From Ica: Wine, pisco and dune buggy experience

From Ica: Wine, Pisco and Dune Buggy Experience
Location: Ica Region, Peru
Country: Peru
Rating: 4.8
Price: $54 per person
Supplier: Inspires Viagens

A day in Ica blending wine tastings and desert thrills
This tour kicks off from Ica, with a convenient pickup that includes Huacachina and nearby areas. For $54, you’ll spend around 7 hours diving into Peru’s iconic Pisco and wine culture, then switching gears for adrenaline-fueled sandboarding and buggy rides across the Huacachina Desert.

What we love about this experience is how perfectly it combines relaxing winery visits—where you can learn about the production process and taste local spirits—with exciting desert adventures. The visit to two different wineries offers a chance to compare industrial versus artisanal production, giving a richer sense of Peruvian wine and Pisco craftsmanship. Plus, the sandboarding in the dunes is not just fun but offers some incredible photo ops of vast, shifting sands and the towering dunes that surround Huacachina.

One potential consideration is the timing—this tour is quite packed, so if you’re looking for a slow day or wish to linger longer at each stop, it might feel a bit rushed. Also, some of the visits require extra tickets at around S/25 or S/15, which aren’t included in the basic price, so budget accordingly.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate a mix of culinary culture and adventure—perfect for those wanting to see the best of Ica’s wine scene and get their adrenaline fix in the desert.

Key Points

• Diverse experiences: Combines wine and Pisco tastings with dune buggy rides and sandboarding.
• Local flavor: Visits both industrial and artisanal vineyards, offering insights into different production methods.
• Active adventure: Thrilling desert ride with stops for photos and sandboarding — a must for adventure lovers.
• Authentic insights: Guided tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at wine and Pisco making.
• Flexible timing: Reserve now, pay later, with cancellation possible up to 24 hours in advance.
• Value for money: At $54, the tour offers a well-rounded day of tasting, sightseeing, and fun.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A detailed look at what makes this tour a standout experience in Ica

Starting the day with convenient pickups and a warm welcome

The tour begins at 11:00 AM with pickups from Ica, Huacachina, and surrounding areas, making it hassle-free to join. This initial step is practical, especially for travelers staying in the region rather than navigating on your own. The group sizes tend to be comfortable, fostering a friendly atmosphere without feeling crowded.

Visiting vineyards—an inside look at Peruvian wine and Pisco production

The first stop is at Hacienda Tacama or Vista Alegre, two well-known industrial wineries. Here, we appreciated the guided exploration of the winemaking process—from grape harvest to distillation—accompanied by generous tastings of their Pisco and wines. One guest remarked, “It was fascinating to see the scale of production and taste the difference between the industrial and artisanal wines.”

In the afternoon, we switch gears at El Arrabal, a smaller artisanal vineyard. The intimate setting here allows for a more detailed tasting of Piscos, wines, and Pisco creams, offering a more personal connection to Peruvian spirits. This second visit provides a broader perspective on local beverage craftsmanship, rounding out the experience nicely.

Lunch with local flavors and regional specialties

Post vineyard visits, there’s a lunch break at Vitivinicola Restaurant. The menu offers a range of Peruvian dishes, including vegetarian options, and specialties like arroz con pato and sopa seca. The meal provides a much-needed rest and a chance to savor authentic flavors amid a relaxed setting.

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Transitioning to the desert—Huacachina Oasis and dune adventures

After lunch, the group heads to Huacachina, the picturesque oasis surrounded by sand dunes. We stop at the tour office for check-in before heading to our dune buggy excursion. The buggies are a thrill—powerful, fast, and capable of tackling the steepest dunes. This part of the tour is what sets it apart, offering authentic desert adventure.

Sandboarding and photography—making the most of the landscape

Sandboarding is optional but highly recommended. We found it to be a fun, if slightly challenging, way to experience the dunes up close. The guides made it easy for beginners, and the stops at the top of dunes provided breathtaking views, perfect for photographs. One reviewer said, “The dunes are just stunning and provide some of the best photo opportunities in the area.”

End of the day and return transport

By 6:30 PM, the desert fun wraps up, and we are taken back to the tour office for transportation arrangements. The entire experience feels well-paced, with enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

What does this tour really deliver?

This tour packs a lot into a single day—wine and Pisco tastings, a scenic drive through vineyards, the thrill of dune buggy rides, and the fun of sandboarding. The value comes from the diversity of experiences, all led by guides who are knowledgeable and friendly. The small additional costs for entry tickets are reasonable, considering the quality of the visits.

The cost of $54 is quite competitive when you consider the inclusion of transportation, guide, vineyard tours, tastings, and desert adventures. It’s an active, engaging way to understand Ica’s main attractions, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a guided experience to avoid logistical hassles.

Authenticity and Authentic Experiences

Guests often mention how the tour strikes a balance between organized convenience and authentic encounters—whether it’s tasting fresh Pisco straight from the distillery or feeling the wind on your face during a dune ride. The combination of cultural insight and adventure makes it suitable for a wide range of travelers, from curious food lovers to adrenaline seekers.

Who should consider this tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to Ica wanting a comprehensive taste of the region’s wine, spirits, and landscapes. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate guided tours with detailed explanations and are looking for a value-packed day of activities. Active travelers will love the sandboarding, and those interested in Peruvian culture will enjoy the vineyard visits.

If you prefer a more leisurely pace or wish to explore at your own speed, this tour’s packed schedule might feel a bit hurried. But for those wanting a good mix of learning, tasting, and fun, it hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation, a tour guide, visits to two vineyards (industrial and artisanal), Pisco and wine tastings, a trip to Huacachina, and the desert excursion with sandboarding.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. However, you will have the chance to have lunch at Vitivinicola Restaurant, which offers regional dishes, vegetarian options, and local specialties.

How much do the vineyard visits cost?
Entrance fees to the haciendas are supplemental—about S/25 for Hacienda Tacama or Vista Alegre, and S/15 for Bodega Vista Alegre on Mondays. These costs are paid directly at the venues.

Is sandboarding suitable for everyone?
Sandboarding is generally suitable for most participants, but it depends on comfort with sliding down dunes. Guides assist beginners, and safety instructions are provided.

What is the best time of day for this tour?
The tour runs from late morning into the evening, with timing designed to maximize both vineyard visits and desert experiences. The sunset in the dunes offers particularly stunning photo opportunities.

How long is the desert ride?
The desert adventure lasts for about 1.5 hours, with several stops for photos and sandboarding. The ride is exhilarating and provides a true desert experience.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

In summary, this tour offers a well-rounded experience for those eager to taste Ica’s wines, learn about Pisco, and enjoy an exciting desert adventure. The blend of culinary culture and adventure makes it suitable for a variety of travelers. With friendly guides, a manageable schedule, and a price that reflects a good value, it’s an activity that balances fun, learning, and authentic experiences in one of Peru’s most captivating regions.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby