From Ica or Huacachina: Tour to Tacama Vineyard and Artisanal Winery.

From Ica or Huacachina: Tour to Tacama Vineyard and Artisanal Winery
Location: Lima Province, Peru
Country: Peru
Rating: 4.7
Price: $25 per person
Supplier: Ica Discovery Tours

A Quick Look at the Experience
If you’re in Ica or Huacachina and have a few hours to spare, this wine and pisco tour offers a fascinating peek into Peru’s longstanding vineyard traditions. For around $25, you’ll spend about five hours visiting historic wineries, tasting some of the best local wines and spirits, and learning how the region’s ideal climate supports grape cultivation.

What we particularly enjoy about this tour is the chance to walk through South America’s oldest winery, Hacienda Tacama, with its centuries-old cellars, and then to explore the family-run Lovera Winery, established back in 1867. The opportunity to sample regional wines and pisco—plus enjoy a traditional lunch—makes this experience a great value.

One thing to consider is that entry to Tacama isn’t included in the basic price, and on Mondays, the visit to Tacama is replaced with a similar-quality visit to Hacienda Vista Alegre, so flexibility is key.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers, history buffs, and curious travelers who want an authentic taste of Peru’s oenological heritage without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Historic Wineries: Visit South America’s oldest winery, Hacienda Tacama, with a guided tour and tastings.
• Authentic Experience: Family-run Lovera Winery, founded in 1867, offers a glimpse into traditional wine and pisco production.
• Cultural & Culinary: You can enjoy a regional lunch in the vineyard setting, enhancing your understanding of local flavors.
• Expert Guidance: Tours are available in both English and Spanish, making it accessible to a broad range of travelers.
• Value for Money: At $25, this tour combines history, culture, and tasting experiences in a single, well-organized package.
• Accessibility & Flexibility: Pickup from your hotel in Ica or Huacachina is included, with options for pay later and free cancellation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure kicks off with pickup from your hotel in Ica or Huacachina, typically about 15 minutes before the scheduled start. This arrangement simplifies logistics, so you don’t need to worry about how to get to each site. Once aboard the comfortable van, you’ll enjoy a short 20-minute ride to the first stop, giving you a chance to settle in and get your camera ready.

Visiting Hacienda Tacama

The first major highlight is Hacienda Tacama, renowned as the oldest winery in South America. Located on Av. Camino Real in Ica, Tacama is a symbol of the region’s rich viticultural history.

What to expect:
– A guided tour in English or Spanish, where guides (like the friendly Juan or Maria) will walk you through the historic cellars and explain the process of wine and pisco production.
– The chance to see centuries-old Spanish cellars from the XVI and XVII centuries, which add a real sense of authenticity to the visit.
– Several tastings of wines, pisco, and pisco creams throughout the tour, giving you a solid appreciation of local flavors.

Why it is special:
We loved the way the guide emphasized the tradition and craftsmanship behind each bottle, making the tasting sessions more meaningful. The scenery of lush vineyards against the desert backdrop is stunning, offering ideal conditions for grape growing.

Note: Entry to Tacama is 25 soles, with an additional 5 soles on holidays, so budget accordingly.

Visiting Lovera Winery

Next, you’ll head to Lovera Winery, located at PE-1S 70 in Ica. Founded in 1867 by Francisco Lovera and Ursula Moreno, it remains a family operation now run by the fourth generation.

What to expect:
– A family-owned setting where you can see how traditional techniques are preserved.
– Focused tastings of pisco, wines, and cachinas—Peru’s traditional spirit—offering a deep dive into regional spirits.
– An authentic, less commercial atmosphere that makes you feel like a guest in someone’s historic home.

Why it’s worth it:
We particularly appreciated the personal touches and the chance to learn about the family’s heritage. The guide’s passion for the craft made the tasting more engaging.

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Continuing the Pisco Route at Fundo – Hotel El Arrabal

Your final vineyard visit is to a premium artisan winery at Fundo – Hotel El Arrabal. Here, you get to see authentic Spanish cellars from the XVI and XVII centuries—a rare sight in the New World.

What to expect:
– A tour of the Cutur Pisco winery, which keeps alive the tradition of Pisco production.
– Additional tastings of regional piscos, wines, and cachinas.
– Time allocated for a lunch in the vineyard’s restaurant, where you can enjoy regional dishes typical of Ica.

Why it’s valuable:
The combination of historic cellars and modern artisan production offers a fascinating perspective on Peru’s wine-making evolution. The lunch enhances the experience, allowing you to savor local flavors amid beautiful vineyard surroundings.

The Return Journey

After a full morning of tasting, touring, and sightseeing, the tour concludes with a comfortable 20-minute drive back to your hotel in Ica.

Why This Tour Is a Great Deal

Considering the $25 price tag, this experience offers exceptional value. It combines history, culture, and tasting, all bundled into a manageable 5-hour tour. You’re paying not just for the tastings but for the insights into Peru’s wine-making tradition and the opportunity to see centuries-old wineries firsthand.

The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off saves you the hassle of navigating unfamiliar streets, and the guidance in English and Spanish enhances understanding and enjoyment. With free cancellation available up to 24 hours before, you can book with confidence.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is perfect for wine and pisco enthusiasts wanting to broaden their understanding of regional production. It suits history lovers interested in colonial-era wineries and those seeking an authentic, laid-back experience in a beautiful setting. It’s also suitable for families and small groups given its relaxed pace and accessible nature.

The Sum Up

In a nutshell, this tour offers a rich taste of Peru’s wine and pisco heritage without a hefty price tag. The visits to Hacienda Tacama and Lovera Winery are both informative and enjoyable, presenting real insights into the craft and tradition behind the region’s best-known products. The regional lunch adds a flavorful touch, making it more than just a tasting trip.

If you’re looking for a value-packed, authentic experience that combines history, culture, and delicious drinks, this tour will likely satisfy. It’s especially well-suited for those eager to see a different side of Peru—one rooted in tradition and craftsmanship—and for travelers who want to enjoy a relaxing, educational outing without fuss or excessive cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for non-Spanish speakers?
Yes, the guided tours are available in both English and Spanish, making it accessible for most travelers.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs about 5 hours, including hotel pickup, visits, tasting, and return.

What is included in the tour price?
Pickup and drop-off from your hotel, plus tastings of wine, pisco, and pisco creams. Entry to the wineries is included in the tasting cost but not the winery tour itself.

Can I have lunch during the tour?
Yes, a regional lunch is included at Fundo El Arrabal, which you can enjoy in the vineyard’s restaurant.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, camera, biodegradable sunscreen, clothes suitable for the weather, cash, and a charged smartphone.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for people with epilepsy, recent surgeries, insect allergies, or those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

How do I pay for the tour?
You can reserve now and pay later, with options for free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s good to confirm specific needs when booking.

In choosing this tour, you’re getting a well-rounded, affordable peek into Peru’s historic vineyards, with enough flexibility and authentic charm to make it a memorable part of your trip to Ica.

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