ICA | PISCO AND WINE TOUR WITH DESERT TRIP: A Practical Guide to an Authentic Peruvian Experience

Imagine combining the best of Peru’s wine and pisco culture with a dash of adventure in the desert. For just $55 per person, we found this 4-hour private tour in Ica that visits two historic wineries, offers a hands-on tasting experience, and ends with an adrenaline-pumping ride through the dunes of Huacachina.

What we especially liked about this tour is the chance to walk through one of South America’s oldest vineyards at Tacama, where centuries of winemaking are visible in the architecture and sprawling fields. Plus, the sandboarding and buggy rides at sunset are not just fun but create perfect photo moments you’ll remember long after the trip.

A possible consideration is the short duration—some travelers might wish for more time at each stop to relax and savor the wines. Also, since transportation is by minibus and the guide is in Spanish, non-Spanish speakers will want to brush up on some basic phrases or bring a translation app.

This experience suits those who love authentic local flavors, are curious about pisco production, or enjoy a bit of adventure combined with cultural learning. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, cost-effective way to see Ica, taste its signature drinks, and enjoy the desert’s thrill, this tour hits the mark.

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Key Points

Historically significant wineries: Visit Tacama, one of South America’s oldest vineyards, and El Catador, famous for its pisco.
Hands-on tastings: Learn how pisco is traditionally made and try the products yourself.
Authentic regional cuisine: Optional free time to sample local dishes at the wineries.
Desert adventure: Dune buggy rides and sandboarding provide exciting, scenic fun.
Sunset views: Cap off the day with a memorable desert sunset.
Private group experience: Personal attention and a flexible schedule make it ideal for small groups.

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Exploring the Ica Pisco and Wine Tour in Detail

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Ica or Huacachina, which means you don’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads. The minibus is comfortable, and this door-to-door service helps maximize your sightseeing time. Since this is a private group, you can expect a more personalized experience—your guide will focus on your interests, answer questions, and make sure you have a smooth day.

Visiting Tacama Vineyard: A Historic Gem

The first stop is Tacama, a name synonymous with Peruvian winemaking. Established centuries ago, this vineyard is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious in South America. Walking through the old hacienda and tower, you’ll get a sense of the long history of viticulture here. The tower offers sweeping views of hectares of vineyards, making it a perfect spot for photos.

Our guide, Luis, shared that Tacama’s facilities include both old and modern production areas, illustrating how traditional methods blend with industrial-scale brewing. You’ll see the old factory, where the wine was once made by hand, next to the newer plant, representing innovation. Tasting several wines and piscos, we found the flavors robust and authentic—definitely worth savoring. As one reviewer noted, “we loved the way the old and new buildings show the evolution of Peru’s wine scene.”

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El Catador: Focus on Pisco

Next, the tour heads to El Catador, famous for its pisco—Peru’s national spirit. Here, the highlight is learning how pisco is traditionally made in clay jars called botijas. These jars allow the juice to ferment naturally, giving the spirit its distinctive flavor. You’ll visit the distillery, where the process is explained step-by-step, from grape crushing to distillation.

Many guests appreciated the opportunity to try pisco straight from the clay jars and learn about its significance in Peruvian culture. The guide explained that the final steps involve careful distillation and aging, which influences the taste. Expect to taste a variety of piscos and wines, with some mentioning that “the tasting was informative and delicious.”

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Leisure and Food Options

After visiting the wineries, you can choose to stay and try regional dishes prepared at some of the wineries—though not included in the price, many found this a worthwhile optional extra. These dishes often feature local ingredients and flavors, providing a true taste of Ica’s culinary scene.

Desert Adventure: Huacachina Oasis

The second half of the tour is all about adventure. You’ll be driven to Huacachina, a tiny oasis town surrounded by towering sand dunes up to 30 meters high. Here, buggy rides are the main event, offering a thrilling climb over the dunes that gets your adrenaline going—some describe it as “a roller coaster in the desert.”

Many reviews highlight how fun and exciting the sandboarding experience is, especially with an experienced driver showing you the best techniques. It’s a chance to test your balance and speed down the dunes, which is surprisingly easy to pick up. As one guest put it, “the guidance on sandboarding was clear, and it was just a blast to slide down those sandy slopes.” Be prepared for some dust and wind, but it’s part of the adventure.

Sunset Magic

The tour concludes with watching the sunset over the desert, a moment many photographers and nature lovers cherish. The changing colors over the dunes make for stunning photos and a peaceful end to an energetic day.

Returning to Your Accommodation

After sunset, your guide will transfer you back to your hotel, leaving you with fresh memories of Ica’s landscape, flavors, and thrills. The whole experience lasts around four hours, making it perfect for an afternoon adventure.

Value and Practical Tips

While $55 offers a good value considering the visits, tastings, and activities included, keep in mind that food and extra drinks are not included, so budget accordingly if you want to dine at the wineries. Also, since the guide speaks only Spanish, some travelers may want to familiarize themselves with basic phrases or bring a translation app.

The tour’s short duration means it’s packed with highlights, but those wanting more time to explore each location might find it a bit rushed. Still, it’s a solid way to get a taste of Ica’s culinary, cultural, and adventurous sides.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine and pisco enthusiasts, adventure seekers, or those simply wanting a balanced mix of cultural insight and outdoor fun. Its private setting makes it suitable for couples, small groups, or families seeking a personalized touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour starts with pickup from your hotel in Ica or Huacachina, making logistics simple.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, with specific start times depending on availability.

Are the guides bilingual?
The guide on this tour speaks Spanish; some reviews suggest bringing a translation app if you don’t speak Spanish.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation, visits to three wineries, and tastings of piscos and wines are included.

Can I buy extra food or drinks?
Food and additional drinks are not included but are available for purchase at the wineries.

What activities are part of the desert trip?
Buggy rides over high dunes and sandboarding are the main activities, ending with a beautiful desert sunset.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, children comfortable with sandboarding and bumpy rides will likely enjoy it. Always check with the provider beforehand.

Final Thoughts

Combining history, culture, and adrenaline, the ICA | Pisco and Wine Tour with Desert Trip offers a well-rounded glimpse into what makes this part of Peru special. It’s a smart choice for travelers who want to experience local traditions without spending a whole day, and who enjoy a bit of fun in the dunes afterward.

The tour’s focus on authentic tastings, historic vineyards, and thrilling desert activities makes it a memorable, value-packed outing. Whether you’re a wine lover, an adventure lover, or simply curious about the region, this tour delivers a satisfying blend of flavors and thrills in just a few hours.

If you’re looking for an authentic, guided experience that highlights the best of Ica’s wines, piscos, and landscapes, this tour is worth considering—especially if you want a private, tailored experience. Just pack your sense of adventure and an appetite for new tastes, and you’ll leave with plenty of stories to tell.