From Lima: Full-Day Tour to Ica and Huacachina Lagoon

From Lima: Full-Day Tour to Ica and Huacachina Lagoon

Traveling from Lima to the Ica region offers a rewarding mix of culture, nature, and adventure—all packed into a 17-hour day. For $241 per person, you’ll get to see a lively blend of old and modern Ica, visit an artisanal winery for a detailed pisco and wine tasting, and marvel at the Huacachina Lagoon, an oasis amid towering dunes. The tour includes a shared bus, guiding by bilingual guides, and some fascinating stops along the way.

What makes this experience stand out for us are two things: first, the chance to walk through both old and contemporary Ica, witnessing the city’s evolution firsthand. And second, the visit to Huacachina, a surreal desert lagoon that feels more like a film scene than a real place. That said, the long travel time—about four hours each way—might be a stretch for those looking to keep things a bit more relaxed or travel with very young children.

This tour is definitely best suited for adventurous travelers who appreciate a mix of cultural insights, scenic landscapes, and a touch of adrenaline. If you’re eager to see a different side of Peru beyond the classic Machu Picchu or Cusco, this could be just the trip for you.

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Key Points

• Cultural diversity: Combines visits to historic Ica sites and a regional museum showcasing various cultures.
• Scenic landscape: Includes a walk through impressive dunes and the stunning Huacachina lagoon.
• Tastings: Features a detailed explanation and tasting of Peruvian wine and pisco at an artisanal winery.
• Convenience: Includes pickup, drop-off, and transportation, making it easier to enjoy the day stress-free.
• Long day: Expect a 17-hour journey, so it’s best for those comfortable with extended travel.
• Small group: Limited to 15 travelers, promoting a more intimate experience with personalized guides.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting early, the tour begins with your pickup from your hotel in Lima, heading south towards the Ica region. The ride, approximately four hours long, gives you a chance to enjoy the changing scenery—urban stretches giving way to arid desert landscapes. While long, the comfortable bus and scenic views make the trip pass more quickly than you might expect.

Arrival in Ica and Lunch

Once in Ica, you’ll be taken to a local hotel for lunch. While the details of the meal aren’t specified, the Las Dunas hotel is mentioned as offering a tourist menu from Sunday to Thursday and a buffet on weekends, which suggests a decent variety suited for travelers needing a hearty meal after the journey. Expect to refuel for the afternoon ahead.

Exploring Ica’s Historic and Modern Sides

In the afternoon, your first stop is a well-known artisanal winery, where the guide provides a comprehensive explanation of how wine and pisco are made—an interesting insight not just for wine aficionados but for anyone curious about Peru’s famous spirits. The tasting is included, and you’ll likely get to sample a few varieties, enhancing your understanding of local production methods.

Following the winery, a walk through Ica’s main streets and Plaza de Armas offers a glimpse into its urban evolution—the blend of colonial architecture and modern buildings. The Regional Museum of Ica is next, where you’ll see exhibits illustrating the five key cultures: Paracas, Nazca, Wari, Ica Chincha, and Inca. This museum serves as a compact cultural primer, bringing the region’s history to life with artifacts and displays.

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The Highlight: Huacachina Lagoon

The last major stop is the Huacachina Lagoon, often called “The Oasis of America”. Surrounded by impressive dunes, this natural wonder is not just visually stunning but also a hub for adventure activities, such as dune buggy rides and sandboarding—although these are not included in the tour, the dunes themselves make for spectacular viewing and photo opportunities.

Walking around the lagoon, you get a sense of reality bending—an oasis amid a vast desert, a place where water and sand coexist in a striking contrast. Travelers often mention the beautiful desert landscapes and impressive dunes as some of the most memorable parts of the day.

Returning to Lima

After soaking in the views and taking some photos, it’s time to head back to Lima. You’ll be transferred to the bus station for your return trip, ending the day with plenty of time to relax and reflect on a full day of exploration.

What to Expect and Practical Tips

This tour is packed from start to finish, so wear comfortable clothes, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to manage the desert sun. Since it’s a long day, pack some snacks or cash for extras, and be prepared for a group size of up to 15, which is manageable for personalized attention.

The tour operates in both English and Spanish, so language isn’t a barrier. It’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchairs, given the nature of some stops and walking involved.

Transportation and Baggage

The bus ride is shared and includes roundtrip tickets, with the option to carry up to 20 kilos of checked baggage and 5 kilos in carry-on. This is convenient for those traveling light but makes it clear that you shouldn’t bring excess luggage.

Cost and Value

At $241, the tour might seem steep at first glance, especially given the long travel times. But when you consider the all-inclusive package—guided visits, winery tasting, lunch, and transportation—it offers good value for travelers seeking a comprehensive day trip without the hassle of logistics.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to combine cultural learning with scenic nature. It’s perfect if you enjoy learning about local spirits, walking through historic sites, and seeing stunning desert landscapes.

However, those looking for a more relaxed day or traveling with very young children might find the long hours challenging. Also, desert enthusiasts or anyone craving a more adrenaline-filled experience like sandboarding might want to arrange those activities separately.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of the Ica region—a place where history, nature, and culture collide in striking fashion. The highlights, like the artisanal winery and Huacachina, are genuinely memorable, especially for travelers who love landscapes that defy expectations.

The long drive is a consideration, but with comfortable transportation and engaging guides, it becomes part of the adventure rather than a hassle. It’s perfect for those who want to see a different side of Peru—beyond the classic archaeological sites—and who appreciate authentic regional experiences.

For those with curiosity and a spirit of exploration, this tour delivers value and genuine discovery in a single day. It’s a chance to step into a world of dunes and vineyards, and come away with stories to tell.

FAQ

Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, pickup is available from hotels in Cusco’s historic center, simplifying logistics. If you stay in a private residence or Airbnb, you’ll need to coordinate a meeting point.

How long does the trip take?
The entire day lasts about 17 hours, including travel time, so be prepared for a full-day commitment.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and cash for extra expenses. Since it’s a desert environment, sun protection is key.

Are meals included?
Yes, lunch is part of the tour, typically from a tourist menu or buffet at Las Dunas hotel.

Can I do this tour if I have mobility issues?
No, this tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, given the walking involved and nature of stops.

What’s the group size?
Limited to 15 participants, making the experience more personalized and manageable.

Are there any additional costs I should know about?
Beverages, alcohol, and personal expenses are not included. Also, if you wish to take photos, you might want to carry some cash for souvenirs or tips.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Children can participate if accompanied by an adult, but the long hours and travel might be best suited for older kids or teenagers.

What is the best time of year to take this tour?
While specific seasons aren’t mentioned, the sunny, dry climate of Ica suggests that avoiding the rainy season (typically in the summer months) might make for a more comfortable experience.

This full-day trip from Lima to Ica and Huacachina offers an engaging mix of culture, scenery, and adventure, perfect for travelers eager to expand their Peruvian horizons beyond the usual. With well-organized logistics and unforgettable landscapes, it’s a journey that promises lasting memories—and great stories to tell back home.

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