Things to Do in Ica and Huacachina: A Guide to What You Can't Miss

You can visit Ica all year round thanks to its desert climate, with sunny days and little rain. That said, the best months to visit Ica, Huacachina and the surrounding area are May to November, when temperatures are more pleasant and the winds tend to be gentler.

During the Peruvian summer (December to March), the weather is hotter and drier, ideal if you're after sun, though the high temperatures can make some tours feel more intense, especially on the dunes.

If you're planning to fly over the Nazca Lines, it's also best to do it between May and November, when the weather is more stable and clear skies improve visibility.

👉 If you're putting together a full trip through Peru, don't miss our complete guide to Cusco.

The easiest and most comfortable way to get to Ica from Lima is by bus, and the trip takes 4 to 5 hours. We did it with Cruz del Sur, a company we found safe and reliable.

Another option, if you want more freedom, is to rent a car in Lima and drive yourself. The road is easy and well signposted, with spectacular views of the desert and the Peruvian coast. Having your own car also gives you a lot of flexibility for getting around Ica, Huacachina, Paracas and Nazca without relying on tours or local transportation.

👉 Book your car in Lima at a discount here

Planning your trip through southern Peru and wondering what to do in Ica? There's a huge amount to see in this region: dunes, oases, hidden canyons, wild beaches, islands full of wildlife and even mysterious lines in the desert. Here are our favorite things to do in and around Ica, with real experiences and recommendations you'll find useful.

1. Visit the Ica desert and the Huacachina oasis

The Ica desert lies right next to the city of Ica and is famous for its vast golden sand dunes and its uniquely peaceful atmosphere. In the heart of the desert is Huacachina, an oasis surrounded by palm trees and enormous dunes. Local legend says the lagoon formed when a young princess wept for her lost love, and her tears filled the hollow where the oasis sits today.

In the desert you can:

• Take a buggy and sandboarding tour across the dunes (one of the most fun experiences of the trip).
  👉 Book your buggy tour of the Huacachina desert
• Walk up one of the tallest dunes, like the one behind the Wild Olive restaurant, to watch the sunrise with amazing views.
• Sleep under the stars at a luxury glamping site in the middle of the desert (we found out about it too late, but we highly recommend it!).
  👉 Check out this desert camp option and book here

2. Explore the Cañón de los Perdidos

About 2 hours from Ica, the Cañón de los Perdidos is a real find that few tourists know about. Its walls reach 200 m (656 ft) high, and it's ideal for people who enjoy nature and hiking.

We took a tour that included:

• An early start with a stop for breakfast.
• A walk inside the canyon, past three lagoons.
• A stretch along the top of the canyon for amazing panoramic views.

👉 See the Cañón de los Perdidos tour here and book your spot

3. Tour Ica's vineyards and wineries

Did you know Ica is one of Peru's main producers of pisco and wine? If you like food and drink, one of the best things to do in Ica is to visit:

• The Museo del Pisco, to learn more about the national drink.
• Vineyards like Tacama, El Catador or Bodega Vista Alegre, where you can do tastings and guided tours.

Some tours combine several wineries in one day.

👉 Book a wine and pisco tour from Ica

4. Take a day trip to the Paracas National Reserve

Just an hour and a half from Ica is the Paracas National Reserve, an impressive natural refuge known for its contrasting desert and sea landscapes and its rich biodiversity.

What to see in Paracas:

• The Islas Ballestas (Ballestas Islands), home to Humboldt penguins, sea lions, flamingos and other seabirds.
• Beaches like La Mina and Playa Roja, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
• Walks or 4x4 tours along the reserve's cliffs and viewpoints.

👉 Day trip from Ica to Paracas and the Islas Ballestas
👉 Full 3-day tour: Ica, Paracas and the Nazca Lines

5. Fly over the Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines are one of the biggest attractions near Ica. Just a few hours from the city, these figures in the desert are a World Heritage Site and an archaeological mystery that has fascinated the world. These gigantic lines and geoglyphs, which depict animals, geometric shapes and human beings, can only be fully appreciated from the air, so the best way to see them is on a flight in a small plane.

The Nazca Lines are believed to have been created by the Nazca civilization more than 1,500 years ago, but their purpose remains a puzzle. Some scholars think they served astronomical or ritual purposes, while others consider them ceremonial paths.

You can book the flight over the Nazca Lines here.

If you're planning a trip through southern Peru, choosing the right place to stay can make a big difference, especially if you want to enjoy the oasis, the desert or the Paracas Reserve at your own pace. Here are our recommendations by area:

🏜️ Huacachina: sleep in the oasis

For a unique experience surrounded by dunes, it's best to stay right in the Huacachina oasis. There are options with a pool and a great atmosphere:

• Hotel El Huacachinero: ideal for relaxing after the buggy tour.
• Banana's Adventure: a classic among travelers, with a pool, a bar and views of the dunes.

🏙️ Downtown Ica: quieter and better connected

If you'd rather stay in downtown Ica, there are options with better access to transportation and slightly lower prices:

• Hotel Las Dunas: a more full-service hotel, with a big pool and family-friendly services.
• Hotel Boutique La Angostura: comfortable and well reviewed, in a quiet area.

🌊 Paracas: to enjoy the sea and the Reserve

If you want to spend more time on the coast and explore the Paracas National Reserve, it's best to stay right there:

• Atoq Paracas Reserva: minimalist and modern, with an excellent location.
• The Legend Paracas Resort: with a sea view and a pool for resting after exploring the reserve.

What can you do in Ica in 1 day?
You can visit the Huacachina oasis, take a buggy tour across the dunes and end the day with a wine or pisco at a local winery.

When is the best time to go to Ica?
The best time is May to November, when there's less wind and temperatures are more pleasant.

Are the Nazca Lines worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you're interested in history and archaeology. You can take a flight from Nazca or from Pisco.