Ica: Oasis, desert landscape and cultural heritage

Ica offers striking contrasts: emerald-green water in a desert oasis, islands shaped by erosion, ancient geoglyphs and a lively Pisco tradition. These themes also offer different ways to plan your holiday. Consider whether you’re most interested in discovering landscapes, archaeological culture, active experiences, or wine and Pisco production. This will help you plan your trip and choose a suitable holiday rental in Ica as a starting point.

Desert oasis and sculpted islands

The Laguna de Huacachina is an oasis with emerald-green water. Desert, dunes and vegetation surround the lagoon, with a promenade along its shore. The water, plants and surrounding dunes create a striking combination of landscapes. The lagoon has been designated the Área de Conservación Regional Laguna de Huacachina. Nature and landscape enthusiasts will find a special contrast here to the dry surroundings.

The Islas Ballestas also show how water can shape a landscape. The group consists of three islands with arch-shaped landforms created by marine erosion. Water transport is available for tourist trips to the islands. The islands offer a different way to experience the landscape than the dunes around Huacachina: here, the focus is on the arches shaped by erosion.

Active adventures in the Reserva Nacional de Paracas

In the Reserva Nacional de Paracas, the northern tourist circuit covers 26 kilometres. It can be travelled by bicycle or ATV. The distance is a practical point of reference when considering whether this active outing fits your travel plans. If you’re travelling with children, it’s worth treating the route as a separate activity and discussing in advance whether the chosen mode of transport is suitable for your family.

The circuit is a different way to experience the region than a trip to the Islas Ballestas or a visit to the oasis. You can decide whether you’d rather spend an active day on a longer route or focus on nature and scenery. You can choose a holiday rental to suit the priorities you set for your stay; don’t assume specific distances between the experiences.

Nasca culture and archaeological sites

The Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Pampas de Jumana form a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site. They have been preserved for more than two millennia as a highly symbolic cultural landscape. The geoglyphs depict living creatures, stylised plants and imaginary beings; they also include geometric figures stretching for several kilometres. The variety of motifs gives a visit its own cultural focus.

Peru’s national cultural heritage also includes the Centro Ceremonial Cahuachi. This archaeological site is associated with the Nasca culture. Its central area includes several truncated adobe pyramids. This architectural form sets Cahuachi apart from the expansive lines and figures of the Nasca geoglyphs. If you’re interested in archaeology, you can include these two subjects in your travel plans as different facets of cultural history.

Pisco, wine and cellar tradition

Bodega El Catador is a family-run winery that produces Pisco and wine. The visitor experience includes a visit to the vineyard as well as an area for tastings. This combines an insight into winegrowing with the opportunity to learn about the products. It’s a good option for your trip if, alongside landscapes and culture, you’re also interested in local wine and Pisco production.

Bodega Vitivinicola Finca 314 has another special story to tell: it preserves the original infrastructure of a winery dating back to 1821 and a family tradition of artisanal Pisco production spanning more than 190 years. The year and the long family tradition make the winery a cultural attraction alongside what El Catador offers visitors. You can decide whether to focus on a tasting and the vineyard or on the history of artisanal production.

Discover Ica’s subregions

If you’d like to narrow down your search for a suitable stay, you can also visit the individual subregions listed on this page. The overview includes Puerto Caballas, Chincha Alta, Paracas, Nazca, Ica, Sunampe, El Carmen, Pueblo Nuevo, Cerro Prieto and Palpa. This lets you link your accommodation search to the part of Ica that best suits the experiences you’re interested in.

Back to the main travel overview: Peru.