Known for its exciting outdoor activities, Ica’s landscapes are great for paragliding, sandboarding and scuba diving. Admire ancient textiles in a regional museum, drive across the vast desert and explore a variety of flora and fauna at a national reserve.
Things to do in Ica
Stroll through Plaza de Armas, Ica’s main square, then admire the elegant fountains before enjoying a beer or pisco at one of the local restaurants. Step inside Museo Cabrera Piedra to browse its carved stones and boulders depicting pre-Columbian themes, from astronomy to surgical techniques.
Sign up for a paragliding adventure to soar over the sea of Paracas next to the gulls. Drive across the desert of Huacachina on a dune buggy tour or try your hand sandboarding. Visit the coast and dive underwater to marvel at the colorful schools of fish or sit back and observe resident seals.
For a dose of culture, visit the Ica Regional Museum to browse its ancient pottery. Explore its exhibition halls, which highlight two pre-Inca civilizations, the Paracas and Nazca cultures, and showcase intricate textiles and excavated artifacts.
Looking to spend a day out in nature? Take the entire family to Paracas National Reserve. You can explore the area’s sprawling beaches and rocky islands teeming with marine birds and colonies of sea lions, fur seals and Humboldt penguins.
Getting around Ica
You can fly into Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, then take the four-hour bus to Ica, or travel from Nazca in three hours. Taxis and mototaxis offer transport within town, while rental cars allow you to explore the region.