The dunes of the Ica desert, with their imposing golden color, are the main attraction of this beautiful place. You can climb them in buggies and admire the beauty of the desert from above, as well as practice a bit of sandboarding.
Another must-do activity is to go see the fascinating Nazca geoglyphs, as well as visit the Pisco wineries and the Huacachina oasis, the only one of its kind in Latin America.
Do you like sunny and sandy days? Then don’t miss the beaches of Paracas, located just over an hour away by car.
The Ica Desert offers a perfect getaway for lovers of adventure and tranquility.
Immerse yourself in a world of contrasts and surprises in the Ica desert, a destination that captivates with its beauty and uniqueness.
In this article, we will explain how to get to this tourist attraction located south of the city of Lima, and we will present some details about its natural and cultural wealth.
Plan your visit in advance
The Ica Desert is located about 300 kilometers south of the city of Lima. Remember that at SKY we fly directly to Jorge Chávez International Airport from Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Mexico and other countries, so we can be your allies on this ideal getaway.
Once you are in the capital, you have the option of going to the La Victoria bus terminal, where various transport companies have scheduled departures to Ica every day and at all hours of the day. The trip costs about 40 soles (almost 11 USD) and lasts approximately five hours.
Another alternative is to rent a car and take the Pan-American Highway south if you like to go at your own pace and take in the scenery. It couldn’t be easier.
A forewarned traveler is worth two
The number of tourists visiting Ica usually increases significantly in the summer, during the Grape Harvest Festival, and in October, for the festivities of the Lord of Luren and the Virgin of Yauca. There’s nothing worse than not getting tickets or a hotel, right? So make sure you plan your visit.
Explore the dunes on an exciting buggy adventure
Now, let’s start with the exciting adventures that the Ica desert offers and the first of them is to get on a 4×4 buggy specially designed to go up and down many of its dunes. The best part is when they stop at the top to appreciate the incredible views. Have your camera ready to record one of the most impressive ICA desert tours!
Our advice: these types of tours are offered everywhere. Don’t accept the first offer you get, as they will probably try to overcharge you. Go to the buggy parking area on your own and negotiate directly there, this way you are more likely to get a fair price.
Practice sandboarding in the impressive dunes of Huacachina
Sandboarding is a fun activity that you can do in the dunes of Ica. Like snowboarding, sandboarding involves sliding down the dunes on a board specially designed for this purpose. It may seem scary, but trust us, it’s quite the opposite.
Part of doing local tourism in Peru is living incredible experiences like this, and those who let their fears get the better of them when it comes to sandboarding end up regretting it later. After all, it is not necessary to have experience, and both children and adults can enjoy it equally.
Discover the mysterious geoglyphs of Nazca from a plane flight
Here we are going to go all out. Also known as the Nazca Lines, they are a set of fascinating pre-Columbian geoglyphs that cover almost 1,000 km2 and are made up of around 800 different designs: straight lines, zigzags, spirals, and animals, among others.
It is known that they were made by the Nazca culture, who occupied the region between 200 BC and 800 AD, and to do so they removed the dark stones from the ground, leaving a layer of plaster exposed.
Of course, this is the best way to see the geoglyphs of the Ica desert, but they can also be seen from nearby hills or strategically located observation towers.
Visit the Pisco wineries
The Pisco wineries in the Ica Desert are the jewel in the crown of the Peruvian wine region. Set amid arid, sun-drenched landscapes, these wineries produce the famous grape brandy that is the heart of Peruvian cocktails and offer a unique experience for lovers of good drinks.
Come and enjoy guided tours of the facilities, participate in Pisco tastings, and learn about the production process of this traditional drink. If you want to get to know Peru at its best, this is an activity in Ica that you definitely cannot miss.
Relax on the pristine beaches of Paracas
75 km away from the Ica desert (1 hour and 15 minutes by car) are the paradisiacal beaches of Paracas, which are part of the Paracas National Reserve, the oldest in the country, and captivate with their intact natural beauty: white sand, turquoise waters, and majestic cliffs.
Some of the best beaches in Paracas are La Mina beach, one of the most visited in summer for its beautiful scenery; Red beach, with its characteristic red sand due to the volcanic rock; and El Chaco beach, from where boats leave for the nearby Ballestas Islands.
Watch the sunset over the oasis of Huacachina
The Huacachina oasis is a hidden gem in the middle of the Ica desert. Built around a small lake, framed by lush green palm trees and surrounded by the imposing dunes of Ica reminiscent of the Sahara, it offers a unique visual spectacle in the morning and at sunset.
Activities offered in this picturesque town include taking a rowboat on the lake, going for a buggy ride, hiking, and sandboarding. The oasis of Ica is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous restaurants, bars, and party hostels.
Coming to Huacachina is the perfect way to end your adventures in the Ica desert with a flourish. Beyond having fun or simply relaxing, we recommend that you stay at least one night in one of the hotels in this oasis so that you can live the full experience.
Visit the Ica desert with SKY
Once you have reached this point, there is no doubt that discovering the Ica desert is immersing yourself in a world of contrasts and unparalleled beauty, and if you also want to live this experience, do not forget to plan your getaway in advance to make the most of it.
