Ica Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Ica tours and things to do in Peru’s desert south: race the giant dunes by buggy and sandboard around the Huacachina oasis, sail to the wildlife-packed Ballestas Islands off Paracas, fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines, and taste wine and pisco at historic desert vineyards. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Ica by interest
Whatever brings you to Ica — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Ica
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Huacachina Oasis
Desert lagoon.
Dune Buggy
Sand & speed.
Ballestas Islands
Sea lions & birds.
Nazca Lines
Ancient geoglyphs.
Wine & Pisco
Desert vineyards.
Sandboarding
Surf the dunes.
Paracas Reserve
Desert & sea.
Ica Vineyards
Wine & pisco.
5 min awayHuacachina Oasis
Desert lagoon.
Dunes awayDune Buggy
Sand & speed.
1 hr awayBallestas Islands
Sea lions & birds.
Flight awayNazca Lines
Ancient geoglyphs.
Ica Valley awayWine & Pisco
Desert vineyards.
1 hr awayParacas Reserve
Desert & sea.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Ica visitor asks before booking.
Summer (Dec–Mar)
Hot, sunny days — perfect for the dunes.
Peak
Peruvian holidays in January are busiest.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Warm days and cooler, clear nights.
For the coast
Paracas can be breezy and cool by the sea.
Shoulder
Autumn and spring are pleasant and quieter.
Best overall
Any month works; April to November is quieter.
One day
The oasis and a dune-buggy tour.
Two days
Add the Ballestas Islands and wine.
Three+ days
Add a Nazca Lines flight.
For adventure
Dune buggies and sandboarding.
For wildlife
The Ballestas Islands boat trip.
For foodies
The wineries and pisco bodegas.
By taxi
Taxis reach Huacachina in five minutes.
On foot
Huacachina and central Ica are walkable.
By tour van
Tours include transport to Paracas and Nazca.
By buggy
Dune buggies explore the surrounding sand.
Where to stay
Stay in Huacachina for the oasis and dunes.
Peruvian sol
Peru uses the sol; carry some cash.
Dune buggies
Book an afternoon tour for the sunset.
Ballestas
Morning boats have the calmest sea.
Nazca flights
Fly early to avoid midday turbulence.
Wineries
Try a pisco sour at a historic bodega.
Sun & sand
Bring sunscreen, water and a scarf for dust.
Sandboarding
Wear closed shoes and expect sandy clothes.
Dune buggies
Sunset tours fill up — book ahead.
Ballestas trips
Morning boats fill up — reserve early.
Nazca flights
Limited seats fill up — book ahead.
Winery tours
Small-group tastings fill up — reserve early.
Huacachina stays
Oasis rooms fill up — book ahead.
Holiday peak
January is busiest — book far ahead.
Dune buggy
Around €22 for a buggy and sandboarding tour.
Ballestas
About €20 for a boat trip from Paracas.
Nazca flight
Roughly €90 for a scenic flight.
Winery tour
Around €30 for a wine and pisco tasting.
Oasis tour
From €20 for a Huacachina visit.
How to save
Combine the oasis, dunes and wine in one tour.
Ica through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Hot & sunny.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Busy.
- Best for
- Warm & calm.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great.
- Best for
- Clear nights.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Mild.
- Best for
- Quiet & warm.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Best.