The Paracas National Reserve is home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, dolphins, and flamingos.
Distances From Ica
DESTINATION
Pisco (Pisco Province)
Chincha Alta (Chincha Province)
DISTANCIA TIEMPO
47 miles (76 km) 1 h
64 miles (103 km) 1 h 20 min
Tours:
1 day
1 day
1 day
3 days (minimum recommended stay)
Chincha and Pisco: Casa Hacienda San José, El Carmen district, and Paracas National Reserve
Pisco and Ica: Ballestas Islands, Cachiche Village, Route of Pisco wineries, Regional Conservation Area of Huacachina lagoon, and Adolfo Bermúdez Jenkins Regional Museum
Palpa and Nasca: geoglyphs of Llipata, lines and geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa, aqueduct of Cantalloc, ceremonial-administrative center of Cahuachi, and Antonini Didactic Museum
Festival del Verano Negro (Chincha, Chincha Alta district)
Harvest Festival (Chincha, Pisco, Ica and Nasca)
Easter Week of Ica
Nasca Tourist Week
Virgen del Carmen (Chincha, El Carmen district)
Virgen de Yauca del Rosario (Ica, Yauca del Rosario district)
Feast of Señor de Luren
Day of Carapulcra and Sopa Seca Chinchana
Chincha Tourist Week
Ica Tourist Week
What to eat?
Typical Ica cuisine includes picante de pallares, carapulcra (based on dried potato and meat), and sopa seca. Ica is known for its tejas, a traditional white delicacy covered in sugar candy. This is the region of pisco, Peru flagship product born in this area, and cachina, a grape-based liquor.
What to buy?
On the tour of the vineyards, you can buy pisco and wine at fair prices. Decorative items and handicrafts can also be found in the areas surrounding the Huacachina Oasis (Ica), El Chaco Boulevard (Paracas), Grocio Prado Avenue (Chincha), and Bolognesi Avenue (Nasca).
The Nasca and Palpa lines and geoglyphs, discovered in 1927, were declared new World Heritage in 1994.
What to visit?
Ica Province
Casona del Marqués de Torre Hermosa
Cl. Libertad 141, Plaza de Armas
Known as Casa Bolívar for having hosted the Liberator, it is one of the few colonial buildings that withstands the passage of time. Only the exterior can be visited, as the building currently houses a financial institution.
Museo Regional Adolfo Bermúdez Jenkins
Av. Ayabaca, cdra. 8. Tue-Fri, 8:00-19:00; Sat-Sun, and holidays 8:30-18:30.
Tel. (51-56) 234-383. Entrance fee charged.
The Adolfo Bermudez Jenkins regional museum exhibits archaeological pieces from cultures developed in the area, such as Paracas, Nasca, Huari, Ica-Chincha, and Inca.
Área de Conservación Regional Laguna de Huacachina
3 miles (5 km) southwest of the city of Ica (10 min by car)
Huacachina lagoon has been declared a Regional Conservation Area because of its location, in the middle of the desert, surrounded by dunes, palm trees, and huarangos. Tourists are encouraged to visit its historic boardwalk and enjoy the regional cuisine. Adventurous visitors can enjoy the traditional pedal boat rides.
Playa Carhuaz
35 miles (56 km) southwest of the city of Ica (40 min by car)
Carhuaz stands out for its scenic, tourism, and environmental value, as it forms part of the Paracas National Reserve, a key area for the conservation of marine and coastal biodiversity.
Pueblo de Cachiche
2.5 miles (4 km) south of the city of Ica (10 min by car)
Cachiche village is traditionally known for being home to witches, which to this day is visited by people seeking to cure their ills. Some attractions are the Monument to the Witch and the Seven-Headed Palm Tree.
For more than four hundred years, the rich coastal valleys have produced grapes, the main ingredient to prepare pisco — the flag distilled drink of Peru.
The wineries that make up the Route of Pisco and publicize the production process of our flagship drink are scattered throughout Ica countryside. History and tradition inhabit these wineries, which have been operating since colonial times and preserve their artisanal methods of production. Others use state-of-the-art technology. Travelers are encouraged to enjoy and savor local cuisine with the best pisco pairing.
Prolongación Andrés Rázuri 310, Chincha Alta (near km 198 of Panamericana Sur Highway). Hours: Mon–Sat: 10:00 –13:00 / 15:00 - 17:00; Sun: 9:00–16:00. Tel. (+51)
Av. Benavides 141 Sunampe, Chincha. Hours: Mon–Sat: 9:00–16:00. Tel: (+51)
Km 245 (24min) of Panamericana Sur Highway, south of Paracas. Hours: Mon–Sat: 9:00–17:00; Sundays by prior arrangement. Tel: (+51) 994-711-059 / 994-711-107.
Panamericana Sur Highway, Km 272, Salas Villacuri, Ica. Hours: Mon–Sun: 9:00–18:00.
Located 3 km (5min) northeast of the city of Ica. Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00–12:00 / 13:45–15:45; Sat: 8:00–12:00. Tel. (+51-56) 232-919 / 238-735 / (+51)
Km 11 on the road to Los Molinos, Ica. Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00–17:00; Sat: 9:00–13:00. (Advance reservation required). Tel. (+51-1) 463- 1008 / (+51) 980-640-897.
Km 291 of Panamericana Sur Highway, Salas Guadalupe, Ica. Hours: Mon–Sun: 10:00, 12:00, 15:00, and 16:00. (Advance reservation required). Tel. (+51) 981-249-789 /
Av. Camino Real 390, La Tinguiña. Turn off at km 294,3 of Panamericana Sur Highway; located 7 km northeast of the city of Ica (20 minute drive). Hours: Tue–Sun:
Fundo Tres Esquinas 103, Subtanjalla, Ica (near km 295,5 of Panamericana Sur
Fundo Tres Esquinas S/N, Subtanjalla, Ica (near km 295,5 of Panamericana Sur
Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00–12:00 and 13:45–15:45. Tel. (+51) 924-266-022 (Advance reservation required). This winery has historically been led by women.
Pisco Province
Islas Ballestas
A 2-hour round trip from the El Chaco wharf or the Paracas tourist marina. Mon-Sun, 8:00-12:00. Entrance fee charged. Ballestas Islands are part of the National Reserve of the System of Islands, Islets and Guaneras Points. A motorboat ride allows you to get quite close to these islands full of birds and sea lions, to see marine flora and fauna and appreciate El Candelabro, an immense geoglyph in the shape of a candlestick, located on the bay.
Reserva Nacional de Paracas
155 miles (250 km) south of the city of Lima (3 h 10 min by car)
Mon-Sun, 9:00-16:00. Entrance fee charged.
The Paracas National Reserve covers 335 hectares of deserts, beaches, islands, cliffs, and sea that protect a wide variety of coastal species, such as pelicans, flamingos, penguins, dolphins, and sea lions, as well as fish and crustaceans. It has archaeological attractions and an interpretation center that addresses the biodiversity of the area.
Museo Julio C. Tello
At kilometer 27 of the highway towards Pisco-Puerto San Martín-Paracas National Reserve. Mon-Sun, 9:00-16:00. Entrance fee charged.
The Julio C. Tello Museum has ten exhibition halls where you can learn about the Paracas culture (Cavern and Necropolis), Peruvian archaeology, the first inhabitants, and examine cranial trepanations, funerary bales, textiles, etcetera.
Zona Arqueológica Tambo Colorado
At kilometer 45 of the highway towards Los Libertadores-Wari (40 min by car from the city of Pisco). Mon-Sun, 9:00-17:00. Entrance fee charged.
The Tambo Colorado Archaeological Site was an Inca citadel built in the Humay district during the Pachacútec government as a shelter for soldiers and authorities.
Chincha Province
Ciudad de Chincha Alta
At kilometer 200 of Panamericana Sur highway
It is named after Chinchay, the feline god of the Yauyos, the first settlers. Since colonial times, the valleys of the area have been important centers of agricultural production, so it had a large population of slaves brought to work the cotton plantations.
Santuario de La Melchorita
Grocio Prado District, 3 miles (5 km) northwest of the city of Chincha Alta (15 min by car)
Melchora Saravia Tasayco, “La Melchorita,” was a well-known figure of the last century for welcoming and caring for the poor and sick in her home. After her death on December 4, 1951, miracles have been attributed to her and her shrine has become a pilgrimage center where thousands of faithful come every January 6 and December 4.
Huaca La Centinela
5 miles (8 km) west of the Panamericana Sur highway (10 min by car) Mon-Sun, 9:00-17:00. Entrance fee charged.
La Centinela Huaca was the main settlement of the Chinchas, a prosperous group of farmers, fishermen, artisans, and merchants that developed in the wide and fertile valley of the same name on the coast of Peru, between 900 and 1450 AD. It is made up of two large sets of pyramids (La Centinela and Tambo de Mora) and occupies an area over 75 hectares.
El Carmen District
10 miles (16 km) south of the city of Chincha Alta (20 min by car)
This is where slaves from Senegal, Guinea, Congo, and Angola who worked during the 17th and 18th centuries on the San José and San Regis estates settled. Today, their descendants preserve Afro-Peruvian folklore.
Petroglifos de Huancor
19 miles (31 km) southeast of Chincha (45 min). Mon–Sun, 7:00–17:00. This archaeological site has been declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation. It features more than one thousand rock carvings depicting scenes from pre-Columbian life, including jaguars, Chincha warriors, and fishing and navigation activities. These archaeological remains are associated with the Paracas culture, Nasca culture, Chincha culture, and Inca Empire civilizations.
Within Paracas National Reserve, geoglyph El Candelabr (“The Candlestick”) can be seen northeast of Paracas bay.
Casa hacienda San José
Detour to the east at kilometer 203 of Panamericana Sur highway, entrance to the district of El Carmen (20 min by car). Museum opening hours: Mon-Sun, 9:00-16:30. Tel. (51-56) 313-332. Entrance fee charged.
The San Jose Manor House dates to the end of the 17th century and preserves the characteristic architecture of the coastal “haciendas”. Like other manor houses of its time, it has a church with a remarkable baroque altar. The tour of the catacombs allows you to learn more about the living conditions of the slaves in the area.
Palpa Province
Reloj solar de Sacramento
Sacramento village, at kilometer 399 of New Panamericana Sur highway, 0.7 miles (1.20 km) from the city of Palpa (10 min by car) Mon-Sun, 8:00-17:15. Entrance fee charged.
From a viewpoint you can see lines and geoglyphs traced on the slopes of a hill, which make a sundial.
Ciudad perdida de Huayurí
Detour to the town of San Francisco at kilometer 384 of Panamericana Sur highway. Mon-Sun, 8:00-17:15. Entrance fee charged. Huayurí is called a lost city because of its location, hidden among hills. This archaeological complex built during the Late Intermediate (1200-1400 AD) is characterized by its narrow streets.
Geoglifos de Llipata
At kilometer 408 of Panamericana Sur highway Mon-Sun, 8:00-17:15. Entrance fee charged.
From the natural viewpoints of the towns of Sacramento and Pichango, and the Llipata tower, you can appreciate the immense geometric drawings of Llipata geoglyphs, which represent plants and animals.
Monumento arqueológico La Muña
The tomb in La Muña has an area of 33 × 39 ft (10 × 12 m) and is between 16 and 26 ft (5 and 8 m) deep. La Muña Archaeological Monument is a complex located 2.5 miles (4 km) from Palpa Plaza de Armas. These large tombs belonged to the elite of the Nasca society, whose greatest development was reached in the Middle Nasca era (350-500 AD).
This hydraulic engineering work is located 5 km from the city of Nasca and continues to operate to this day.
Mirador Metálico de Nasca
264 miles (425 km) of Panamerica Sur highway (18 min by car from the city of Nasca). Mon–Sun, 8:00–17:30. Admission fee required.
The metal viewing tower is approximately 20 meters high. From this point, visitors can observe the Hand and Tree geoglyphs. However, to fully appreciate these figures in their entire dimension, it is necessary to take a flight over the area.
Mirador Natural
265 miles (426.4 km) of Panamerica Sur highway (17 min by car from the city of Nasca). Mon–Sun, 8:00 –17:30. Admission fee required.
The Natural Viewing Point is a rocky hill located in a section of the Nasca Pampa.
Necrópolis de Chauchilla
17 miles (27 km) south of the city of Nasca (30 min by car)
Mon-Sun, 7:00-18:00. Entrance fee charged.
In the Chauchilla Necropolis there are 13 pre-Inca tombs, where you can see mummies with textiles and ceramics from their time, in their original burial place.
Reserva Nacional de San Fernando
43 miles (70 km) from Nasca (via Poroma). Visits must be arranged in advance through the SERNANP office by calling (+51-56) 522-770 / (+51) 968-218-448, or through authorized travel agencies. Admission fee required.
It stands out for its remarkable diversity of marine and land wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, cetaceans, guanacos, and condors, set within a unique landscape where the desert meets the sea.
Reserva Nacional Sistema de Islas, Islotes y Puntas Guaneras
Punta San Juan
50 miles (80.6 km) from Nasca (45 min by car).
Mon-Sun, 8:00, 11:00 and 14:00 (Tour duration: 1h and 30min). Visits must be booked in advance through the SERNANP office and are available only through authorized travel agencies.
This destination is ideal for observing sea lions, guano birds, and Humboldt penguin in their natural habitat.
Cl. San Luis Av. Fernando León de Vivero Pje. Los Ciruelos Pje. Sérvulo Gutiérrez
Cl. 2
Cl. San Vicente
Cl. San Vicente de Paúl
Cl. Los Almendros
Cl. Los Pacaes
Prlg.Ayabaca
Jr. Cusco Pje. Unión
Cl.PacasmayoPje.Díaz
Cl. La Viña
Cl.JosédelaTorreUgarte
Cl. Sebastián Barranca
Cl. Luis Medina (C) Av. José Matías Manzanilla
Cl. General Juan José Salas
Cl. Pedro Ortiz Talla
Cl. 3
Cl. Los Olivos
Colegio San Luis Gonzaga
Cl. Palazuela
Pr. Callao
Cl. Chota Prlg. Tacna Cl.ElDique Jr. Socorro
Cl. Apurímac
Cl. Callao
Cl. Tacna
Cl. Lambayeque
Cl. Loreto
Av. Alfredo Pimentel
Cl. Pachacútec Av. San Carlos
Malecón
Cl. Las Américas
Cl. Vista Alegre
Pje. Los Robles Av. Túpac Amaru
Parque Victor Raúl
C.C. El Quinde
Cl. Turmari
Cl. Las Palmeras
Cl. P Av. Ayabaca
Instituto Superior de Bellas Artes
Sérvulo Gutiérrez C.C. Plaza Vea Ica
Av. Juan José Elías
Prlg. Cutervo
Cl. Castrovirreyna
Mercado Modelo
Cl. Puno Cl. Moquegua
Cl. Salaverry Av. Municipalidad
Cl. Libertad
Cl. Amazonas
Banco de la Nación
DIRCETUR
Parque del Amor Plaza de Armas
Cl.Cajamarca
Universidad Nacional San Luis Gonzaga de Ica
Cl. Francisco Quijandría
Colegio San José
Cl. Chiclayo
Cl. Los Cerezos Av. San Martín
Cl. Grau
Cl.Camaná
Cl. Las Fresas Cl.LasAcacias
Dirección Regional de Cultura
Complejo deportivo
Cl. Los Jazmines
Cl. Los Cardos
Campo ferial
La Victoria Cl. San Luis Gonzaga
Cl. Independencia Av. Grau
Cl. Cajamarca
Cl. Paita
Cl. Perú
Pje.LosIncas
Cl. Jonathan
Cl. Hernando de Lavalle
Puente Grau
Cl. El Paraíso
Cl. El Rosedal Prlg. Grau Cl.
Cl. 2 Mayo
Cl. Urubamba
Cl. Huancavelica
Plazuela Sebastián Barranca
Cl. Lima
Cl. Pisco
Plazuela San Francisco
Cl. Andahuaylas
Cl. Grau
Cl. Caylloma
Mercado La Palma
C.C. Plaza del Sol
Cl. Áncash
Cl. Piura
Av. Cutervo
Compañía de Bomberos C.C. Metro
Cl. Los Alhelíes
Cl. Las Brunias
Cl. Víctor Maúrtua
Cl. Mariscal José de la Mar
Cl. Junín
Cl. Las Cadias Av. Conde de Nieva
Cl. Granda
Cl. Los Azahares
Cl.LasOrquídeas
Cl. Las Begonias
Cl. Las Lilas
Cl. Las Hortencias
Cl. Juan Pablo Fernandini
Cl. Huacachina
Cl. La Huelga
Cl. Mollendo
Cl. El Edén
Cl.RegionalPje.ElOlimpo
Cl. Central
Cl. Los Amautas
Cl. Pisco
Cl. Orongo
Cl. Alfonso Ugarte
Cl. Los Álamos
Cl.Los Eucaliptos
Cl. La Primera Cl. Rosa Zárate
Cl.Acomayo Av. Acomayo
Av.Perú
Puente Cutervo
Cl. Olaechea Prlg.Cutervo
Gerónimo
Río Ica
Cl. Raúl Boza Cl.LasMagnolias
Cl. Las Gardenias
NASCA
Ica
City Center
(+51-1) 616-7300, Ext. 1885
María Reiche Newman Aerodrome Panamericana Sur, kilometer 452, Vista Alegre Mon-Sun, 8:00-17:00 iperunasca@promperu.gob.pe
iperu@promperu.gob.pe
The information contained in this brochure has been updated in May 2026. To prepare it, PROMPERÚ has used official information sources, as well as the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade, Tourism and Crafts of Ica. The opening hours and telephone numbers are subject to vary at each tourist attraction. Please, confirm hours and telephone numbers with IPERÚ.
Ica. Practical Guide for Travelers
Published by PROMPERÚ - Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism
Calle Uno Oeste 50, 14th Floor, Urb. Córpac, San Isidro, Lima, Perú Tel. +511 616-7300 www.gob.pe/promperu
