Things To Do
in Ica
Ica is a sunny coastal city in southern Peru known for its desert landscapes, vineyards and the famous oasis of Huacachina. The region combines agricultural production (grapes for pisco and wine) with dramatic sand dunes, making it a unique mix of rural industry and adventure tourism. Many visitors use Ica as a base to visit Paracas, the Ballestas Islands and to take flights over the Nazca Lines.
The city itself has a laid-back atmosphere, colonial-era buildings around the Plaza de Armas, and markets selling fresh produce and regional specialties.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Peruvian pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a walking tour around the beautiful Plaza de Armas, where you can admire the colonial architecture of the Cathedral of Ica. Visit the Regional Museum of Ica to delve into the region's rich history, including its ancient cultures and archaeological artifacts.
For lunch, try a plate of 'tacacho' at a nearby restaurant, a local dish made of mashed plantains and pork. Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant Mercado de Ica, where you can shop for fresh produce and local handicrafts. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the famous Pisco, Peru's national spirit, at one of the local distilleries.
As the sun sets, enjoy a dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the plaza, sampling dishes made from fresh seafood. After dinner, take a stroll around the historic center, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the ambient music from nearby cafes. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local bar to experience the lively nightlife of Ica.
Begin your adventure with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading to the Huacachina oasis, just a short drive from Ica. Once there, marvel at the stunning sand dunes that surround the picturesque lagoon and rent a sandboard for some fun. Glide down the slopes of the dunes and feel the thrill of adrenaline as you experience this unique desert landscape.
After your morning of sandboarding, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the oasis, where you can indulge in local dishes. Following lunch, embark on a thrilling dune buggy tour, racing across the vast sand dunes and experiencing the breathtaking views of the surrounding desert. Capture stunning photographs of the sunset over the dunes as you ride, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Return to Ica in the evening and refresh yourself before heading out for dinner. Choose a local restaurant that specializes in traditional Peruvian cuisine, where you can try dishes like ceviche or lomo saltado. End the night with a quiet walk along the streets of Ica, enjoying the warm desert breeze.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🍷Wine or pisco tasting (bodega) | $10-25 |
| 🚌Intercity bus (Ica–Lima) | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-70 |
| 🏄Sandboarding + dune buggy tour | $20-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique desert landscapes and Huacachina oasis — excellent for adventure and photography
- Close to Paracas and Ballestas Islands for wildlife and coastal scenery
- Rich pisco and wine culture with accessible bodegas and tastings
- Warm dry weather most of the year ideal for outdoor activities
- Limited public transportation and fewer direct flights — travel times to Lima can be long
- Coastal fog in winter may limit sunshine and views for photography
- Smaller-city amenities and nightlife compared with Lima; medical facilities are more limited
- Some tourist activities (Nazca flights, specialized tours) can be weather-dependent and expensive
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Disculpe / Perdón" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Soy vegetariano/vegetariana" - I am vegetarian
- "Una botella de agua, por favor" - A bottle of water, please
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Ica
Visit one of these nice places.
A photogenic desert lagoon surrounded by palms and massive sand dunes — ideal for golden-hour shots, dune panoramas and action photos of sandboarding.
One of the world's highest sand dunes offers sweeping desert vistas and dramatic minimalist landscapes for wide-angle photography.
Coastal cliffs, wildlife and stark desert-meets-sea scenes give excellent opportunities for landscape and bird photography.
Close-up wildlife photography of sea lions, cormorants and Humboldt penguins — the boat trip provides dynamic marine shots.
Rows of grapevines, historic winery architecture and tasting rooms offer charming subject matter, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Capture local life, colonial facades, churches and market scenes in the city center with intimate street photography opportunities.
Food in Ica
Ica Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Peru's national drink originates from the grape-growing regions like Ica; taste a classic pisco sour at local bars and at vineyard tastings. Many bodegas offer guided tastings and cocktails.
Must-Try!
A traditional Andean stew made from dried potatoes (papa seca), pork or chicken, peanuts and spices — comforting and regional. Available at local family-run restaurants and some markets.
Fresh seafood cured in lime with aji and onions; in Ica you can find coastal variations if visiting Paracas or seaside towns. Best at seafood-focused restaurants and stalls near Paracas.
Local fermented beverages and plenty of table grapes and sweets made from them; grapes are a regional staple and sold in markets and grape farms.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central market is the best place to find fresh fruit (grapes, avocados), local produce, snacks and small eateries serving homestyle lunches. Great for trying local juices and inexpensive plates.
Vendors sell empanadas, anticuchos (grilled skewers), tamales and sweet treats; ideal for quick bites and tasting local flavors.
Small stands and cafés catering to tourists around the oasis where you can get sandwiches, juices and snacks after dune activities.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings matter: a simple "Buenos días" or "Buenas tardes" when entering shops or meeting people is appreciated. A handshake is common in formal introductions; among friends a single cheek kiss or hug is typical.
Show respect at religious sites and family-run businesses; ask before photographing people in markets or traditional settings. Conservative dress is advisable in churches.
Expect a relaxed approach to time for informal meetups, but be punctual for tours and official bookings. Confirm bookings in advance, especially for flights and guided desert activities.
Safety
Tipping in Ica
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not strictly mandatory; restaurants often include a small service charge, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is common. Tip tour guides, drivers and hotel porters modestly (few soles or 5–10% for full-day guides).
Cash (Peruvian soles) is widely used, especially in markets, small restaurants and for local transport. Larger hotels, bodegas and tourist services accept credit cards; ATMs are available in Ica but can be limited in small towns—carry sufficient cash when traveling to remote sites.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hotter temperatures and sunnier days; excellent for beach trips to Paracas and boat tours, but expect stronger sun and occasional coastal fog farther north. Bring sunscreen, hat and stay hydrated.
Warm days and more comfortable evenings; a pleasant time for outdoor activities, vineyard visits and dune adventures with fewer crowds than peak summer.
Cooler coastal temperatures with frequent morning fog (garúa) and overcast skies; daytime highs remain mild but mornings can feel chilly, especially on the coast. Still good for tours but expect reduced sun and cooler sea conditions.
Warming temperatures and clearer skies; ideal for outdoor exploration, Paracas tours and photography as vegetation around irrigated valleys is lush from agricultural cycles.
Ica at Night
Hiking in Ica
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A challenging climb up one of the highest sand dunes in the world, offering panoramic views of the desert and an invigorating experience for fit hikers. Best done with water, sun protection and preferably with a guide or informed partner.
Shorter hikes and climbs around the Huacachina oasis and surrounding dunes that are accessible for most visitors; great for sunrise or sunset photography.
Marked paths and viewpoints along the reserve's cliffs and beaches that provide flora, fauna and ocean vistas — moderate difficulty and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Gentle walks through irrigated valleys and vineyard roads near Ica, suitable for relaxed exploration and photography among grapevines and agricultural landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Ica by plane.
Close to Paracas and the Ballestas Islands, Pisco airport handles some regional and seasonal flights and is convenient for accessing coastal reserves and charter services. It is roughly a 45–90 minute drive from Ica depending on route and traffic.
Main international gateway to Peru with frequent bus and private transfer connections to Ica; ground travel time is about 3.5–4.5 hours by car or bus depending on traffic. Most international travelers arrive here before continuing to Ica.
There are small airstrips in the region used for charter flights (including Nazca flights); these are primarily for tourism flights and charters rather than regular commercial service.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Most residents are mestizo (mixed indigenous and European ancestry), reflecting Peru's coastal demographic patterns.
People with Andean roots live and work in the region, contributing to cultural traditions, cuisine and local crafts.
Along the Peruvian coast there are Afro-Peruvian communities and cultural influences, particularly in music and cuisine, visible in regional festivals and local culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Ica as in the rest of Peru — local clubs, youth leagues and community matches are common and culturally significant.
Adventure sports on the dunes are hugely popular with tourists and locals; sandboarding, dune buggies and dune hiking dominate the recreational scene in the desert areas.
While Ica's main city is inland, nearby coastal towns and Paracas offer opportunities for surfing, sport fishing and related water sports.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ica.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are less ubiquitous in traditional menus; markets and cafés offer salads, fruit dishes, vegetable stews and rice-based plates. Explain dietary needs ("soy vegetariano/vegetariana") and look for restaurants that cater to tourists or offer international dishes.
Vegan and gluten-free options can be limited outside major tourist spots — rely on fresh fruits, salads, vegetable stews and simple rice or potato dishes. Carry snacks if you have strict requirements and ask staff about ingredients.
Drink bottled water and be cautious with raw foods from uncertified stalls; ceviche is safe at reputable seafood restaurants but be selective at market stalls.