Local Attractions in Ica
There is much to see in the Region of Ica. The city of Ica, where we are quite close to (about 25 minutes away by shuttle), is only a small part of the Region. Please consider taking in Pisco, Paracas, Nazca, and much more while you are here.
Since Ica is only a day trip from Lima, it is easily the 2nd most popular tourist location in all of Peru and definitely the more accessible and lower cost to visit. We look forward to your stay with us at La Misión, but also would encourage you to take in the sights when you can.
This short webpage is by no means meant to be an exhaustive overview of what you can visit and see, but is meant only as a suggestion. Please google any and all sites or locations that you have an interest in. There are tour operators in the center of Ica (Plaza de Armas) who will sell you packages to take in many of these sites.
Since Ica is only a day trip from Lima, it is easily the 2nd most popular tourist location in all of Peru and definitely the more accessible and lower cost to visit. We look forward to your stay with us at La Misión, but also would encourage you to take in the sights when you can.
This short webpage is by no means meant to be an exhaustive overview of what you can visit and see, but is meant only as a suggestion. Please google any and all sites or locations that you have an interest in. There are tour operators in the center of Ica (Plaza de Armas) who will sell you packages to take in many of these sites.
LOCAL SIGHTS
Attractions in Ica
Local tour operators in the Plaza de Armas can arrange visits to these locations.
Oasis de Huacachina
Located in the Ica region, just 5 km from the city center, the “Oasis de America” becomes the perfect place for hiking and spending a pleasant afternoon with family, friends or parents. Huacachina in Quechua means “crying woman”. An ancient legend tells that the lagoon is born from the tears of a beautiful green-eyed woman who wept for the death of her beloved, a valiant general in Inca times. (Somehow there is a mermaid in this legend too, as a statue commemorates).
Its geography invites the traveler to practice adventure sports such as traveling in a Buggy, a large vehicle in the form of a car that will transport you through the impressive dunes at full speed, living a moment full of adrenaline. Sandboarding allows you to slide through the desert sand on a board, using movements similar to surfing or skateboarding. It can be done standing, sitting or even lying face down for beginners—it all depends on the level of difficulty.
Its geography invites the traveler to practice adventure sports such as traveling in a Buggy, a large vehicle in the form of a car that will transport you through the impressive dunes at full speed, living a moment full of adrenaline. Sandboarding allows you to slide through the desert sand on a board, using movements similar to surfing or skateboarding. It can be done standing, sitting or even lying face down for beginners—it all depends on the level of difficulty.
* Note: Pricing for a package of dune buggy riding and sand dune surfing (usually two hills in each tour, one short 700 meter and one long 1500 meter), will run you just under 40 soles per person (if going direct). Tour operators might do better or equal to that but often you might only get one dune ride and shorter buggy ride. Be sure to ask the tour operator if that is important to you.
Laguna de Huacachina
Huacachina is a desert oasis among dunes, palm trees and huarangos where there is a small villa just west of the city of Ica (5 km from city center). In its center are the emerald green waters of the Huacachina lagoon, believed to have therapeutic properties. The banks of the lagoon have bars, clubs and some good (not always cheap) restaurants to enjoy local Peruvian dishes while enjoying the view. Paddle boats are available for rental.
Regional Museum of Ica Adolfo Bermudez
Created on May 30, 1946.
Nowadays it has a building with a valuable collection of archaeological pieces from the Nasca, Paracas, Huari cultures, and even those populated by the Incas.
One of the first rooms exhibits skeletal remains found in the Ica territory. These remains allow the public to learn about customs and medical technologies performed by groups such as the Paracas, who were practitioners of the famous cranial trepanations. The collection includes a set of skulls that draw attention to certain anomalies. There is also a replica of the famous Nasca Lines.
Nowadays it has a building with a valuable collection of archaeological pieces from the Nasca, Paracas, Huari cultures, and even those populated by the Incas.
One of the first rooms exhibits skeletal remains found in the Ica territory. These remains allow the public to learn about customs and medical technologies performed by groups such as the Paracas, who were practitioners of the famous cranial trepanations. The collection includes a set of skulls that draw attention to certain anomalies. There is also a replica of the famous Nasca Lines.
Vineyards & Wineries
Ica is famous for its vineyards and wine making. El Catador Winery and Vista Alegre Winery are a few that tourists love. The most popular is Tacama Vineyard, which is also the closest to the Mission, accessible just east of the village of San Juan Bautista itself. At Tacama, you can get great cuisine at their restaurant and enjoy entertainment with regional costumes, dance, music and horse work.
The Tacama hacienda and winery in the La Tinguiña district is the oldest winery in Peru—the pioneer, initiated by the Spanish who planted the first vines in the hot Ica Valley in 1540. The vines brought from the Canary Islands adapted, caught on and took root.
This is the first wine tourism center in the country. Its opening is a response to the growing interest of travelers to discover the hacienda, which is near an inspiring desert, oasis and sea.
The Tacama hacienda and winery in the La Tinguiña district is the oldest winery in Peru—the pioneer, initiated by the Spanish who planted the first vines in the hot Ica Valley in 1540. The vines brought from the Canary Islands adapted, caught on and took root.
This is the first wine tourism center in the country. Its opening is a response to the growing interest of travelers to discover the hacienda, which is near an inspiring desert, oasis and sea.
Four options at Tacama for tourist:
- The traditional tour to know production processes and taste wines/piscos.
- The hacienda tour to discover the colonial house from 1815.
- The Gran Tour Tacama, an unforgettable visit to the tasting room.
- Don Manuel, an adventure in the underground cellar for high-end wines.
Plaza de Armas de Ica
Nicolas de Rivera, first mayor of Lima and one of the “famous 13”, was looking for a suitable place in Ica for the capital city. He chose Pisco, but Pizarro preferred the Rimac valley. On June 17, 1563, Captain Luis Jeronimo de Cabrera founded the town of Valverde de Ica. Due to earthquakes, the city moved to its current place.
The Plaza is characterized by gigantic woody trees belonging to the “ficus” genus, giving it an ancient appearance. An obelisk with two needles, a gazebo with lines evoking yesteryear, and lush ficus trees give it an enviable architectural picture. In its perimeter is the Municipality of Ica with magnificent portals and the Cathedral of Ica.
Near La Misión
Cristo Blanco de Ica
Within walking distance of our mission base stands a landmark we call “Cristo Blanco.” Standing approximately 15 meters tall, this white statue of Christ looks out over the reclaimed desert farmlands.
For our visiting teams, it’s a wonderful hike (about a mile from the mission) and a powerful place for prayer, reflection, and taking in the view of the villages we serve.
Day Trips Beyond Ica
Pisco, Perú
1 Hour North
One hour north of us is the beach city of Pisco. Pisco offers a lot of attractions for a day or two of touristing. If driving on your own or taking a bus, Pisco itself is west of the Pan American Highway. The buses (S/. 5 from Ica) drop you off, requiring an inexpensive collectivo ride to the city center.
- Paracas National Reserve: A large coastal land reserve with excellent museums. Highlights include La Mina and Playa Roja (red sand beach).
- Ballestas Islands: Known as the “poor man’s Galápagos.” Boat tours ($15-20) leave from nearby Paracas to see sea lions, penguins, and marine wildlife.
- The Candelabra: An enormous pre-historic geoglyph on the northern face of the Paracas Peninsula, visible from the boat tours.
- San Andres: Great seafood restaurants in this seaside area.
Nazca
2 Hours South
Going south of Ica about 2 hours by bus is the very special area of Nazca. Very ancient large pre-Columbian geoglyphs etched into the desert sands. Covering an area of nearly 1,000 sq. kilometers, there are about 300 different figures.
You can schedule an air tour from Pisco, Ica or Nazca. The closer you actually get to Nazca, the cheaper the air tour will be (think $100/person in Nazca, more from Ica/Pisco).
On the ground: The city of Nazca has its own Plaza de Armas. Visit 1500-year-old wells (still functioning) and outdoor museums showing mummified remains.
You can schedule an air tour from Pisco, Ica or Nazca. The closer you actually get to Nazca, the cheaper the air tour will be (think $100/person in Nazca, more from Ica/Pisco).
On the ground: The city of Nazca has its own Plaza de Armas. Visit 1500-year-old wells (still functioning) and outdoor museums showing mummified remains.
Canyon of the Lost
2.5 Hours Southeast
Adventure in the middle of the Ocucaje desert, 69 kilometers southeast of the city of Ica. A little explored geological formation that will impress you. Dare to walk through its depths.
This canyon is about 35 million years old and fossil remains found around attest to this (whales, megalodon teeth, seashells). A lagoon is also part of the tour you can do in two hours.
This canyon is about 35 million years old and fossil remains found around attest to this (whales, megalodon teeth, seashells). A lagoon is also part of the tour you can do in two hours.
In either case, we want you to find us, so hope that these maps help to that end. God bless you and safe travels!!