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Located about 167 miles (270 kilometers) south of Lima, Ica is the production center of Peru’s famous pisco brandy, described in 1630 by Spanish chronicler Francisco López de Caravantes as “one of the most exquisite liquors that can be consumed in the entire world.”
Ica is a working desert city—less about postcard façades and more about what people have figured out how to build and grow in a hard landscape.
Coming down the coast, the Panamericana Sur turns inland and climbs through bare, sun-bleached country before the valley begins to show itself: irrigated fields and orchards laid out like a grid against the sand.
That dependence on water isn’t theoretical. The city sits over an aquifer roughly 260 feet (80 meters) below ground, and the valley’s economy has long been tied to bringing that water into crops—today, everything from asparagus and cotton to paprika and grapes.
The grape piece matters most to travelers because Ica anchors Peru’s largest grape-growing zone, with wineries and pisco distilleries spread across the valley and open to visitors in the right places.
Ica was established by the Spanish on June 17, 1563 as the Villa de Valverde del Valle de Ica, founded by Captain Luis Jerónimo de Cabrera y Toledo (per the provincial municipality’s historical notes and anniversary release). It was later officially renamed San Jerónimo de Ica (a name that echoes its colonial-era religious patronage) in 1640. Traditionally, Ica’s founding is still commemorated every June 17, and the city’s local identity is tightly linked to the valley’s long-running cultivation of grapes—the base of its wine and pisco culture.
The region surrounding Huacachina and Ica boasts some of South America’s oldest and most prestigious vineyards, offering visitors insight into Peru’s rich viticultural heritage. These establishments specialize in producing pisco, the country’s national spirit, which has been distilled from specific grape varieties since the 16th century. Vineyard tours provide a fascinating glimpse into both traditional and modern production methods, connecting visitors with an important aspect of Peruvian cultural identity.
Guided tours typically include comprehensive explanations of the entire pisco production process, from grape cultivation to fermentation, distillation, and aging. Many vineyards offer tasting experiences featuring various pisco varieties alongside locally produced wines, allowing visitors to appreciate the distinct characteristics of different products. The knowledgeable guides often share insights about pisco’s historical significance and its contemporary role in Peruvian gastronomy, particularly in iconic cocktails like the Pisco Sour.
Approximately 5.5 hours from Lima, and 15 minutes from Ica’s central plaza, lies South America’s only natural desert oasis – the enchanting Huacachina. This small lagoon, surrounded by towering sand dunes and lush palm trees, creates a scene so picturesque it seems almost imaginary.
Often described by locals as “The Land of Endless Summer,” Huacachina enjoys consistently warm temperatures and clear skies, making it a year-round destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure in a truly unique setting.
The oasis itself forms the centerpiece of this desert haven, with a small village built around its shores offering accommodations, including boutique hotels. During daylight hours, visitors enjoy paddleboat rides on the lagoon’s emerald waters or simply relax at one of the waterfront cafés. Local legend tells that the lagoon was formed when a beautiful native princess was bathing and fled into the water when spotted by a hunter, her flowing robe creating the surrounding sand dunes.
Prices available upon request
Prices available upon request
Prices starting from $512 per person
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