From Ica: Winery Tour – Along the Pisco Route

Exploring the Pisco Route in Ica: A Full-Day Winery Experience

If you’re headed to the Ica region in Peru and love a good glass of wine or pisco, this Winery Tour along the Pisco Route is a smart pick. For $49 per person, you get a full day of visits to three renowned wineries, tasting some of the finest piscos, wines, and cachinas—Peruvian brandy-like spirits.

The tour lasts roughly one day, with pick-up arranged from your hotel or bus terminal in Ica. What makes this experience stand out? We love the chance to visit Tacama’s colonial estate, the oldest vineyard in Peru, and to explore Lazo’s museum, which offers a fascinating peek into pre-Hispanic artifacts right inside a historic cellar. Plus, the El Catador Winery wins points for its innovative Pisco Sour and Pisco Cream, which we found to be both tasty and surprisingly affordable.

A good thing to keep in mind is that entrance to Tacama Winery isn’t included in the base price, so if you want to explore further inside, expect a small additional fee. Also, the tour is conducted in Spanish, so if you’re not a Spanish speaker, you might want to check if guides in another language are available.

This experience is perfect for wine and spirits enthusiasts, travelers interested in Peruvian culture and history, or anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed, guided day in a scenic desert oasis. It’s a balanced mix of tasting, learning, and sightseeing that delivers excellent value for the price.

Key Points

• Authentic Wineries: Visit top spots like Tacama, El Catador, and Lazo, each offering unique histories and tasting experiences.
• Cultural Dive: The Lazo Museum adds depth with artifacts and a glimpse into local history beyond wine.
• Quality Tastings: Enjoy generous samples of piscos, wines, and cachinas, with some wineries winning awards for their products.
• Historical Sites: Tacama’s colonial architecture and the Lazo cellar’s centuries-old feel make for memorable visits.
• Convenience and Value: All transportation and guidance are included, making it easy to relax and focus on tasting and exploring.
• Additional Costs: Entrance fees to Tacama are extra, so plan for a small fee if you wish to tour the estate in depth.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Winery Tour

Starting Out: From Ica to the Pisco Route

Your day begins with a hotel or bus station pickup in Ica, usually around 11:00 AM. From there, you’ll hop into a vehicle and head out into the scenic Ica Valley, a lush oasis surrounded by desert. It’s a short drive, but the anticipation builds as you near the first stop.

El Catador Winery: The Crowd Favorite

Your first visit is to El Catador, located in Tres Esquinas hamlet. This winery is particularly popular among both locals and travelers. It’s renowned for original products like its semi-prepared Pisco Sour and the Pisco Cream, which the guide and visitors agree are delightful. We appreciated the lively atmosphere and the chance to sample a variety of piscos, which highlight the craftsmanship involved in Peruvian spirits.

One of the highlights here is the generous tastings, allowing you to appreciate the distinct flavors of different piscos. The winery’s reputation is well-deserved, as it has won multiple national awards. Many visitors note that “the tasting was plentiful and very good value for money,” emphasizing the chance to try several varieties without feeling rushed.

Lazo Museum-Artisan Winery: A Walk into History

Next, the tour visits the Lazo Winery in the Camino de Reyes hamlet. This spot is special for its 16th and 17th-century Spanish cellar, where the wine has been stored for centuries. But what truly makes this visit memorable is the spontaneously created museum in the cellar. Inside, you’ll see prehistoric artifacts, ceramics, goldsmith works, and even mummified trophy heads—a startling but fascinating glimpse into Peru’s past.

You’ll also find weapons, paintings, and stuffed animals, making this stop more than just about wine. Several travelers mention that “it’s like walking into a living history book,” and that the rustic atmosphere adds to the authenticity. We loved the contrast of the ancient cellar with the artifacts, making it a unique part of the tour.

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Tacama: Peru’s Oldest Winery

The final stop is Tacama, built in the 16th century and still operational today. As the oldest vineyard in Peru, it offers a glimpse into colonial architecture and wine-making tradition. Here, you’ll see sprawling 180 hectares of vineyards set against the desert landscape—an impressive sight.

The wine tasting here is often highlighted by visitors as a real highlight: “The wines were excellent, and the setting was stunning,” one reviewer said. It’s worth noting that entrance fees aren’t included, but many find it a small price to pay for the chance to walk through the historic estate and learn about Peru’s viticultural roots.

Return and Reflection

After a full day of tasting and exploring, the tour concludes with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel or bus station. We loved the organized, hassle-free logistics, which let us focus on enjoying each winery.

What the Tour Means for You

This tour offers a well-balanced experience of Peru’s wine and pisco heritage, combined with historical insights. It’s not just about tasting—though that’s a big part—it’s about understanding the stories behind the products. You’ll learn that Tacama isn’t just a vineyard but a cornerstone of Peruvian agriculture, and that El Catador is celebrated for its innovative spirits.

The small group size and guided format mean you get personal attention, and the Spanish-speaking guide adds richness, though you may want to prepare some basic Spanish phrases or bring a translation app if you’re not fluent.

On the Practical Side

The price of $49 is quite reasonable, considering the three extensive winery visits, tastings, and transportation. Remember, some additional costs apply if you want to tour Tacama’s estate deeply or buy souvenirs. The flexibility of paying later and the full refund policy make booking easy and low risk.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine and pisco lovers who want to explore Peru’s most famous spirits in a scenic setting. It’s also perfect for history buffs interested in the artifacts and colonial architecture. If you’re looking for a relaxed, educational, and tasting-focused day, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate a small-group environment and authentic stories behind local products.

Final Thoughts

For anyone visiting Ica, this Winery Tour along the Pisco Route offers a rewarding blend of culinary delights, cultural insights, and scenic beauty. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for Peru’s celebrated spirits and the stories woven into their production. The combination of award-winning piscos, historic cellars, and a colonial hacienda makes this a well-rounded, enriching day.

While some might find the entrance fee to Tacama an extra expense, it’s a small price for the chance to walk through Peru’s oldest vineyard and learn about its historic significance. The generous tastings and guidance make this a great value for anyone eager to experience the best of Ica’s winemaking heritage.

In essence, this tour is best suited for travelers who want to combine their love of spirits with cultural exploration and don’t mind a Spanish-speaking guide. It’s a sincere and enjoyable way to deepen your understanding of Peru’s proud traditions in viticulture—and to toast to your trip with some memorable glasses of local spirits.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, the tour includes transport from your hotel or bus terminal in Ica to all the wineries, making it easy and stress-free.

How long does the tour last? The full experience takes about a day, with an estimated start around 11:00 AM, and includes visits to three wineries.

What is the cost of entrance to Tacama Winery? Entrance fees are not included in the $49 price; they are S/.25 from Tuesday to Sunday and S/.30 during holidays and long weekends.

What kind of tastings are available? You’ll enjoy tastings of piscos, wines, and cachinas at each winery, with many having award-winning options.

Is lunch included? No, lunch isn’t included, but there may be opportunities to purchase snacks or beverages at the wineries.

Is the guide available in English? The tour is conducted in Spanish; check with the provider if guides in other languages are available.

Can I buy souvenirs or bottles during the tour? Yes, most wineries have gift shops where you can purchase bottles and souvenirs.

How many people are on the tour? The tour generally operates in small groups, making it more personal and relaxed.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothes suitable for walking and a hat or sunscreen for sun protection, especially in the desert environment.

Can children join this tour? While not explicitly stated, the focus on alcohol tastings suggests it’s best suited for adults. Check with the tour provider if bringing children.

In all, this Winery Tour along the Pisco Route offers a well-rounded taste of Ica’s viticultural treasures, pairing delicious spirits with history and stunning scenery. It’s a day well spent for lovers of good wine, compelling stories, and authentic Peruvian culture.

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