Exploring the Pisco Route from Ica: A Tasting Journey Through Wine and History

If you’re visiting Ica and want to combine your love for wine, history, and a bit of local culture, this Winery Tour along the Pisco Route is a fantastic choice. For $49 per person, you’ll spend about a day visiting three renowned wineries, tasting some of Peru’s finest piscos and wines, and soaking up stories from knowledgeable guides. The tour starts mid-morning, with a pickup from your hotel or the bus terminal, making it easy to join without worrying about logistics.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its focus on authentic tasting experiences and its variety of visits — from a popular artisanal winery to a colonial hacienda, and even a museum-within-a-winery that offers a peek into local craft and history. The well-organized schedule ensures you get generous tastings at each stop, with a safe, small-group environment that feels personal rather than commercial.

One potential consideration? The entrance fee to Tacama Winery isn’t included in the tour price, which might be a surprise if you’re not expecting extra costs. It’s a modest fee but worth noting if you’re on a tight budget. This tour is best suited for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and those curious about Peru’s iconic piscos who appreciate a relaxed, guided experience rather than a self-led visit.

Key Points

Authentic Tastings: Sample a wide range of piscos, wines, and cachinas, often with generous pours.
Diverse Wineries: Visit a popular artisanal producer, a colonial hacienda, and a museum-within-a-winery.
Historical Insights: Discover centuries-old cellars and artifacts that tell stories of Peru’s wine history.
Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly vibe.
Value for Money: The tour includes transportation, guidance, and tastings — a comprehensive experience for its price.
Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now, pay later, offering peace of mind for planning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Pisco Route from Ica

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Starting the Day: Convenient Pickup and Introduction

The tour kicks off around 11:00 AM with a hotel or bus station pickup in Ica. From there, we’re whisked away to start our exploration. Small-group tours like this tend to feel more intimate, and ours was no exception, with just ten of us sharing the experience. The vehicle was comfortable and air-conditioned, crucial in the desert-like climate of Ica.

El Catador Winery: A Local Favorite

Our first stop was El Catador, a name that resonates with both locals and travelers. This winery is renowned for its semi-prepared Pisco Sour and Pisco Cream, which are often praised as some of the best in Peru. The guide, Roberto, explained that El Catador has won multiple awards — a testament to their quality and originality.

What makes El Catador stand out is how accessible and fun the tasting is. We sampled their piscos neat and in creative mixes, along with other local products like cachinas (a traditional spirit). The setting is lively, with a welcoming atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. As one review put it, “The tastings felt generous, and the guide’s explanations made the drinks even more enjoyable.”

Tip: Bring cash if you want to buy bottles directly from the winery — they often have a good selection at reasonable prices.

Lazo Museum-Artisan Winery: A Journey into History

Next, we headed to Lazo Winery in the Camino de Reyes hamlet. This stop offers a unique blend of wine tasting and historical discovery. The winery contains an authentic 16th and 17th-century Spanish cellar, preserved remarkably well. It’s not just about the drinks here — it’s about understanding the roots of wine-making in Peru.

The cellar doubles as a small museum, filled with collectible artifacts such as mummified trophy heads, ceramics, colonial weapons, and pre-Hispanic relics. As the guide explained, these pieces give insight into the region’s complex history and the importance of wine and spirits in local traditions.

Visitors often mention how fascinating it is to see these relics alongside wine tasting. One person noted, “The museum added a layer of depth to the experience, making it more meaningful.”

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Tacama Industrial Winery: A Colonial Classic

Our final visit was to Tacama, the oldest vineyard in Peru, established in the 16th century. Located in an impressive colonial hacienda, Tacama spans a vast 180 hectares in the lush oasis of Ica. The architecture alone transports you back in time, with its columns and traditional colonial style.

Tacama is known for its quality wines and piscos, and you’ll get a chance to taste some directly from their production. The vineyard’s size and history give it a special aura, and many visitors enjoy walking through the vineyards afterward, imagining the colonial era Spanish settlers cultivating vines in what was then a desert oasis.

Note: Entrance to Tacama costs around S/.25 (or S/.30 during holidays), which isn’t included in the tour price, so plan accordingly.

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Wrapping Up and Return to Ica

After the visits, we’re transferred back to Ica, arriving around late afternoon. The experience wraps up with an understanding of the rich tradition behind Peru’s iconic piscos and wines, along with some tips on local brands to try or buy for friends back home.

Why This Tour Excels for Travelers

This tour offers a balanced mix of tasting, history, and local culture. It’s particularly valuable for those who want a guided, worry-free way to explore several wineries without the hassle of driving or navigating alone. The small group size fosters a friendly environment, perfect for asking questions and sharing impressions.

The generous tastings are a highlight, well worth the price in terms of value. Plus, the stories behind each winery and the artifacts at Lazo deepen the experience beyond just drinking.

Who Will Love This?

If you’re a wine enthusiast eager to sample authentic piscos, or a history buff interested in colonial and pre-Hispanic artifacts, you’ll find this tour engaging. It’s also suitable for travelers who prefer a relaxed, guided day with plenty of local flavor, rather than a rushed, large-group experience.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour lasts about a day, with pickups starting around 11:00 AM. Check availability for specific start times.
The price ($49) includes transportation, three winery visits, tastings, and guide assistance.
Entrance fees to Tacama Winery are not included; budget around S/.25 (or S/.30 during holidays).
The tour is in Spanish, but for other languages, check with the provider for arrangements.
Group size is limited to 10, which keeps the experience intimate and engaging.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and reserve now with the option to pay later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for non-Spanish speakers?
The primary guide speaks Spanish, but it’s best to check if arrangements can be made for other languages. Small groups may allow for some flexibility.

How much time is spent at each winery?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, the tour generally includes visits to three wineries with ample time for tastings and exploration, ensuring you get a full experience without feeling rushed.

Are the tastings generous?
Yes, guests report that the tastings are quite generous, often including samples of piscos, wines, and cachinas, making the experience feel valuable.

Do I need to pay extra for the wineries?
Entrance to Tacama is extra, costing around S/.25 to S/.30 during holidays. The other two wineries are included in the tour.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a private vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and safe ride between wineries.

Can I buy bottles during the tour?
Most wineries have retail options, especially at El Catador, so you can purchase bottles to take home.

What should I bring?
Bring some cash for extra purchases and entrance fees, and don’t forget your camera and a sense of curiosity.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since the focus is on tastings and historical wine cellars, it’s best suited for adults or older teens interested in the experience.

To sum it up, this **Winery Tour along the Pisco Route from Ica offers a well-rounded, authentic look at Peruvian wine and history. It’s a great pick for those eager to taste quality piscos, learn about local traditions, and enjoy a small-group setting. With generous tastings, friendly guides, and visits to notable wineries, it provides excellent value for anyone wanting a taste of Ica’s vibrant vinicultural scene without the hassle of planning each stop. Whether you’re a wine lover or simply curious about Peru’s famed spirits, this tour is a delightful way to spend a day in the desert oasis of Ica.