Ica in a weekend: Five obligatory stops for your next getaway

300 kilometers south of Lima, Ica has established itself as one of the favorite destinations for those looking to enjoy a weekend full of sun, adventure and culture. Getting there is simple: by car or bus, the trip takes between four and five hours along the Panamericana Sur highway, a safe and well-marked route that connects directly to the city.

In recent years, tourism in Ica has shown constant growth, driven by the improvement of infrastructure, the promotion of new routes and the rise of domestic tourism. According to data from the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (DIRCETUR) – Ica, the flow of national and foreign visitors increased more than 30% in the last decade.

This growth is also reflected in the opening of new hotels, eco-lodges, sustainable tourism agencies and gastronomic ventures, which seek to offer authentic experiences without losing the local essence. The Regional Government and the provincial municipalities have announced projects to strengthen experiential tourism, in order to diversify the tourism offer.

“External tourism has increased in the Ica region because the highway benefits us a lot. We are promoting various tourist attractions that our region has”, stated Gustavo Huerta Escate, Regional Director of Tourism to Diario Correo.

“We know that sometimes we do not have the necessary budgets, but we are coordinating with private companies because they play a very important role in the development of tourism in Ica.”he added.

In this way, the private sector aims to consolidate Ica as one of the main tourist destinations in the country.

“Our commitment goes beyond connecting cities. We seek to be an engine that promotes local tourism in regions like Ica, which have great value for the country’s tourism offer. The Uber app brings travelers closer to great experiences at the touch of a button“said César Molina, general manager of Uber in Peru.

Known as the “Land of the Eternal Sun”, Ica combines desert landscapes, natural oases and a rich wine tradition that make it a must-see point for domestic and foreign tourism. Below, we present five tourist attractions that you cannot miss:

1. The Huacachina Oasis: Adventure in the middle of the desert

La Huacachina is, without a doubt, the tourist heart of Ica. This natural oasis, surrounded by gigantic dunes, is considered a jewel of the South American desert. Here you can practice sandboarding, tour the desert in tubulars (sand cars) and enjoy spectacular views during the sunset. At night, the atmosphere comes alive thanks to its bars, hostels and restaurants with live music.

📍 Location: 5 km from the center of Ica.

🕒Ideal visit time: half a day or a night.

💡Tip: wear sunglasses and sunscreen; The desert wind can stir up sand during walks.

2. The Pisco Route: Tradition and flavor

Ica is the epicenter of Peruvian pisco, and its wineries are mandatory stops to learn about the history and art behind the flagship drink. At Bodega El Catador, visitors can tour the facilities and try different types of artisanal pisco. Tacama, the oldest vineyard in South America, combines history and modernity with guided tours and a top-notch country restaurant. La Caravedo also stands out, where the renowned Pisco Portón is made, and which offers premium tasting experiences.

📍 Location: surroundings of the city of Ica.

🕒Ideal visit time: noon.

💡Tip: Most wineries offer free or low-cost tours; Reservations are recommended in high season.

3. The Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve: A natural paradise

Just one hour from Ica, in the province of Pisco, is Paracas, the starting point to the Ballestas Islands. The boat tour allows you to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans and other marine species up close. On the way you can also see the famous Paracas Candelabra, a giant geoglyph engraved in the sand.

Then, in the Paracas National Reserve, visitors enjoy impressive beaches such as Playa Roja and La Mina, as well as natural viewpoints that offer postcard-worthy landscapes.

📍 Location: Paracas, 75 km from Ica.

🕒Ideal visit time: a full day.

💡Tip: tours leave early (between 8 and 10 am); Bring a hat and windbreaker, as the sea wind can be strong.

4. The Nazca Lines: The mystery of the desert

These enigmatic geoglyphs, drawn by the Nazca culture between the 1st and 7th centuries AD, continue to fascinate the world. The figures of the hummingbird, the monkey, the spider or the dog can be observed from viewpoints, although the best experience is to fly over them in a small plane from the María Reiche Aerodrome.

📍 Location: city ​​of Nazca, 140 km south of Ica.

🕒Ideal visit time: noon.

💡Tip: flights last between 30 and 40 minutes; It is recommended to book in advance and wear light clothing.

5. The Canyon of the Lost

The ideal starting point is the city of Ica. From there, take the Panamericana Sur highway towards the district of Ocucaje, located about 40 minutes away.

Once in the town, the real adventure begins: a journey of approximately 45 kilometers along trails and sandy roads that can only be done in 4×4 trucks or with local guides.

During the journey, the landscape changes drastically: dunes, hills and rock formations accompany the path until reaching the main viewpoint, from where you can appreciate the immensity of the canyon and its depth that reaches up to 200 meters.

🌄 Tourist attractions and experiences

The Canyon of the Lost not only amazes with its natural beauty, but also with its historical and ecological value. Marine fossils and remains of prehistoric fauna have been found on its walls, witnesses that the area was covered by the sea millions of years ago. Among its main attractions are:

• The natural viewpoint, from where you can get a panoramic view of the canyon and its sedimentary layers.
• The Ica River, which in the rainy season forms small lagoons and water bodies in the interior.
• The “eye of the canyon”, a circular formation that has become one of the most photographed points.
• The trekking routes, ideal for adventure lovers looking to explore its passages and formations.

🌞 Recommendations for the traveler

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and enough water, since the tour takes place under high temperatures.
• Hire a local guide or authorized tour, as the path is not signposted.
• Visit between April and November, the ideal time to enjoy the rainless landscape.
• Respect the natural environment and do not leave waste, contributing to the conservation of the place.

With its warm climate all year round, its gastronomy based on local products and the friendliness of its people, Ica invites you to rediscover the Peruvian south. Whether for a short getaway or a longer route, this region offers a complete experience that combines nature, history and flavor.