Ica & Cañón de los Perdidos 2 D/ 1N

Adventure, history, and extreme landscapes in the heart of the Peruvian desert

Discover the best of the Ica desert on a 2-day experience that combines history, flavor, adventure, and natural wonders. The journey begins in Ica, land of eternal sun and winemaking tradition. Here you will visit the legendary Cachiche, an ancient town associated with tales of healers and ancestral wisdom. Among palm trees, symbolic statues, and stories passed down through generations, you will feel how mysticism is a living part of the local identity.

Next, we delve into the world of pisco, the pride of Peru. We will visit a traditional winery where you can learn about the traditional production process, from vine to glass. You will taste local piscos and wines, learning how the Ica soil, the desert climate, and cultural heritage come together to create a unique beverage.

In the afternoon

The energy shifts completely when we arrive at the Huacachina oasis, a mirror-like lake surrounded by imposing dunes and palm trees. Adrenaline awaits you here: we’ll ride dune buggies across the dunes and you’ll try sandboarding, gliding down mountains of golden sand as the sun paints the sky in warm hues. It’s one of those moments that will be etched in your memory forever.

The second day will take us to an even more breathtaking destination: the Cañón de los Perdidos (Canyon of the Lost), a geological formation that seems otherworldly. Located in the Ocucaje Desert, this canyon reveals sedimentary layers thousands of years old, marine fossils, and landscapes that change with the light. Exploring its passageways, viewpoints, and walls is like walking through Earth’s history. The immensity of the landscape, the silence of the desert, and the sense of discovery make this visit a truly special experience.

This tour is ideal for those seeking a complete experience of southern Peru: history to be felt, flavors to be savored, adventure to be lived, and natural landscapes that seem unreal. A perfect trip for couples, groups, adventurers, photographers, and travelers who want to return home with stories to tell, not just places visited.

🗓️ Itinerary

🚌 Day 1: Lima – Ica – Mystical and Wine Tour – Huacachina – Dune Ride

The journey begins with departure from Lima to the city of Ica, where we’ll be greeted by the warm sun and desert landscapes. Our first stop will be in the historic hamlet of Cachiche, famous for its legends of witchcraft. There, you’ll see the legendary Seven-Headed Palm Tree and the curious Witches’ Theme Park, where history and local magic intertwine.

Next, we’ll head to the House of Tiles, a traditional shop selling local products such as artisanal chocolates and Ica sweets. It’s an excellent opportunity to take home unique souvenirs of the region.

We continue to a traditional winery, where you’ll learn the ancestral process of making wine and pisco, as well as participate in a delicious tasting. You’ll have free time for lunch and to enjoy the local cuisine on your own.

In the afternoon, we arrive at the iconic Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by towering dunes. There, we’ll begin an unforgettable adventure aboard 4×4 dune buggies, with exhilarating descents and sandboarding on the dunes. The sunset viewed from the top of the desert will be the perfect ending to the day.

We conclude the day with a transfer to your accommodation in Ica to rest and prepare for the second day of exploration.

🏜️ Day 2: Ica – Lost Canyon – Return to Lima

Very early, we’ll depart for the Ocucaje Desert, where one of Peru’s least-explored natural gems lies: the Lost Canyon. This place will leave you speechless with its geological formations, marine fossils, cliffs, and otherworldly landscapes.

We’ll hike through the canyon’s levels, including areas like La Plaza Caracol (Snail Plaza), La Cara del Puma (The Puma’s Face), La Quebrada (The Ravine), and the natural viewpoint offering an unparalleled panoramic view. During the tour, our guide will share geological facts and fascinating anecdotes connecting this site to the region’s prehistoric marine history.

After exploring the canyon, we’ll make a brief visit to the main square of the Ocucaje district to learn more about the local culture and its connection to paleontology.

Following the excursion, we’ll return to Ica for a well-deserved lunch (at your own expense), and you’ll have free time to shop for handicrafts, wine, or simply relax before returning to Lima.

✅ What’s Included in the Tour?

This package has been designed to provide you with a complete, comfortable, and safe two-day experience of adventure and culture in the heart of the Peruvian desert. It includes:

🚌 Tourist Transportation:

• Round-trip transportation from Lima to Ica by private tourist bus or interprovincial service (optional, depending on the option).
• Internal transportation in Ica for all scheduled visits.
• 4×4 transportation to the Cañón de los Perdidos (exclusive access via unpaved road).

🏨 Accommodation:

• 1 night’s accommodation in a tourist hotel in Ica, with a private room and bathroom (2-star category or higher, depending on your choice).

🎟️ Entrance Fees:

• Entrance to the village of Cachiche and the Witches’ Park.
• Entrance to a traditional winery (with tasting included).
• Entrance to the Huacachina Oasis.
• Entrance to the Lost Canyon and paleontological sites of Ocucaje.

🏄‍♂️ Guided Activities:

• Mystical and cultural tour in Cachiche.
• Guided visit to an artisanal vineyard with pisco and wine tasting.
• Dune buggy ride through the Huacachina dunes.
• Sandboarding (board included).
• Guided interpretive hike in the Lost Canyon.
• Accompaniment by an expert local guide throughout the tour.

👨‍⚕️ Other Services:

• Ongoing assistance during the tour.
• First aid kit.

❌ What’s not included?

✖️Meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast): Mealtimes are flexible, allowing you to choose from the diverse local culinary options in Ica and along the route.

✖️Entrance fees to sites not specified as optional: Some optional stops, such as the House of Tiles, or personal souvenirs are not included.

✖️Personal travel insurance: We recommend purchasing travel insurance before the tour for added peace of mind.

✖️Personal expenses or additional purchases: Souvenirs, drinks, snacks, and tips are not included in the package.

✖️Optional activities not mentioned: Such as clothing rentals for desert photoshoots or alternative tours.

🌟 Recommendations

🔹 Light and comfortable clothing: During the day, the weather in Ica and the desert can be very hot. It is recommended to wear cool shirts, shorts or athletic pants, sunglasses, and a hat or cap.

🔹 Warm clothing for the evening: Temperatures can drop at night, especially in the desert. Bring a light jacket or sweater for relaxing at the hotel or for the return trip to Lima.

🔹 Sunscreen and insect repellent: The sun in Ica is intense year-round. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and bring insect repellent, especially in the Cañón de los Perdidos (Canyon of the Lost).

🔹 Stay hydrated: Bring a reusable water bottle. The hike in the desert and the tour to the canyon can be demanding if you don’t stay well hydrated.

🔹 Camera or cell phone with a good battery: The landscapes of the oasis, the dunes, and the canyon are perfect for capturing spectacular photos. Don’t forget to bring your device fully charged (you can bring a power bank).

🔹 Respect for the environment: Do not leave any trash on the dunes or in the canyon. Let’s help preserve these natural landscapes.

🔹 Moderate physical condition: The hike in the canyon is not extreme, but it does require a good level of fitness to traverse uneven terrain in the sun.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do this tour if I’m traveling alone?

Yes, this tour is available for solo travelers. You can join a group and meet new people during the experience.

When is the best time to do this tour?

Ica has a dry and sunny climate almost year-round. However, the months between April and November offer clear skies ideal for desert activities.

Is dune buggy riding or sandboarding dangerous?

No. The activities are conducted with professional drivers and under strict safety regulations. You will also receive prior instructions to ensure a fun and safe experience.

Does the tour include a guide at all destinations?

Yes, during the visits to Cachiche, the winery, Huacachina, and the Lost Canyon, you will be accompanied by a specialized local guide.

Can I bring large luggage?

Yes, although it is recommended to bring only what you need for two days. You can arrange with the agency to leave some of your luggage in safekeeping during the tours.

Can the tour be adapted for seniors or people with reduced mobility?

Some parts of the tour, such as the Lost Canyon, require walking on uneven terrain. Please inquire in advance to assess feasibility or possible adaptations.

Where is lunch served?

Lunch is at your leisure so you can choose from local culinary options. The guide can recommend traditional restaurants with good value for money.

Can I add the Ballestas Islands tour as an extension?

Yes. If you have an extra day, an extension to Paracas and the Ballestas Islands can be added. Please inquire when booking!