Ica; Wine, Pisco and Dune Buggy Experience – A Practical Guide

When you think of Peru, the Machu Picchu or Lima might come to mind first. But just a few hours south of Lima, in the Ica Region, lies a different kind of adventure—a blend of vineyard visits, local spirits, and thrilling dune rides. This tour, offered for around $67 per person, lasts nearly a full day—starting around 11:00 AM—and takes you through some of the most iconic and exhilarating sights of the desert and vineyard landscapes.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, the chance to tour both industrial and artisanal vineyards, tasting Pisco and local wines—which are integral to Peruvian culture. Second, the desert adventure with dune buggies and sandboarding is not only fun but offers some truly breathtaking views.

However, a word of caution: the day’s schedule is quite packed, and the desert activities are weather-dependent—meaning if it’s particularly windy or rainy, some parts might be less enjoyable. This tour suits adventurous travelers, food and drink enthusiasts, or anyone eager to see a different side of Peru beyond the well-trodden highlights.

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Key Points

Vineyard visits explore both industrial and artisanal production, offering a well-rounded look at Peruvian wine and pisco.
Tastings give authentic insights into local spirits, with options like Pisco creams and wines.
Dune buggy rides and sandboarding provide adrenaline-pumping fun with incredible desert scenery.
The lunch at a local restaurant offers regional specialties, enhancing the cultural experience.
The transportation is organized and includes guide service, ensuring smooth transitions between sites.
Suitable for those seeking a mix of cultural, culinary, and outdoor adventures in one day.

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A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting the Day: From Your Lodging to the Vineyards

Most tours kick off with a pick-up from your hotel or lodging in Ica or Huacachina around 11:00 AM. This early start ensures you get a full day of activities without feeling rushed. The transportation is included, and a guide—likely bilingual—accompanies you, providing context and answering questions along the way.

Vineyard Tours: From Industrial to Artisanal

The first stop is at a large vineyard, like Hacienda Tacama or Vista Alegre, depending on the day. These are industrial-sized wineries, with big-scale facilities that produce Pisco and wine on a commercial level. You’ll get a guided tour of the production process, from grape harvesting to fermentation and distillation. This part’s particularly interesting if you love learning about how your favorite spirits are made.

The highlight here is the tasting session—a real treat for spirits aficionados. You’ll sample Pisco, a Peruvian staple, along with wines and perhaps some Pisco creams. Travelers often comment on the quality and variety of the products, appreciating the chance to taste authentic Peruvian spirits right at the source.

Next, you visit a smaller, artisanal vineyard like El Arrabal. Here, the focus is more on craftsmanship, with a guide showing you the facilities and explaining traditional methods. The tasting here is more personalized, with an emphasis on local varieties and small-batch spirits, making it a favorite for those wanting an authentic taste of Ica’s wine scene.

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Lunch: Sampling Regional Flavors

After the vineyard visits, you’ll have free time for lunch at the Vitivinícola restaurant. The menu features Peruvian dishes like rice with duck, carapulcra (a dry soup), and dried pallares—plus vegetarian options. Many reviews mention that the food is generous and flavorful, perfectly complementing your morning tastings. The restaurant setting is relaxed, allowing you to digest and discuss the morning’s highlights.

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Transition to the Desert: Huacachina Oasis

Post-lunch, the journey shifts to the Huacachina Oasis—a small natural lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes. Before heading into the desert, you’ll check into a local office, where you’ll get a brief safety briefing. This is also where you’ll board the dune buggies, which are the core of the afternoon adventure.

The Dune Buggies and Sandboarding

At around 4:00 PM, the real thrill begins. The buggy rides take you across the massive sand dunes, with several stops for photos against the spectacular backdrop of the desert. The drivers expertly maneuver the buggies over the dunes, providing an adrenaline rush that keeps your heart pounding.

Sandboarding is included, and many visitors find it surprisingly fun—like snowboarding but on warm, gritty sand. We loved watching the little moments of hesitation followed by gleeful slides down the dunes. The views from the top of the dunes are nothing short of stunning—vast, quiet, and almost surreal, especially as the sun begins to dip lower.

Returning and Reflection

By around 6:30 PM, the desert tour winds down. You’ll return to the initial office, tired but exhilarated. The entire experience, from vineyards to dunes, provides a rich mix of culture and outdoor adventure.

Authenticity and Value

This tour offers excellent value for the price, considering the transport, guidance, multiple tastings, and adventure activities included. The amount of information and personalized attention you receive at the vineyards makes it feel less like a tourist trap and more like a genuine cultural experience.

Practical Considerations

The schedule is tight, so punctuality is key.
The price does not include entrance fees to the haciendas (S/25 or S/15 soles depending on the visit), so budget accordingly.
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those over 95 years old, due to the physical nature of dune activities.
Bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes—the desert can get hot, and shade is limited.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you enjoy learning about local spirits, sampling regional cuisine, and crave adrenaline-filled outdoor activities, this tour hits all marks. It’s ideal for adventure seekers, culinary travelers, and culture enthusiasts who don’t mind a long day of travel and activity. Those looking for a relaxed, scenic experience might find the scheduled nature a bit rushed.

Travelers who love stunning desert landscapes and want to combine outdoor fun with culinary culture will find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s perfect for first-timers in Ica or those wanting a comprehensive day of exploration in this lesser-known part of Peru.

The Sum Up

This Ica; Wine, Pisco, and Dune Buggy Experience offers a balanced day filled with cultural sampling and desert thrill-seeking. It’s practical, well-organized, and offers a taste of Peru’s diverse landscapes and flavors. Whether you’re a wine lover, adventure fan, or simply someone looking to see a different side of Peru, this tour provides a solid value.

The vineyard visits give you a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship behind Pisco and local wines, while the desert activities deliver an adrenaline rush and memorable views. It’s a full, satisfying day that captures the spirit of Ica—adventure, tradition, and natural beauty.

This experience is best suited for those wanting an active, engaging day that mixes culinary discovery with outdoor excitement. Just be prepared for a busy schedule, and you’ll come away with stories and photos to cherish long after the dunes have settled.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
Most tours begin around 11:00 AM with hotel pickups in Ica or Huacachina, so plan to be ready early to maximize your day.

How long is the entire tour?
It lasts about 7 to 8 hours, making it a full-day experience that includes vineyard visits, lunch, and desert activities.

Are the vineyard visits included in the price?
The tour includes visits and tastings at both a large industrial winery and a smaller artisanal vineyard, but entrance fees are paid separately (S/25 or S/15 soles).

Can I participate in sandboarding?
Yes, sandboarding is part of the desert excursion, and it’s suitable for most participants, though very young children or those with mobility issues might find it challenging.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides tourist transport between activities, guided by a professional guide who speaks English and Spanish.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, and cash for entrance fees and tips.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is generally suitable for kids who are comfortable with outdoor activities and sandboarding. However, it’s not recommended for people over 95 or those with mobility restrictions.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is approximately $67 per person, offering good value considering all included activities and guidance.

Embark on this adventure to taste Peru, explore the desert, and experience local life—all in one exciting day.