
The Ballestas Islands are frequently designated as the Peruvian Galapagos because of the diverse wildlife that includes:
- Humboldt Penguins
- Sea Lions
- Exotic birds
The Ballestas Islands are a set of three islands and different rock formations, situated 30 minutes away from the town of Paracas.
This attractive location was declared a protected area with a view to preserve its wildlife. So, it is out of the question to swim with the animals or walk on the islands, but you can easily visit them on a boat tour.
Generally, most of the Ballestas Islands Boat Tours take 2 hours and you can see the various animals from close-by. Along the way to this group of islands, you’ll be able to admire one of the inexplicable mysteries within this land, which is “El Candelabro”, a carving frequently related to the Nazca Lines, situated in the Paracas peninsula; this incomprehensible geoglyph is estimated to be 2,500 years old, and it is 180 meters long.
Paracas National Reserve
The Paracas National Reserve is a preserved natural area that expands over 3,350 km² and it’s close to around 400 species of flora and fauna. In 1975 was declared a National Reserve to conserve the diverse species of flora and fauna that live there. Unquestionably, this is one of the primary famous tourist attractions in Ica that you simply can’t miss.
You can visit the Paracas National Reserve on a guided tour where you’ll be allowed to visit the Red Beach, the popular rock formation known as “The Cathedral”, as well as possibly watch the sunset from this exceptional natural wonder and more! Some tour operators provide activities like the Quad Bike Tour to the Paracas National Reserve. Don’t fail to benefit from the opportunity to visit the place where the Peruvian desert meets the sea, a sight that will surely blow your mind!
Huacachina
This backwoods location has seized the attention of many local and foreign travelers for being the sole natural oasis in South America! Huacachina is situated in the city of Ica and it takes 5.5 hours from Lima to reach there. This attractive oasis in the middle of the desert is now the best-loved attraction for everyone when traveling through Peru since it is ideally isolated but still reachable from the capital of Peru.
The weather in the Huacachina oasis is always warm, locals frequently call it “The Land of the Endless Summer”. Here, you’ll be able to perform activities like a Dune Buggy and Sandboarding tour, visit the popular Pisco Vineyards, party at night and enjoy the calming scenery this desert oasis presents you.
Dune Buggy and Sandboarding
This is the most sought-after activity you can discover in Huacachina where you’ll go around the sand dunes as if you were in a roller coaster, and after that, catch a board and slide through various dunes while the sun sets behind the gigantic Peruvian desert, an eye-catching spectacle you unquestionably can’t miss!
In spite of the fact that you could book this activity upon arrival, we strongly suggest taking the important time to set prices side by side and quality since not all tour operators are dependable. We motivate you to visit: https://nazcalines.net, a platform which provides you a pocket-friendly tour in Peru and South America!
Pisco Vineyards
The city of Ica is situated 15 minutes away from the Huacachina oasis, this city is popular for having the excellent and oldest vineyards in South America. Go and experience even more of the Peruvian gastronomic culture, and understand everything about Pisco, the national drink of Peru.
Pisco is a distilled liquor made of different grapes, produced since the XVI century. We highly suggest Peru Hop for traveling across the country and experiencing the Pisco Vineyard activity on the way. Some of the Pisco Vineyards provide Pisco and Wine Tasting, besides they bring light to everything about the distillery process, an activity that you undoubtedly can’t miss while visiting this region!
Nazca
Nazca is an interesting town in Peru because it was once home to the ancient Nazca culture, a community that disappeared, leaving behind one of South America’s biggest mysteries: the Nazca Lines.
Nazca is a small town located about 1.5 hours from Huacachina. It’s full of history and ancient culture that we still don’t fully understand. Below is a list of the main things to do in Nazca that you shouldn’t miss:
The Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are a group of giant designs found on the ground in the Nazca desert. The real purpose of these lines is still a mystery, but it’s believed that many of them were used for religious ceremonies.
Researchers say there are over 1,700 Nazca Lines, but most are hard to see. A recent study by Yamagata University from Japan found 143 new lines using advanced technology like AI, fieldwork, and satellite images.
The Nazca Lines are the main attraction in this area. Right now, you can see them in two ways: by taking a flight over the lines or by visiting the Viewing Tower, which is 30 minutes from Nazca city on the Panamericana Sur highway. You’ll learn a lot about the lines here.
The Cantalloc Aqueducts
The Nazca people were also known for their amazing water systems. Over 40 ancient aqueducts were found in the area, and 32 are still working today. The Cantalloc Aqueducts are a group of 35 channels called “Puquios,” which are shaped like spirals. They are located about 4 kilometers from Nazca.
If you want to learn more about Nazca, on this website you’ll get everything you need to know about this city and its neighbour locations, as well as a detailed list of the things to do in Nazca. Unquestionably, Ica comprises many places and tourist sites which is why you shouldn’t miss those to visit during your trip through Peru.
Final Words
Ica is a must-visit place in Peru, providing a unique mix of history, culture, and adventure. From the mysterious Nazca Lines to the amazing Ballestas Islands and the tremendous desert activities in Huacachina, there is something for everyone. Don’t let the chance slip to explore these magnificent attractions and get down to a rich Peruvian experience on your next trip!
