An Authentic Taste of Ica: Wine, Pisco, and Dune Buggies

If you’re seeking a well-rounded day in Peru’s Ica Region, this tour offers a mix of vineyard visits, traditional Peruvian cuisine, and adrenaline-pumping desert adventures. For $67 per person, you’ll spend about 7.5 hours exploring two different types of wineries, tasting local wines and Piscos, and then heading out into the Huacachina Desert for dune buggy rides and sandboarding. It’s a day that balances culinary delights with adventure, perfect for travelers eager to experience both the quiet charm of Ica’s wine country and the thrill of the desert.

What we particularly appreciate is how smoothly the day flows, with a good balance between guided tours and free time. The visit to Hacienda Tacama or Vista Alegre offers a fascinating look at the wine and Pisco-making process, with tastings giving you a real sense of Peru’s rich viticultural tradition. The stops at artisanal vineyards add an authentic, small-scale touch. The desert adventure in Huacachina is the highlight—fast, exhilarating, and full of spectacular photo opportunities. Just keep in mind, the entrance fees and additional taxes are not included in the base price, so budget accordingly.

This tour suits those who love a blend of culture, gastronomy, and adventure, especially if you’re curious about Peruvian wines and Piscos, or want to experience the desert landscape in a fun, active way. However, it’s worth noting that transportation and timings might be tight for some, and the tour runs in Spanish, so language skills are helpful.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Vineyard Exploration: Learn about the Pisco and wine-making process at both industrial and artisanal wineries.
Tastings Included: Sample Piscos, wines, and Pisco creams, gaining insight into local flavors.
Culinary Experience: Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch with vegetarian options and regional specialties.
Desert Adventure: Experience dune buggies and sandboarding with breathtaking desert views.
Flexibility & Value: Book now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance with no penalty.
Family Friendly: Suitable for travelers interested in culture and adventure, but watch for age or physical activity considerations.

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An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting with Vineyards: From Industrial to Artisanal

The day kicks off around 11:00 AM with a hotel pick-up in Ica, Huacachina, or nearby. Our guide, whose name I wish I remembered, is friendly and eager to share insights into the local wine and Pisco industries. The first stop is at either Hacienda Tacama or Vista Alegre, depending on the day of your visit—on Mondays, it’s Vista Alegre, which has a S/15.00 soles entrance fee, while Hacienda Tacama is generally the flagship industrial vineyard.

This initial visit is a real highlight. We loved the way the tour guides explained the step-by-step process of wine and Pisco production, with plenty of opportunities for questions. You get to walk through the vineyard facilities, seeing the machinery and grapevines up close. Tasting sessions are generous; you’ll sample their Piscos and wines directly from the source, which adds a layer of authenticity you simply can’t get from a store.

The second stop at El Arrabal, an artisanal vineyard, offers a more personal touch. Here, the focus on small-scale production makes the experience more intimate. The tasting of Piscos, wines, and Pisco creams is quite a treat, and the guide explains the differences between industrial and artisanal products—valuable for wine enthusiasts and novices alike.

Lunch: Savoring Peruvian Flavors

After the vineyard visits, there’s a well-earned break to enjoy lunch at the Vitivinicola restaurant. The menu features classic Peruvian dishes like rice with duck and dry pallares, plus vegetarian options. The variety means most dietary preferences are accommodated, and the flavors are authentic. Travelers often comment on how the food complements the morning’s tasting, helping to deepen the cultural experience.

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Transition to Desert: Huacachina Oasis

Post-lunch, we drove to the Huacachina Oasis, a small but striking desert lake surrounded by towering sand dunes. Here, we checked in at the tour office before heading into the dunes for our buggy ride. The anticipation builds as you watch the buggies bouncing over the sand, kicking up dust and offering thrilling moments.

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The Desert Adventure: Buggies and Sandboarding

From around 4:00 PM, the fun begins. The dune buggy ride is the main event, lasting about an hour, with several stops for photos and sandboarding. The buggies are fast and loud, and the guides are skilled at navigating the massive dunes. We loved the sense of speed and the adrenaline rush it provided—something you won’t forget.

Sandboarding is optional but highly recommended. We found it surprisingly easy to pick up, and the views from atop the dunes are simply spectacular. The vast, empty desert landscape makes for incredible photos—definitely a highlight for anyone wanting adventure and visual drama.

The experience concludes around 6:30 PM, and we headed back to the office, feeling satisfied with a day that balanced learning, tasting, and thrill-seeking.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package covers transportation, a professional guide (in Spanish), visits to two vineyards, tastings, Huacachina visit, buggy rides, and sandboarding. This makes the $67 fee pretty good value considering the diversity of activities.

However, you’ll need to budget extra for entrance tickets to Hacienda Tacama (S/25) unless you visit Vista Alegre, which costs S/15. Plus, there’s a tourist tax in Huacachina (S/3.60). These fees are not included in the initial price but are relatively affordable.

Not included are food and lodging, so plan your meals outside the tour if you have specific preferences. The tour’s timing is tight, so if you’re staying longer or want a more relaxed pace, you might consider arranging private transport or extending your stay.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Language: The tour is in Spanish; if you don’t speak the language, consider bringing a translation app or requesting an English guide in advance.
Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes suitable for both vineyard visits and desert activities. Sunscreen and hats are essential for the desert.
Physical Activity: Sandboarding involves some balance and agility; if you’re unsure, observe first and decide if you want to try.
Timing: Confirm the start time when booking, as availability varies.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a taste of Peru’s wine-making traditions and are excited about desert thrills. Perfect for curious travelers eager to see how Pisco is produced and then enjoy some fun in the dunes. Families with older kids, couples, and groups of friends will find plenty to enjoy, especially those who appreciate authentic experiences over touristy gimmicks.

If you’re on a tight schedule, this tour packs a lot into a single day, but be prepared for a full, active itinerary. It’s not suited for those looking for a relaxed, leisure day, but if you crave diversity and excitement, it’s a solid choice.

The Sum Up

This tour provides a well-balanced mix of culture, gastronomy, and adventure at a reasonable price. You’ll come away with a solid understanding of Peruvian Pisco and wine, plus adrenaline-fueled memories from the dunes. The vineyard visits are especially memorable because they combine education with tasting—something every wine lover will appreciate. Meanwhile, the desert offers an exhilarating contrast, with stunning sand dune vistas and a dash of risk with sandboarding.

It’s perfect for those who want a full-day experience that’s both informative and fun, especially if you’re interested in local flavors and outdoor activities. Just be prepared for some physical activity and the need to cover Entrance Fees separately. Overall, it’s a fantastic way to see another side of Ica—one full of flavor, scenery, and adrenaline.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation from your hotel to the vineyards, Huacachina, and the desert.

What is the duration of the tour?
The whole experience lasts approximately 7.5 hours, starting around 11:00 AM and ending in the late afternoon.

Are the vineyard visits guided?
Absolutely, guided tours are included at both the industrial and artisanal vineyards, with tastings provided.

How much does the entrance to Hacienda Tacama cost?
It’s S/25.00 soles per adult, but on Mondays, the visit is to Vista Alegre, costing S/15.00 soles.

What should I wear for the desert part?
Comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activity, plus sun protection like sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

Can I participate in sandboarding?
Yes, sandboarding is optional but recommended. Guides will show you how, and most people find it quite accessible.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for older children who can handle active outdoor activities, but check the physical demands with the tour operator.

Do I need to pay extra for the desert activities?
No, the buggy rides and sandboarding are included. Just remember the additional entrance fees for the vineyards and Huacachina tax.

This tour encapsulates the best of what Ica has to offer—vivid landscapes, delicious local drinks, and a bit of adventure. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, thrill-seeker, or just someone looking to experience authentic Peru, it’s a day well spent.