From Ica || Full Day Excursion to Los Perdidos Canyon ||

From Ica || Full Day Excursion to Los Perdidos Canyon ||

Imagine spending a day exploring one of Ica’s lesser-known marvels, where the desert’s natural artistry and ancient fossils come together in an unforgettable setting. For $50 per person, this full-day tour offers a balanced blend of adventure, natural beauty, and fascinating geology, all within about 10 hours. Led by guides fluent in both Spanish and English, this trip is perfect if you’re craving authentic experiences away from the crowds—think of it as a scenic journey into Peru’s desert secrets.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines stunning natural formations—the curved shapes created over millennia—and the opportunity to learn about prehistoric fossils hidden within the canyon’s depths. The stops at Pampa de las Piedras and the aspirales of Callango provide excellent photo ops and a sense of discovery. Plus, the chance to walk around the canyon’s mouth and spot local wildlife like owls and lizards keeps things lively.

One thing to keep in mind is the early start—pick-up begins between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m.—so this isn’t a lazy morning tour, but it’s worth the early wake-up call for the sights you’ll see. Also, since lunch and drinks aren’t included, you’ll want to bring some snacks and water for the day. This tour suits travelers who enjoy geological wonders, outdoor walking, and don’t mind a full day on the road.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic adventure exploring Los Perdidos Canyon in the Ica desert.
• Educational stops focused on fossils and natural formations.
• Beautiful scenic stops like Aspirales de Callango and Pampa de las Piedras.
• Walking around the canyon’s mouth offers great photo opportunities and wildlife viewing.
• Affordable value at $50, including guide services and transportation.
• Suitable for those who love nature, geology, and outdoor exploration.

Exploring the Ica Desert and Los Perdidos Canyon

The full-day excursion from Ica introduces travelers to one of the region’s most intriguing natural sites, the Cañón de los Perdidos. While not as famous as the nearby Huacachina or Paracas, this canyon rewards visitors with formations shaped by the wind and sand over countless years, creating mysterious curved shapes that seem almost otherworldly.

The tour starts with a hotel pickup in Ica, typically between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m., making it an early but scenic day. From there, a comfortable minibus whisks you southward through the desert, with stops along the way that each tell a story—both natural and historical.

First Stop: Ocucaje’s Main Square

The journey begins at the main square of Ocucaje, a small town with characters carved in stone—the famous monuments of the shark, the farmer, and the fighting cocks. These statues are more than just local pride; they serve as landmarks and photo opportunities. Here, you can also grab some breakfast or opt for a quick visit to the Paleontological Museum of Ocucaje—a small but fascinating place that showcases fossils discovered in the area for just 5 S/ (~$1.30 US$). If fossils tick your boxes, this adds a layer of historical intrigue.

Scenic Stops Along the Route

As the bus continues, expect several photo stops at striking natural landscapes like Aspirales de Callango and the Delfin formations. These natural sculptures, carved by wind and sand, highlight the desert’s artistic power—imagine giant, twisting shapes resembling animals or abstract art.

At Pampa de las Piedras, you’ll see some of the region’s most curious formations: a toad, a horse’s head, a tortoise, and even a Chihuahua. These natural sculptures are perfect for playful photos and give a sense of the desert’s timeless sculpting process. Many travelers appreciate the “magic eye” viewpoint for panoramic shots—an ideal spot to capture a wide view of the desert expanse.

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The Heart of the Tour: Los Perdidos Canyon

Arriving at Los Perdidos Canyon, you’ll get a brief overview of its formation—though not overly technical, enough to appreciate how natural forces shaped this landscape. Outside the canyon’s mouth, you’ll have time for photos and to breathe in the breathtaking views of the winding shapes and vibrant desert colors.

A walk around the canyon’s entrance at the junction of the Ica and Seco rivers offers chances to spot native fauna, such as owls, coots, and various lizards—a reminder of the ecosystem thriving in this harsh environment. The entire area is quite scenic, with impressive formations that look like sculptures frozen in time.

The Final Highlight: The Pool

The tour concludes at a photo-friendly pool area, where you can take pictures of the water reflecting the sky or just enjoy a quiet moment before heading back. The return trip to Ica is usually scheduled for around 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., giving you plenty of daylight to reflect on the day’s sights.

What Makes This Tour Worthwhile

This excursion’s strength lies in its combination of scenic beauty and educational insight. The stops at Pampa de las Piedras and the aspirales offer some of the most visually striking formations in the region. Many travelers appreciate the informative guide who shares stories about the fossils and natural history—adding depth beyond just sightseeing.

The walking around the canyon’s mouth is a chance to connect with the landscape, perhaps spotting a lizard or owl. The scenic stops along the route are well-curated, giving a good balance of short walks and plenty of time for photos.

On the downside, the early start might be a challenge for late risers, and some might find the full-day nature of the trip a bit tiring, especially if they prefer more relaxed sightseeing. Also, since lunch isn’t included, it’s worth bringing snacks or planning to buy something locally, as there are no meal stops in the itinerary.

Who is this tour best suited for?

If you love geology, natural formations, and want to see a less-visited but stunning desert landscape, this trip is ideal. It’s also good for those who enjoy outdoor walking and wildlife viewing. Travelers seeking a relaxing, lazy day or who prefer visits with lots of amenities might find this experience somewhat rustic but authentic.

Deep Dive into the Experience

The transportation in a comfortable minibus or bus ensures a smooth ride through the desert, with stops that are well spaced out—long enough to enjoy each site but not so long as to tire you out. The guides speak both Spanish and English, making the experience accessible for international travelers.

The estimated price of $50 is quite reasonable when you consider the inclusion of hotel pickup, the transportation, and guidance. Since entrance to the Paleontological Museum is a minor extra (~$1.30 US$), it’s a small cost for an added dimension of education about the fossils found in the area.

Practical Tips

Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water—the desert sun can be intense. A camera or smartphone with charged batteries will ensure you capture the awe-inspiring views. Binoculars are optional but could help spot birds and lizards. If you’re sensitive to the heat or walking, wear comfortable shoes and light clothing.

While not suitable for very young children or the elderly over 80, most active travelers will find this tour manageable. It’s also flexible enough for those who want to explore at their own pace during photo stops.

Final Thoughts

This tour to Los Perdidos Canyon from Ica offers a wonderful glimpse into Peru’s less-visited desert landscapes. It’s a value-packed experience that combines spectacular natural formations with fossil-rich history, all wrapped in a manageable 10-hour day. Whether you’re a geology enthusiast, a photographer, or simply someone curious about Peru’s diverse terrain, it’s a trip that will add a unique chapter to your travel story.

Perfect for travelers who love outdoor adventures, scenic vistas, and learning while exploring. Just be prepared for an early start, and bring your sense of curiosity—and a good camera!

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children over 1 year can participate, but the tour is best suited for those who can handle a full day on the move and walking around outdoors comfortably.

How long is the total tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 10 hours, including hotel pickup, sightseeing, and return to Ica.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch and drinks are not included. Travelers should bring snacks and water for the day.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, camera, drinks, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, charged smartphone, binoculars, personal medication, ID, and a power bank.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for people over 80 or babies under 1 year. Also, alcohol, drugs, chewing gum, fires, and explosive substances are not allowed.

What language do guides speak?
Guides speak both Spanish and English, making the tour accessible to a wide range of travelers.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins with hotel pickup in Ica’s city center and ends back at the same point. For hotels located outside the center, pickup will be at the main square.

How much does entrance to the Paleontological Museum cost?
It’s 5 S/ (~$1.30 US$) per person, optional but recommended if you’re interested in fossils.

Embark on this journey into the desert’s secrets and discover a side of Ica that’s as mysterious as it is breathtaking.

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