Things To Do
in Chincha Alta
Chincha Alta is a provincial city on Peru's southern coast known for its vibrant Afro-Peruvian culture, music and dance traditions. The town serves as a gateway to nearby beaches, agricultural valleys and pisco-producing vineyards in the Ica region. Its historic center mixes colonial architecture, bustling markets and family-run picanterías that preserve local creole cuisine.
Visitors come for live musical performances, festivals and an accessible, off-the-beaten-path coastal experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day by wandering through the charming streets of Chincha Alta's historic center, where colonial architecture tells the tales of the past. Visit the beautiful Plaza de Armas, surrounded by vibrant local shops and cafes, and soak in the architecture of the nearby church, San Juan Bautista. Enjoy a traditional Peruvian breakfast at a local eatery, sampling dishes like 'pan con chicharrón' with a refreshing 'chicha morada'.
In the afternoon, delve deeper into the history of Chincha Alta by visiting the Museo de la Cultura Negra, which showcases the rich Afro-Peruvian heritage of the region. Engage with local artisans at the nearby markets, where you can find handmade crafts and typical textiles reflecting the area's vibrant culture. Take a leisurely stroll to the nearby historical sites, absorbing the stories that shaped this unique town.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Peruvian dinner at a local restaurant, sampling dishes like 'tacu tacu' or 'causa rellena'. After dinner, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of a local bar, experiencing the rhythms of Afro-Peruvian music, such as 'festejo' or 'landó'. End your evening with a scenic walk back to your accommodation, taking in the tranquil ambiance of the town under the stars.
Start your day with a visit to the nearby vineyards in the Ica Valley, known for producing exceptional Pisco and wines. Tour the lush vineyards, where you can learn about the grape-growing process and the history of Peruvian viticulture. Taste fresh grapes right off the vine before enjoying a light brunch at a vineyard café.
After brunch, participate in a guided wine tasting session, sampling various local wines and Pisco, while learning about the unique characteristics of each variety. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the picturesque vineyard grounds, capturing stunning photos of the rolling hills and grapevines. Engage with the staff as they share stories about the traditions of winemaking in the region.
Return to Chincha Alta for a sunset dinner at a restaurant that specializes in pairing local dishes with the wines you tasted earlier. Savor the flavors of the region, while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere filled with local music. Conclude your evening with a walk through the town, reflecting on the day's experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $20-40 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $1.50-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich, living Afro-Peruvian culture with music and dance.
- Affordable food and accommodations compared with bigger tourist centers.
- Close to beaches, vineyards and desert attractions for varied day trips.
- Friendly local community and authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer multilingual services.
- Petty crime can be an issue in busy public areas—need to be cautious.
- Fewer direct flights; travel to/from major hubs takes time.
- Winter garúa can produce persistent gray skies for photographers.
- "Hola, buenos días." - Hello, good morning.
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "La cuenta, por favor." - The check, please.
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias, muy amable." - Thank you, very kind.
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Chincha Alta
Visit one of these nice places.
Colonial-style square with the main cathedral and everyday city life—great for portraits and street scenes at golden hour.
Interior and exterior shots of Afro-Peruvian exhibits, instruments and performance spaces capture local culture and color.
Beaches and fishing boats offer sunrise/sunset compositions and candid shots of artisanal fishing activity.
Vivid produce, spices and local vendors make for atmospheric close-ups and environmental portraits.
Rows of vines, rustic distilleries and tasting rooms are photogenic, especially in late afternoon light.
Food in Chincha Alta
Chincha Alta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Peruvian rice-and-duck dish (often flavored with cilantro and beer) served at picanterías and family restaurants.
Must-Try!
Fresh coastal ceviche and fried fish chunks sold at markets and beach stalls—ideal for a seaside lunch.
Slow-cooked, cilantro-marinaded meat stew served with rice and beans; a comforting creole staple in the region.
Fried empanadas, tamales and picarones are popular street foods to try at markets and stalls.
Pisco sour and chilcano are widely available—Chincha is close to Ica's pisco-producing valleys.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market selling fresh fish, produce and cooked-to-order stalls; great place to sample ceviche, empanadas and fresh fruit juices.
Evening and weekend vendors around the plaza sell sweets, fried snacks and typical drinks—ideal for casual tasting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake and use formal titles (Señor/Señora) until invited to use first names; a polite 'buenos días' goes a long way.
Chincha has a proud Afro-Peruvian heritage—ask before photographing people and be respectful during music and religious events.
Dress modestly for churches and formal settings; avoid loud or confrontational behavior and accept that things often move at a relaxed pace.
Meals can be communal; if invited to a home, reciprocate with a small gift and show appreciation for local dishes.
Safety
Tipping in Chincha Alta
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% tip is customary in restaurants if service charge isn't included; round up fares for taxis and leave small change for hotel staff. In smaller eateries and street stalls tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service.
Peruvian soles (PEN) are the primary currency; carry cash for markets and small vendors. Credit/debit cards work at hotels and larger restaurants, but ATMs can be limited—withdraw enough cash in the city center or at larger towns before day trips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmest months with higher humidity and more sunshine—good beach weather and festival season; temperatures often reach the low to mid 20s°C (70s–80s°F).
Transition months with pleasant temperatures and lower tourist crowds; mornings and evenings can be cooler and breezy.
Cooler coastal winter with gray overcast and garúa (sea mist); daytime temps often in the mid-teens °C (50s–60s°F) and mornings may feel chilly.
Warming up toward summer, clearer skies and comfortable conditions—good time for outdoor sightseeing before peak heat.
Chincha Alta at Night
Hiking in Chincha Alta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Low-elevation coastal walks with fishing villages, rocky outcrops and opportunities for sunrise/sunset photography.
Not far by road—offers guided coastal and desert trails, birdwatching and scenic viewpoints over beaches and islands.
Sand dune climbs for panoramic desert views; combine with sandboarding and buggy tours for adventure.
Airports
How to reach Chincha Alta by plane.
Main international gateway for Peru; accessible by a 3–4 hour drive or regular intercity buses from Chincha Alta—useful for international arrivals and departures.
Smaller regional airport near Pisco with limited commercial and charter services; convenient for access to Paracas and southern Ica region when flights are available.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant and influential group in Chincha with deep cultural roots, known for music, dance, and community festivals.
Mixed-heritage residents who make up a large portion of the local populace, involved in agriculture, commerce and services.
Families living in surrounding valleys and plantations who supply produce and maintain agricultural traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local matches and street games are common, and community enthusiasm is strong.
Swimming, artisanal fishing and occasional wind/kite activities at favorable coastal spots.
Popular on nearby dunes around Ica and Huacachina—frequent day-trip activity for visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chincha Alta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; order vegetable stews, rice, salads and fruit dishes and ask for food without fish or meat broth. Larger restaurants and cafes in town are more likely to accommodate substitutions when asked.
Vegan choices are scarcer—rely on markets for fresh fruit, bread, beans and rice; bring snacks if you have strict needs or communicate clearly in Spanish.
Cross-contamination is common in home-style kitchens; state allergies clearly in Spanish and prefer grilled or plain preparations.