Ica: Tacama Pisco Route, Arrabal, Lovera Winery — a detailed look at a flavorful adventure

When you think of Peru, you might picture Machu Picchu or ceviche, but the Ica region has its own vibrant appeal—especially if you’re a fan of good wine and pisco. This 7-hour tour, costing around $45 per person, takes you through some of the most important wineries in Ica, with visits to Tacama, El Arrabal, and the Lovera Winery. It’s a great way to combine tasting with a bit of local history, all in a small-group setting.

What we particularly liked about this experience is how it balances history and flavor — sampling some of the oldest wines and piscos in South America and enjoying guided explanations that make each sip more meaningful. The tour’s intimate size, limited to 15 participants, keeps the experience personal and engaging. Plus, the fact that you get to visit Tacama, one of the oldest wineries, adds a special touch of authenticity and tradition to your day.

One possible consideration for travelers is the timing—the start is at 10:30 am, which might be a bit late if you’re eager to maximize your day, and the tour concludes around 4:30 pm. Also, the entrance fee to Tacama ($7) is not included, so budget for that extra cost.

This tour is ideal for those interested in Peruvian wine and pisco, enjoying a bit of history, and looking for a relaxed yet insightful way to spend a day outside the city. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate guided tours that combine education with tasting, rather than just a casual visit.

Key Points

Unique stops at Tacama, El Arrabal, and Lovera wineries provide a well-rounded perspective on Ica’s wine-making traditions.
Tastings include piscos and wines at each location, offering a genuine chance to compare varieties.
Historical insight is woven into the tour, especially at Tacama, South America’s oldest hacienda.
Small group size ensures a more personal experience and better interaction with guides.
Flexible booking options with pay later and cancelation up to 24 hours in advance.
Extra costs include Tacama’s entrance fee ($7) and optional holiday supplements.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Ica’s Wine and Pisco Heritage

The tour kicks off with a hotel pickup near the lively Plaza de Ica, where your guide (possibly a local with good knowledge of the region) will set the tone for the day. From there, you’ll head to Tacama, often called the birthplace of Peruvian wine, with a history dating back centuries. Here, the focus is on understanding the importance of wine and pisco in Peruvian culture, as well as seeing the impressive industrial plant where the wines are produced.

Tacama is more than just a winery; it’s a symbol of tradition. Their offerings include wines, piscos, and sparkling wines, giving you a broad taste of what the region produces. The guided tour here typically involves walking through the vineyards, learning about the unique grape varieties, and hearing stories that connect the wines to local stories.

Next, your group visits El Arrabal, a smaller, perhaps more intimate winery. Here, you get to compare different styles and flavors while enjoying tastings that are both educational and delicious. The guide’s commentary helps you understand what makes each wine or pisco special—whether it’s the grape type, fermentation process, or aging techniques.

The last stop, Lovera Winery, holds historical significance as the mother of the Lovera family wineries in Ica. Visiting Lovera gives you a sense of the local family-run tradition that persists in Peruvian wine-making. It’s a chance to taste more products, enjoy the rustic ambiance, and walk away with a deeper appreciation for the small-scale producers who keep the craft alive.

Throughout the day, you’ll be encouraged to sample as much as you like, with each location offering guided tastings. The fact that the guide is professional and fluent in both Spanish and English makes the experience accessible and engaging.

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What Makes the Wineries Special?

Tacama stands out because it’s the oldest in South America, giving you a direct link to centuries-old traditions. The fact that it’s still operational and producing a variety of drinks makes it a living museum of sorts. Many reviews highlight the quality of the wines and piscos—some describing the tasting experience as “delicious,” with a particular note on how friendly and knowledgeable their guides are.

Lovera, the “mother” winery, is praised for its authentic rustic charm and historical significance. Visitors often mention the “walk through history” and the opportunity to see how family-run wineries operate, which adds a personalized touch to the tour.

El Arrabal is appreciated for its less commercial atmosphere—a chance to taste local products in a setting that feels genuine and unpretentious.

Practicalities and Tips

This tour is priced at $45, which is quite reasonable considering the number of wineries visited and tastings included. The entrance fee to Tacama ($7) is extra, so be sure to bring some cash. The tour lasts about 7 hours, including pickup and drop-off, making it a comfortable and manageable half-day activity.

The timing is convenient—starting at 10:30 am—allowing you to enjoy a relaxed morning. The final return around 4:30 pm gives you time to explore Ica afterward or rest before dinner.

Since the group size is limited, booking in advance is advised, especially during peak season or holidays when demand rises. The tour’s flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours before adds a layer of reassurance.

Travelers should bring essentials like sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen, as the weather tends to be sunny and warm. Cash is recommended for additional purchases or entrance fees, and note that alcohol and drugs are not permitted during the tour.

Why This Tour Matters for Your Ica Visit

This tour offers more than just wine tastings; it’s an educational journey into the cultural significance of wine and pisco in Ica and Peru overall. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of local traditions and the chance to sample some of the best products the region has to offer. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want to experience a different side of Peru—one that’s flavorful, historic, and authentically local.

If you’re interested in learning about Peruvian beverages, enjoy guided tastings, or simply want a relaxed way to spend a day outside the city, this experience hits the mark. The emphasis on small group interaction ensures a friendly, engaging atmosphere, ideal for making new friends while exploring.

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FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is primarily alcohol-focused, so it’s better suited for adults. Children might not find it as engaging, and the tour involves tasting and alcohol consumption restrictions.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, including pickup from your hotel and return to Ica.

Do I need to pay for entrance fees separately?
Yes, the entrance fee to Tacama ($7) is not included and should be paid on-site.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and cash for extra expenses or entrance fees.

Are the tours available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak both Spanish and English, ensuring you can follow along comfortably.

Can I cancel if I change my plans?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
It’s not suited for wheelchair users or those with pre-existing medical conditions, as walking around wineries involves some uneven surfaces.

Are food or meals included?
No, food is not included, but you can purchase snacks or lunch in Ica afterward.

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Final thoughts

This Ica winery tour offers a well-rounded experience blending history, culture, and flavor. You’ll visit some of the most significant wineries—Tacama, Lovera, and El Arrabal—each with its own character and story. The tastings are plentiful and authentic, and the guides bring a friendly, knowledgeable touch that makes the experience enjoyable.

It’s a great pick for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of Peru’s wine-making tradition without breaking the bank. The small group size, flexible booking, and focus on genuine experiences make it a reliable choice for curious, wine-loving travelers who value authenticity.

If you appreciate historic wineries, delicious piscos, and insightful guides, this tour will add a flavorful chapter to your trip in Ica. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual sipper, the blend of education and tasting makes for a memorable day, all within a manageable, well-paced itinerary.

Remember: the best wine is not just in the glass but in the stories it carries. This tour gives you both.