You’ll find Ica’s best tours focused around three main attractions: the towering sand dunes of Huacachina, historic colonial sites, and local wineries. These guided excursions are practical and well-organized, with hotel pickups standard. The standout tour combines dune buggying and sandboarding – it’s thrilling and gives you the full desert experience. History buffs shouldn’t miss the plaza and museum tours, while wine enthusiasts will appreciate intimate tastings at family-run bodegas. Most tours accommodate 8-12 people and run 2-4 hours. My favorite picks include the sunset dune tours – they’re less crowded and offer spectacular photo opportunities. Budget-conscious travelers will find prices reasonable, with flexible booking options. Let’s look at the top tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- Explore the iconic Huacachina Oasis, with its stunning desert landscape, thrilling buggy rides, and serene boat rides on the palm-fringed lagoon.
- Discover Ica’s rich cultural heritage through visits to the Plaza de Armas, the historic village of Cachiche, and a regional museum showcasing local legends and civilizations.
- Indulge in Ica’s culinary delights, including tastings of artisanal Pisco and wines, and the opportunity to sample traditional Ica sweets.
- Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of tour options with free cancellation, no upfront payment, and round-trip transportation included.
- Experience a personalized and intimate tour with a maximum group size of 15 travelers, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable experience.
ICA! City Tours + Huacachina + Buggy + Sandboarding + Wine Cellar.
The thrill of adventure beckons in Ica, where the ICA! City Tours + Huacachina + Buggy + Sandboarding + Wine Cellar promises an unforgettable experience. With a 93% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour offers an exhilarating blend of activities.
Visitors will journey to the iconic Huacachina, a desert oasis, where they can hop aboard a buggy and speed through the dunes. The adrenaline rush continues with sandboarding, as they glide down the golden slopes.
The tour also includes a visit to the Witches of Cachiche and an artisan winery, where travelers can indulge in tastings of Pisco, wines, and pisco creams.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience. Pickup is available directly from hotels or the meeting point at Hotel Savilayo, making it convenient for participants.
The tour concludes at the Plaza de Armas de Ica, leaving visitors with memories of a truly immersive cultural adventure.
Read our full review: ICA! City Tours + Huacachina + Buggy + Sandboarding + Wine Cellar. Review
Book now: Check availability
ICA: City Tour of Ica and Huacachina
Explore the vibrant city of Ica and the captivating Huacachina Oasis on this comprehensive tour. Priced from just $42 per person, this 3-hour small-group experience takes you to the must-see sights, including the grand Plaza de Armas, the historic village of Cachiche, and an artisan winery for a taste of Peru’s renowned wines and Pisco.
At the Huacachina Oasis, you’ll be captivated by the palm-fringed lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes. Opt to go for a relaxing boat ride or try your hand at sandboarding down the golden slopes.
With a local guide providing insights throughout, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Ica’s rich culture and heritage. The tour includes round-trip transportation, all entrance fees, and the option to add extra activities or feeding.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the ability to reserve your spot with no upfront payment, this is a hassle-free way to discover the best of Ica and Huacachina.
Read our full review: ICA: City Tour of Ica and Huacachina Review
Book now: Check availability
Ica City Tour + Buggies & Sandboarding
This comprehensive tour offers a captivating blend of Ica’s rich cultural heritage and the thrilling adventure of dune buggies and sandboarding.
Travelers will embark on a 15-review, 100% recommended journey, earning the prestigious Badge of Excellence in Ica, Peru. Led by a licensed tour guide, the group will explore Ica’s main square and church, then venture to the town of Cachiche to learn about legendary witches.
The highlight of the tour is the Huacachina Oasis, where you will hop on dune buggies and glide across the sand, culminating in an exhilarating sandboarding experience as the sun sets over the dunes.
Included in the tour are hotel pickup and drop-off, tourist reception, transportation, and a wine-tasting excursion outside of Ica. While meals aren’t provided, the Huacachina tourist tax of S/3.60 soles per person is covered.
With a maximum group size of 15 and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a well-rounded experience at a competitive price starting from $38.50 per person.
Read our full review: Ica City Tour + Buggies & Sandboarding Review
Book now: Check availability
Ica: Private City Tour & Wine Tasting
Discover the captivating history and vibrant culture of Ica on this private city tour complemented by a delightful wine tasting experience. Priced from $47 per person, this 3-hour tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the city’s highlights.
You’ll visit the Lord of Luren church, explore the Regional Museum of Ica, and enjoy a tasting at the Tres Generaciones winery.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the origin of the iconic Pisco Sour and explore the evolution of Ica’s rich cultural heritage, including the Paracas, Nazca, Wari, Ica Chincha, and Inca civilizations.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the scenic Lake Huacachina before your tour concludes.
This private tour includes hotel pickup and is suitable for adults aged 18 and over. Keep in mind that it’s not accessible for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges.
Bring comfortable clothing, sun protection, and your passport or ID. With free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, you can book with confidence.
Read our full review: Ica: Private City Tour & Wine Tasting Review
Book now: Check availability
City Tour Ica
The City Tour Ica offers a captivating half-day excursion that showcases the vibrant highlights of this captivating city. Visitors will explore the main square, the historic Marquez house, the Santuario del Senor de Luren, and the Margarito Cake shop, where they can savor typical Ica sweets.
The tour also includes a visit to a local winery for pisco and wine tasting, as well as a trip to the Parque De Las Brujas De Cachiche and the stunning Huacachina lagoon.
Convenience is a hallmark of this tour, as participants are provided with private, air-conditioned transportation, eliminating the need for taxis. Hotel pickup is available from select locations, and the tour accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
The tour package includes pisco and wine tasting, as well as an Ica tile manufacturing workshop, making it a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Read our full review: City Tour Ica Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Ica?
The best time to visit Ica is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. Visitors can enjoy sunny, comfortable weather and a variety of outdoor activities without dealing with the region’s occasional rainfall during the wetter months.
Are There Any Accommodations Near the Top Attractions?
There are several hotels and vacation rentals located near Ica’s top attractions, such as the Huacachina Oasis and the Paracas National Reserve. Travelers can find a variety of accommodations within a short distance of these popular destinations.
What Are the Safety Precautions for the Buggy Rides?
The buggy rides typically have strict safety protocols in place. Riders must wear helmets and follow the guide’s instructions closely. Operators carefully maintain the vehicles and monitor weather conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Can I Combine the City Tour With Other Activities?
Yes, you can typically combine the city tour with other activities like visiting wineries, sand boarding, and dune buggy rides. Many tour companies offer package deals that allow you to experience multiple attractions in the area.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?
Many tour providers offer discounts for group bookings, typically ranging from 10-20% off the regular price per person. It’s worth asking about group rates when planning your city tour to see if you can get a better deal.
The Sum Up
Ica offers a variety of engaging city tours that let you explore the vibrant city, venture into the nearby Huacachina oasis, and indulge in the region’s renowned wines. Whether you prefer a guided tour, buggies and sandboarding, or a private wine tasting, there’s something to suit every traveler’s interests. With so much to see and do, Ica is a must-visit destination on any Peru itinerary.