Ica Day Trips: Top 5 Adventures & Hidden Gems
So, you are thinking of heading to Ica, Peru, for a bit. Very, very cool! Ica is that spot that’s like, often passed by, but very worthy of stopping to explore. And guess what? A bunch of exciting day trips start from there! It’s that jumping-off spot to some totally amazing Peruvian adventures. This article gives the scoop on the best day trips. I am talking dunes, wildlife, and maybe some Pisco…Interested? Let’s have a look.
1. Huacachina Oasis: Sand, Sun, and Adventure
Okay, right off the bat, Huacachina, so it’s an actual desert oasis, is possibly one of the neatest places ever. It’s like, about a hop, skip, and a jump from Ica. So very easy to get to. Think massive dunes where you can absolutely try out sandboarding or go wild with dune buggy rides. Very fast! As a matter of fact, Huacachina feels like stepping onto a movie set – seriously!
Basically, dune buggy rides there will take you for what feels like a roller coaster across the desert, very, very fast before stopping at the prime dunes. Like, super fun and what you will probably want to write home about. Next, time for the sandboarding: Strap your feet in, get set and feel that air, this bit needs a bit of confidence or very strong nerves. Don’t fret if you’re new; those guides know the score and get you on the safe slopes before letting you go.
When you feel a bit sore, like from laughing so much, maybe just grab some of that local grub, chilling right by the lagoon. We think that sounds idyllic. And later, you know, stick around as the sun heads towards the horizon. That golden hour in the desert, very worth it – the light, so gorgeous!
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2. Paracas National Reserve: Coastal Wonders
Right then, time for Paracas, maybe about an hour by vehicle from Ica. Very interesting spot. The Paracas National Reserve, actually, is coastal paradise, with wildlife, super rock formations and massive seaside vistas. So, a lot to see then.
Like, get yourself a tour there and basically skim over to the Ballestas Islands, so it’s an interesting little habitat teeming with sea lions, the penguin called the Humboldt, and just thousands of marine bird species! Very great for some animal viewing and some super photographs. It’s, too, nicknamed “the Galapagos of Peru,” with all that awesome animal life.
But then, there’s the desert landscapes too. Places like Playa Roja, basically named after that crimson sand or La Catedral, like an odd rock vibe due to the wind. And anyway, consider renting a bike to zip along at your pace! Basically, so you take it all in.
Oh, one little bit – the breezes there are really stiff, so probably take layers.
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3. Ica’s Vineyards and Pisco Tasting
Next, how do the local wineries appeal? As a matter of fact, Pisco, so Peru’s big grape brandy beverage, began right here, a bit like champagne from France or Tequila from Mexico! As I was saying, a visit there is for getting behind local flavor, trying something authentic and learning some fascinating little pieces of Ica heritage!
Well, bunch of those wineries, or bodegas, offer tours, talking you through how they grow those grapes and the actual methods for mashing up, aging that pisco, stuff like that. Also you generally get the occasion to sample a bit, obviously! It’s possibly a bit of fun trying out those distinctions between types, the aroma! So you see how they do it!
Places to note? Like, Tacama – old one with nice gardens. Or Bodega El Catador. Very homely so that’s lovely! If not, maybe go to Nietto, for its modern vibe.
Pro-tip – get a ride rather than steering afterward! Right then, you have been cautioned.
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4. Nazca Lines Flight: Ancient Mysteries From Above
Right, up for something different? Actually, let’s consider those famous Nazca Lines! Alright, so those gigantic old sketches drawn onto that ground there and easily viewable from above! As a matter of fact, Nasca’s not in Ica itself. Pretty accessible from Ica on a trip there.
So basically what you probably need to do there, is getting over these mysterious glyphs with the smaller aircraft they have there! Like, it will circle so viewers view the glyphs, talking you through various animal designs: monkey, condor, and like. And it’s one mind-bending experience. So you’ll be glad you did it.
However, because you may be on an extremely little plane there. Then if you usually get motion sick or whatever. Might consider getting medication prior or it will turn the journey into something nobody enjoys at all.
Very very cool trip there for something odd to do! Very thought provoking.
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5. Chincha: Afro-Peruvian Culture and Flavors
If that other experience feels too ‘touristy’, there’s something, which is pretty near to Ica, namely Chincha, very famed due its deep roots within Peruvian-African communities. So, in other words, an incredibly deep culture. Very strongly recommend for somebody after things which may seem rather unacknowledged.
Possibly experience energetic dance – their styles known as festejo and zapateo – so strongly associated just with area, or simply just visit local lunch room as well for taste to taste those tasty dishes, many very connected that to history of zone.
Should time go for more sights in there either! Get viewing of Hacienda San Jose; its odd accounts about zone from era after colonisation can just blow mind and it is that incredibly impacting.
The town has a very earthy, simple vibe for tourists who prefer simpler locations for their day excursions away from city centre. Like you!
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