Ica

Day Trips

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.

After an early breakfast, embark on a journey to Nazca, located about two hours from Ica. Once you arrive, take a small plane ride to get a bird's eye view of the mysterious Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor. Witness iconic figures like the hummingbird and monkey, and feel the awe of seeing these ancient wonders from above.

Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch in Nazca, perhaps trying a local specialty like 'pachamanca', cooked underground with hot stones. After lunch, visit the Nazca Lines Museum to learn about the history and theories surrounding these enigmatic figures. Take some time to explore the town and shop for unique souvenirs before heading back to Ica.

Return to Ica in the early evening and unwind at your accommodation. After a short rest, head out for dinner at a local pizzeria that offers a twist on traditional flavors. Finish your evening by enjoying a movie at a nearby cinema or relaxing at a cafe with a good book.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast featuring fresh fruits and local pastries before heading to one of the renowned vineyards in the Ica region. Experience a guided tour of the vineyard, learning about the history of Pisco production and the grape varieties used. Participate in a tasting session, savoring the rich flavors of different Pisco types and understanding the nuances of this iconic Peruvian spirit.

After the vineyard tour, enjoy a leisurely lunch at the vineyard's restaurant, where you can pair traditional dishes with local wines. Spend the afternoon touring another vineyard or distillery, where you can observe the Pisco-making process firsthand and meet the artisans behind this beloved drink. Engage in discussions about the significance of Pisco in Peruvian culture while enjoying scenic views of the grape fields.

Return to Ica in the evening and relax at your hotel before heading out for dinner. Choose a restaurant that offers a variety of Peruvian dishes, allowing you to explore regional flavors beyond just Pisco. After dinner, stroll through the town and visit a local artisan market to purchase handmade crafts as souvenirs.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a trip to a nearby rural community, where you can experience the traditional way of life. Meet local artisans and farmers, and learn about their crafts and agricultural practices while enjoying the stunning landscapes. Participate in a hands-on workshop, such as pottery or weaving, guided by skilled local craftspeople.

Indulge in a homemade lunch prepared by the community, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. After lunch, explore the community further, visiting local schools and learning about their educational initiatives and challenges. Engage in conversations with residents to understand their customs, traditions, and daily life.

Return to Ica as the sun sets, reflecting on the enriching experiences of the day. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps opting for a dish you learned to make during your cultural immersion. End the night with a quiet walk, contemplating the contrast between rural and urban life in Peru.

Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at your hotel, then head directly to the serene oasis of Huacachina. Spend your morning lounging by the lagoon, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and enjoying the stunning landscape. Consider renting a pedal boat for a leisurely ride on the water, surrounded by palm trees and sand dunes.

For lunch, savor a meal at a restaurant overlooking the lagoon, enjoying local dishes while taking in the beautiful views. Afterward, relax on the beach or explore the surrounding dunes at your own pace, perhaps trying your hand at sandboarding again. Capture the picturesque scenery with photography, preserving the memories of your tranquil day.

As evening approaches, find a scenic spot to watch the sunset over the dunes, a truly magical experience. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, feasting on grilled meats and fresh salads. After dinner, relax under the stars, perhaps with a drink in hand, as you reflect on your day of relaxation in the oasis.

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before setting off for a day trip to the Ballestas Islands, often dubbed the 'Galapagos of Peru.' Upon arrival, embark on a boat tour to explore the islands, where you can observe diverse wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, and various bird species. Take in the stunning coastal views and marvel at the dramatic rock formations that define the islands.

After the boat tour, enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach or at a nearby seaside restaurant, relishing the fresh catch of the day. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun, or exploring the nearby coastal cliffs and caves. Consider a swim in the ocean, or simply enjoy the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.

Return to Ica in the evening and freshen up before heading out for dinner. Choose a restaurant that specializes in seafood, where you can enjoy dishes inspired by the ocean. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the beachfront, reflecting on the beauty of Peru's natural landscapes.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out to explore the historical sites of Ica, starting with the impressive Templo del Señor de Luren. This beautiful church is an important pilgrimage site and features stunning architecture and intricate woodwork. Take time to appreciate the local art and history that is showcased within its walls.

For lunch, indulge in a meal at a local eatery that serves traditional Ican dishes, sampling the flavors of this unique region. Continue your historical exploration by visiting the ancient ruins of the Inca city of Ocucaje, where you can learn about the archaeological significance of this site. Enrich your understanding of Ica's history by visiting the nearby pre-Columbian cemeteries.

As evening falls, return to Ica and dine at a restaurant that specializes in a fusion of traditional and modern Peruvian cuisine. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps sample a cocktail made with local Pisco. Wrap up your day with a visit to a local cultural performance, where you can experience traditional music and dance.

Start your final day in Ica with breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh juices and pastries. Set off to explore the nearby Paracas National Reserve, marveling at the diverse ecosystems, including coastal areas, deserts, and marine life. Stop by the Interpretation Center to learn about the area’s unique flora and fauna.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the scenic viewpoints in the reserve, taking in the breathtaking landscapes that surround you. After lunch, explore more of the reserve, perhaps taking a guided hike to see some of the native wildlife up close. Capture the stunning vistas and the rich biodiversity through photography.

Return to Ica in the evening and enjoy a farewell dinner at your favorite restaurant from the trip, relishing the flavors of Peruvian cuisine one last time. Reflect on your experiences and the memories made during your journey. End the night with a leisurely stroll through the town, bidding farewell to Ica and its welcoming people.