Exploring the Peruvian desert in Ica

Many travelers arriving in Peru have the main focus of their trip to know the most famous tourist spots in the country, such as Machu Picchu, the most sought-after destination, or even the Peruvian capital, Lima, leaving behind a wide range of possibilities to delve even further into the natural and cultural wonders of the ancient land of the Incas.

Given the chance to assist you in broadening your horizons in Peruvian territory, why not suggest other routes that the country should look for? Therefore, during a tour in Ica, you may learn about some of the most fascinating places that are home to some of our people’s greatest possessions!

In case you didn’t know, our lands guard coastline, snowy mountains, jungle, and also a desert, which is home to the only natural oasis in South America, and where some of the greatest mysteries of our history are hidden. Undoubtedly, you will be charmed by everything this region has to offer.

Besides thrilling, adrenaline-pumping experiences like flying over the Pampas de Jumana or taking a buggy tour, Ica also provides excellent chances to try the best of Peruvian cuisine and drinks, which will draw you completely as you sample the tastes and sensations each meal offers. Let’s see what spots you can’t miss in Ica.

Huacachina Oasis

The Ica region offers adventure experiences that also allow you to enjoy a little more of our culture through our gastronomy. Huacachina is famous for being home to the only natural oasis on the South American continent, Ica is also recognized for its great production of wines and Pisco, which you may already know is the flagship of national drinks.

The Huacachina Oasis is the main tourist spot in the area, located just 15 minutes from the city of Ica and about 5 hours from the Peruvian capital, this place is a refuge in the middle of the desert. The oasis guards a small village and wonderful scenery, surrounded by sand dunes that make it the perfect place to admire beautiful sunsets.

If you want to visit this National Cultural Heritage, a title that helps in the preservation of this wonder of nature, you cannot miss the chance to take a sandboarding buggy tour through the desert dunes. Surely, this will be the highlight of the fun there! Above all, this will be a great opportunity to disconnect from the rest of the world and focus on the best moment, which is the present.

To complement your stay in Ica, it is essential to take a tour of some of the oldest wineries and vineyards in Latin America. Some of these are open to the public and offer tasting experiences of their products, while you also learn and follow the distillation processes of the drinks, all of which can be found by taking the Ruta del Pisco tour. And since we’re in Ica, why not visit the city of Nazca, which is just a few kilometers away?

Nazca

If you love exploring ancient civilizations and their wonders, the Nazca Lines are worth visiting! In 1994, UNESCO recognized this amazing site as a World Heritage Site. Here, you can find about 1,100 large geoglyphs, featuring famous shapes like the hummingbird, monkey, condor, and spider. These impressive drawings have sparked the curiosity of researchers for years, leading to many interesting theories about their purpose, from religious ceremonies to connections with outer space.

To fully appreciate these amazing formations, why not take a 30 to 45-minute flight? You’ll get the best view to see their size and beauty up close! If you’re interested in learning more about the fascinating research behind these mysterious drawings, you should definitely visit the Maria Reiche Neuman Museum. It’s located in the home of Maria Reiche, who dedicated much of her life to studying and preserving the Nazca Lines.

The museum shares her incredible work and explores the many ideas about the geoglyphs. Enjoy your visit! The Nazca region has so much to offer beyond the famous Lines! You can explore the Cantalloc Aqueducts, an amazing network of 45 ancient waterways. These aqueducts highlight the clever engineering of the Nazca and Huari cultures, which were essential for supporting local farms. If you’re interested in learning more about the area’s rich history, be sure to check out the Chauchilla Cemetery.

This ancient burial site features well-preserved mummies and intriguing artifacts that give us insight into the burial practices of early civilizations. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with the past! There’s much more to uncover in this intriguing part of Peru. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient history or just looking for a unique travel experience, the Nazca region has something to offer. Don’t miss out on exploring one of Peru’s most mysterious and culturally rich destinations. Be sure to check out our packages and discover the southern wonders of Peru!

Paracas

Since you’ll be so close, Paracas is another destination that must be on your bucket list! This delightful beach town is a perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty, where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean. While Paracas is small, it has some wonderful attractions like the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands, both known for their stunning scenery and diverse wildlife.

At the Paracas National Reserve, you can enjoy vibrant beaches and have the chance to see exotic birds and playful sea lions. A highlight of your visit could be a flight over the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Peruvian Small Galapagos.” Here, you might spot Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and even dolphins! And don’t forget to check out the ancient geoglyph, “El Candelabro,” carved into the Paracas peninsula.

The Tambo Colorado Archaeological Site is a must-see if you’re a history lover. This well-preserved 15th-century Chincha-Inca structure features colorful striped walls and offers a fascinating look into Peru’s rich history. For those seeking excitement, a quad bike ride through the Paracas desert can be a thrilling way to see the area’s amazing rock formations and fossils.

You should also consider visiting the nearby Huacachina Oasis. As the only natural oasis in South America, it’s a fantastic spot for adventure sports like dune buggy rides and sandboarding, or just relaxing by the water. Plus, the Ica region is famous for its wine and pisco production, giving you a chance to explore some of Peru’s oldest vineyards.

The Ica region and its attractions are waiting for you! You can contact us to start living your dreams in Peru. Viagens Machu Picchu has assisted more than 100,000 travelers to realize their dreams in our country, and we would be honored if we could help you too! Pack your things and start your adventure in Peruvian lands.

Viagens Machu Picchu, journeys that inspire, moments that last.