Ica · Peru
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.
113 experiences Free cancellation Top-rated tours Instant booking
Sunset tours in Ica
Departures that are under way when the sun sets in the coming weeks — start times checked against the local sunset.
Good for families in Ica
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
Browse
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.
What to see
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.
15 toursView tours
Dune Buggy
Sand & speed.
15 toursView tours
Ballestas Islands
Sea lions & birds.
10 toursView tours
Nazca Lines
Ancient geoglyphs.
10 toursView tours
Wine & Pisco
Desert vineyards.
10 toursView tours
Sandboarding
Surf the dunes.
10 toursView tours
Paracas Reserve
Desert & sea.
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Ica Vineyards
Wine & pisco.
10 toursView tours
5 min awayHuacachina Oasis
Desert lagoon.
from €20View trips
Dunes awayDune Buggy
Sand & speed.
from €22View trips
1 hr awayBallestas Islands
Sea lions & birds.
from €20View trips
Flight awayNazca Lines
Ancient geoglyphs.
from €90View trips
Ica Valley awayWine & Pisco
Desert vineyards.
from €30View trips
1 hr awayParacas Reserve
Desert & sea.
from €30View trips
Practical guide
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.
When to visit
Ica through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
Dec–Feb
- Best for
- Hot & sunny.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Busy.
Autumn (Mar–May)
Mar–May
- Best for
- Warm & calm.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Jun–Aug
- Best for
- Clear nights.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Mild.
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Sep–Nov
- Best for
- Quiet & warm.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Best.
People also ask
Ica travel FAQ
What are the best tours in Ica?
The highest-rated experiences are a Huacachina dune-buggy and sandboarding tour, a Ballestas Islands boat trip, a Nazca Lines flight, and a wine and pisco tasting.
What should I book in advance in Ica?
Reserve dune-buggy tours, Ballestas Islands boats and Nazca Lines flights ahead, especially in the January peak.
How many days do I need in Ica?
One day covers the oasis and dunes, and two to three let you add the Ballestas Islands, wineries and a Nazca Lines flight.
Is Ica worth visiting?
Yes — the Huacachina oasis, thrilling dune adventures, the Ballestas Islands and the Nazca Lines make it a highlight of southern Peru.
When is the best time to visit Ica?
Ica is warm and dry year-round; April to November is quieter, while summer brings the hottest dune days.
What is Huacachina?
A tiny natural desert oasis with a palm-fringed lagoon, ringed by giant dunes just outside Ica.
How do you see the Nazca Lines from Ica?
On a scenic light-aircraft flight from Nazca or Pisco; some tours depart from the Ica area.
113 Ica experiencesfrom €18 · free cancellation
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