Huacachina gets most of the attention when people talk about Ica, but the city and its valley have much more to offer than dunes. Much of Peru’s pisco tradition was born here, along with centuries-old estates, museums with ancient artifacts, and a cuisine that deserves a chapter of its own. If you have a free day or afternoon, Ica will surprise you. In this guide, we tell you what to do beyond the oasis.
Ica, land of pisco and wine
If there is one thing that defines Ica, it is its winemaking tradition. The valley is one of the country’s major producers of pisco and wine, and visiting its wineries is the best way to understand that heritage. A typical visit includes a tour of the vineyards and facilities, an explanation of the production process, and, of course, a tasting of piscos, wines, and cachinas.
There are wineries for every taste. Among the most iconic is Tacama, whose origins date back to 1540 and which is recognized as one of the oldest vineyards in South America; its colonial estate and expansive vineyards are picture-perfect. Another classic stop is Vista Alegre, with more than a century and a half of history. And to discover the more traditional side, artisanal wineries such as El Catador, Nietto, and Lazo show how pisco is made by hand while preserving techniques from the past. Lazo winery also houses an unusual museum in its old cellar, featuring collectible pieces from different periods.
A practical tip: most wineries are just a few minutes from the city, and many are closed on Mondays, so it is a good idea to plan your visit. Touring a winery in the afternoon and ending the day watching the sunset from the dunes is a combination that works wonderfully.
Pisco and wine tastings: an experience for the senses
Beyond the tour itself, the tasting is the heart of the visit. You will try different varieties of pisco, from puro to acholado, as well as wines and traditional cachina, a sweet grape must that is very typical of Ica. The guides explain how to appreciate each drink and the differences between them, turning the tasting into a short lesson about Peru’s national spirit. It is an ideal experience for taking home a flavorful memory and, while you are at it, a few bottles as well.
Culture and history in the city
Ica also has a cultural side that is well worth discovering. The Ica Regional Museum is its main cultural landmark, with collections ranging from the pre-Hispanic Paracas and Nazca cultures to the colonial period; its textiles, ceramics, and funerary bundles offer a journey into the region’s past. In the city center, the Plaza de Armas, its churches, and the traditional atmosphere invite you to enjoy a relaxed walk and discover the Ica locals have always known.
Nature and the surrounding area
The Ica Valley is a fertile oasis surrounded by desert, and that geography creates beautiful landscapes. The expansive vineyards, the Ica countryside, and nearby rural areas are perfect for those who enjoy natural surroundings and want to see another side of the region beyond the dunes. Many winery tours pass directly through these countryside landscapes.
Ica cuisine: what to try
You should not leave Ica without enjoying its food. The local cuisine is flavorful and hearty, with dishes such as carapulcra with sopa seca, an Ica classic that combines stewed dried potatoes with seasoned noodles. And for something sweet, Ica is famous for its tejas and chocotejas, chocolates filled with dulce de leche and nuts that have become a must-buy souvenir. Ica’s sweets, along with its pisco, are among those flavors you remember long after the trip is over.
Recommended places to visit in Ica
- Tacama Winery, the oldest winemaking estate, with vineyards and a historical tour.
- Vista Alegre Winery, a traditional winery with more than 150 years of history.
- Artisanal wineries such as El Catador, Nietto, and Lazo, where you can see how pisco is made by hand.
- Ica Regional Museum, with artifacts from the Paracas and Nazca cultures.
- Plaza de Armas and the historic center, perfect for a walk through the city.
- The Ica countryside and its vineyards, ideal for enjoying the valley scenery.
When to go and how much time to spend
With half a day, you can combine a winery visit with sunset at the dunes; with a full day, you can add a museum, the city center, and a good Ica-style meal. If your trip takes place in March, you will be there during the grape harvest season, when some wineries recreate the traditional grape-stomping process, a special experience. Keep in mind that several wineries are closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Discover the best of Ica with Incredible Peru Tours
Ica has a lot to offer, and making the most of it comes down to organizing your trip with people who know the area. At Incredible Peru Tours, we design your itinerary through the wineries, the pisco route, and the city’s most authentic corners, coordinating visits, tastings, and transportation so all you have to do is enjoy the experience.
