From Lima: Full Day Ica

Exploring the vibrant city of Ica from Lima is a captivating day trip that blends cultural heritage with natural wonder. Visitors will uncover the historic main square, marvel at the Senor de Luren Sanctuary, and indulge in tastings at a local winery. But the real highlight lies in the thrilling adventures awaiting at the Huacachina oasis, where adrenaline-fueled dune rides and sandboarding promise an unforgettable experience. This immersive tour offers a seamless balance of activities, promising an enriching journey for those seeking to discover the unique charms of Ica beyond Lima’s city limits.

Good To Know

• Explore the historic main square and Senor de Luren Sanctuary in Ica on a full-day excursion from Lima.
• Experience the natural wonder of Huacachina oasis with dune rides and sandboarding activities.
• Indulge in a wine tasting at a local vineyard, sampling Peruvian pisco, wine, and other spirits.
• Enjoy personalized attention in small groups for an immersive cultural and natural experience.
• Convenient round-trip transfers from Lima and lunch included in the tour package.

Tour Highlights

The full-day Ica excursion from Lima offers a diverse range of highlights, including the historic main square, the grand Senor de Luren Sanctuary, and the captivating Huacachina oasis.

After a city tour, travelers will have the opportunity to explore the Huacachina dunes, riding ROVs and sandboarding down the golden slopes.

The tour also includes a visit to a local winery, where guests can sample Peruvian pisco, wine, and other spirits.

With personalized attention in a small group setting, this excursion promises an immersive and memorable experience in the heart of Ica’s natural and cultural wonders.

Itinerary Overview

Early morning, the group departs Lima for the 4-hour 30-minute drive to Ica.

Upon arrival, they’ll explore the city’s main square and historic sites.

Next, they’ll venture to the Huacachina oasis, a desert lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes. Here, they’ll ride dunes on a ROV (remote-operated vehicle) and try their hand at sandboarding.

The tour then takes them to a local vineyard for a wine tasting experience, offering a chance to sample pisco, wine, and other spirits.

Lunch is included, and the day concludes with the return trip to Lima, where the tour ends at the original meeting point.

Included Activities

During the full-day excursion, travelers embark on a captivating tour of Ica’s highlights.

The journey includes:

• Exploring the picturesque main square and historic sites in the city
• Visiting the Senor de Luren Sanctuary, a renowned religious landmark
• Discovering the serene Huacachina oasis, a natural wonder surrounded by towering sand dunes
• Thrilling dune rides using ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) and the chance to try sandboarding
• Indulging in a wine tasting experience at a local vineyard, savoring pisco, wine, and spirits

These diverse activities offer a well-rounded experience, allowing travelers to enjoy the rich cultural and natural offerings of the Ica region.

Pricing and Inclusions

The tour’s pricing and inclusions offer excellent value for travelers. For a starting price of $211, the full-day Ica tour from Lima includes round-trip transfers, lunch, tastings of pisco, wine, and spirits, and the necessary equipment for sandboarding.

Plus, the tour covers the tourism tax of S/. 3.60. With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, travelers can book with confidence.

The inclusions provide a comprehensive experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy the region’s cultural and natural wonders without worrying about additional costs.

Meeting and Pickup

Travellers are required to meet at the Cruz del Sur bus station in Lima for the commencement of the full-day Ica tour. It’s mandatory to present the original passport or identity card before boarding the bus. The tour concludes back at the original meeting point, ensuring a seamless round-trip experience.

• The pickup location is easily accessible, situated in the heart of Lima.

• Arriving early is recommended to avoid delays and ensure a prompt departure.

• Guests are advised to have their identification documents ready for a smooth check-in process.

• The return to the starting point at the end of the tour provides convenience for travellers.

• Tour operators prioritize safety and organization, making the meeting and pickup process efficient.

Traveler Reviews

Reviewers have overwhelmingly praised the full-day Ica tour, awarding it an impressive 4.5-star rating based on 7 reviews.

Positive comments highlight the fun activities, the guide’s friendliness, and the overall enjoyable experience. Travelers particularly enjoyed the dune rides, sandboarding, and wine tasting.

Though the tour generally received excellent feedback, some suggestions for improvement include better time management during the city tour and lunch.

Winery Visit

The winery visit offers travelers a chance to explore Ica’s rich wine heritage.

Visitors will explore the vineyards and learn about the region’s wine-making process from knowledgeable guides. The tasting experience allows guests to sample a variety of local wines, including the renowned Pisco, Peru’s national spirit.

Highlights of the visit include:

• Guided tour through the wine cellar and production facilities
• Informative explanation of the unique terroir and grape varietals
• Opportunity to savor the complex flavors of Ica’s award-winning wines
• Pisco tasting, showcasing the distinct aromas and characteristics of this iconic Peruvian liquor
• Time to browse the on-site shop for souvenirs and bottle purchases

Dune Adventures

Amidst the vast, golden dunes of Ica’s Huacachina oasis, visitors can embark on thrilling dune adventures.

They’ll ride aboard specialized ROVs, soaring up and down the towering sand slopes. The exhilarating experience offers breathtaking views and a true adrenaline rush.

Afterward, visitors can try their hand at sandboarding, gliding down the dunes on specially-designed boards. This unique activity provides a fun and memorable way to explore the desert landscape.

The combination of dune rides and sandboarding makes for an unforgettable adventure, allowing travelers to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Ica’s iconic oasis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour overview, the inclusions cover lunch, wine and spirit tastings. Guests are not expressly prohibited from bringing their own food and drinks, but it’s not mentioned as an option either. The focus seems to be on the provided meals and tastings.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes for the various activities. Layers are advised as the temperature can fluctuate throughout the day.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Activities?

There are no age restrictions for the activities on this tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, and children are welcome to participate in the dune rides and sandboarding under the supervision of their parents or guardians.

Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Bus?

There is no mention of Wi-Fi availability on the bus in the provided information. The tour details focus on the excursion activities and inclusions, but do not specify if Wi-Fi is provided during the bus transportation.

Can I Purchase Additional Items During the Winery Visit?

Visitors can purchase additional wine, spirits, or other souvenirs during the winery visit. The tour includes a tasting, but travelers are welcome to buy any extra items they’d like to take home from the cellar’s selection.

The Sum Up

Exploring the historic Ica region from Lima promises an unforgettable day filled with cultural and natural wonders. Visitors will discover the charming main square, the Senor de Luren Sanctuary, and the breathtaking Huacachina oasis. Thrilling activities like ROV rides and sandboarding on stunning dunes, along with a visit to a local winery for Pisco and wine tastings, create a truly immersive and memorable experience.