Ica & Huacachina
The Desert Oasis and the Nazca Lines
Why Visit Ica & Huacachina
Huacachina is one of Peru's most surprising landscapes: a small green-water oasis surrounded by dunes reaching 100 meters high, just 5 km from the city of Ica. Sandboarding and buggy rides through the dunes at sunset are the region's most thrilling activities, making Huacachina a mandatory stop between Lima and Cusco.
The Nazca Lines, traced in the desert over 2,000 years ago by the Nazca civilization, are one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries. Geometric figures and animals—the hummingbird, the monkey, the spider, the condor—with perfect proportions only visible from the air. Sightseeing flights over the lines depart from Nazca airport and last between 30 and 40 minutes.
The Ica region produces 80% of Peruvian pisco. Wineries such as Tacama, Vista Alegre and El Catador offer guided tours with tastings where you can learn about the artisanal production process of pisco, from grape harvest to distillation in clay vessels. La Vendimia (Harvest Festival) in March is the most important celebration in Ica.
What to See and Do in Ica & Huacachina
Tours in Ica & Huacachina
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Fly over the enigmatic Nazca Lines, UNESCO Heritage. The world's greatest mystery seen from the air.
Experiences in Ica & Huacachina
See all →Pure adrenaline at the continent's only oasis. Slide down 200m sand dunes and explore the desert in a dune buggy.
Visit the wine estates where Peruvian pisco is born. Artisan distillery, guided tasting of 6 pisco varieties and vineyard tour.
Quick facts
When to Go
Year-round (dry desert climate). Summer (December–March) is best for sandboarding. Ica's Vendimia harvest festival is in March.
Getting There
Bus from Lima (Miraflores or Javier Prado) with Cruz del Sur, Oltursa or CIVA. Duration: 4–5 hours. Also by car on the Panamericana Sur. No commercial airport in Ica.
