From Lima: Full Day Ica & Huacachina

Discover the Desert City of Ica and Huacachina with a Full-Day Tour from Lima

If you’re craving a taste of southern Peru’s desert charm, this full-day trip from Lima offers a well-rounded glimpse into Ica’s lively city life, its famed Tacama winery, and the magical Huacachina oasis. For around $145 per person, you’ll spend about 17.5 hours exploring highlights like the main square, local sanctuaries, and exhilarating dune rides. Led by friendly guides in small groups, this tour provides a comfortable, engaging way to see one of Peru’s most distinctive desert landscapes.

What we love most about this experience is the combination of culture and adventure — especially the chance to taste authentic Pisco and local wines at Tacama, Peru’s oldest vineyard, and to zoom across dunes on a private ROV followed by sandboarding. The small group size ensures more personal attention, making this an ideal choice for travelers who want a mix of education, scenery, and adrenaline.

A potential consideration is the long travel time — about 4.5 hours each way — which might test your patience if you prefer more relaxed, leisurely mornings. However, if you’re eager to see a different side of Peru and don’t mind the travel, this trip offers excellent value for the variety of experiences packed into a single day.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy history, local culture, and outdoor thrills. If you’re interested in wine tasting, stunning vistas, and a glimpse of desert life, you’ll find plenty to love here. Those with a sense of adventure and curiosity about Peruvian traditions will particularly appreciate the combination of sights and activities.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Stops — Visit Ica’s main square and the Señor de Luren Sanctuary, gaining insight into local religious traditions.
• Historic Vineyards — Tour the legendary Tacama winery, established in 1540, and sample its renowned wines and Pisco.
• Dune Adventures — Experience exhilarating rides on sand dunes with a private ROV, plus original sandboarding gear.
• Stunning Views and Photography — Capture the picturesque Huacachina oasis, with time to stroll and take memorable photos.
• Small Group Experience — With a maximum of six travelers, enjoy more personalized attention and better interaction with your guide.
• Long but Rewarding Day — Balance the full itinerary with the understanding that this is a lengthy trip, suitable for those eager for a comprehensive experience.

In-Depth Review of the Full Day Ica & Huacachina Tour

Transportation and Timing

Start your adventure early, with a 6:00 am pickup in Lima. The journey to Ica takes approximately four and a half hours, which sounds like a long bus ride, but it’s quite scenic as you descend into the desert. The bus company, Transportes Cruz del Sur, is known for its comfort, and presenting your original passport is required to board — a small detail that underscores the tour’s organized nature.

Once in Ica, there’s a brief window for breakfast or a snack before the guided city tour kicks off around 10:50 am. The travel time is considerable, so this tour is best suited for those who don’t mind a bit of a daily adventure behind the wheel or on a comfortable bus.

Ica City Tour

The tour kicks off at the Plaza de Armas, a lively hub lined with colonial architecture, shaded cafes, and local shops. Here, you’ll get a feel for the town’s vibrant atmosphere. The guide, whose name you might not catch but who is clearly knowledgeable, will walk you through historical sites like the Casa Márquez, a beautiful example of colonial architecture.

A brief visit to the Señor de Luren Sanctuary follows, where you’ll learn about the town’s patron saint — an important religious figure for locals. Reviewers mention that guides provide a “brief explanation,” which adds context to what might otherwise be just another church visit.

Winery Visit at Tacama

Next comes one of the highlights: a stop at Tacama, Peru’s oldest vineyard, dating back to 1540. Here, you’ll tour the facilities, see traditional and modern winemaking methods, and finally taste a selection of Pisco, wines, and spirits.

This part of the tour is highly praised. Reviewers mention that the winery visit is enjoyable, with one noting that they found the tasting experience particularly memorable. However, keep in mind that every Monday, Tacama doesn’t accept visitors, and the tour is replaced with a similar quality winery. This flexibility shows the tour’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of experience, even if schedules vary.

Huacachina Oasis

After the winery, you’ll head to Huacachina, a small desert town with a stunning lagoon surrounded by towering dunes. You’ll have roughly 30 minutes to stroll, snap photos, or browse for souvenirs. Many travelers find the views here captivating — a true oasis in the middle of the desert.

The true thrill begins with the dune buggy ride, where you’ll hop into a UTV for about an hour of adrenaline-fueled fun. Your driver, often experienced, will take you over the dunes, stopping at a medium-sized dune for sandboarding — an activity that gets your adrenaline pumping and offers fantastic photo opportunities. For those craving more excitement, a stop at the Patrick dune provides a more intense experience, with steeper slopes for daring sandboarders.

Reviewers rave about the dunes and the breathtaking scenery. One describes it as “fantastic” and appreciates the personalized experience since the group is limited to six travelers. The sunset over the oasis and dunes is often mentioned as a highlight.

Return Trip and Additional Details

After the dune adventures, you’ll return to the bus for the 4.5-hour journey back to Lima, arriving late in the evening. The tour emphasizes the importance of carrying your original passport, as it’s needed for both boarding the bus in Lima and upon return, a small but crucial detail for smooth travel.

What Travelers Say

Most reviews are positive, praising the knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and the combination of activities. A reviewer mentions that the “service is very friendly,” with special appreciation for the host, Brenda, who is described as “an excellent hostess.” Sandboarding and dune rides are frequently highlighted as the most fun parts, with many calling the experience “exciting” and “well-organized.”

Some feedback points out that the tour can feel a bit rushed — especially around lunch and Huacachina visits — but overall, travelers find it worth the effort for the varied experiences packed into one day.

Practical Considerations

The tour is suitable for most travelers, but note that the adventure activities like dune riding and sandboarding are not recommended for people with spinal problems, heart issues, or pregnant women. The small group size ensures personalized service, making conversations with guides and fellow travelers easy and enjoyable.

Lunch isn’t included, so plan accordingly. The tour also covers admission fees to Tacama but does not include the tourism tax in Huacachina, so budget a little extra if you want souvenirs or snacks.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is an excellent choice for adventure seekers, wine enthusiasts, and those eager to see a different side of Peru beyond Lima’s crowded streets. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy outdoor activities like sandboarding and want a comprehensive cultural experience in a single day.

Travelers who appreciate small-group tours and personalized attention will find this a standout option. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility issues, you might find the long bus ride tiring.

Final Thoughts

This full-day Ica and Huacachina tour offers a balanced blend of culture, history, and outdoor adventure. You’ll get to see colonial architecture, taste some of Peru’s best wines and spirits, and experience the thrill of dune riding and sandboarding in the desert. The guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the day not only fun but also informative.

While the travel time is considerable, the diversity of sights and activities provides excellent value for the price. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want to maximize their time outside Lima and enjoy a taste of desert life, local traditions, and scenic beauty.

If you’re after a full-immersion day with memorable moments and authentic experiences, this tour will deliver — especially if you’re ready for a bit of a day-long adventure.

FAQ

How long is the bus trip from Lima to Ica?
The trip takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes each way, so be prepared for a good part of your day on the bus.

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch isn’t included, so you should plan to bring snacks or buy something during your free time in Ica.

What should I wear for the dune activities?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended. Sandboarding gear and helmets are provided, and closed-toe shoes are best.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
The tour involves some walking, especially around the city and Huacachina, plus dune riding, which may not be suitable for everyone with mobility problems.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 6 travelers, making it more personal and flexible.

Are there any restrictions on the activities?
Yes, activities like dune riding and sandboarding aren’t recommended for pregnant women or those with certain health issues.

How much extra money should I budget?
Aside from the tour price, consider extra for souvenirs, snacks, or drinks not included in the tasting.

Do I need my passport?
Yes, presenting your original passport is required both before boarding the bus and upon return to Lima.

To sum it up, for those with a sense of adventure and a curiosity for local culture, this tour offers a great way to spend a full day outside Lima. You’ll experience desert thrills, historic sites, and delicious wines — all in one memorable package.