Peru · 2026 itinerary
Ica 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Ica: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Ica's main square with a central fountain, well-kept gardens, and benches under large trees. The cathedral sits opposite, and the area is pedestrianised on weekends. A good spot to sit, watch local li
🕐 Open 24 hours
Free entry💡 Grab a ceviche from one of the stalls on the side streets for about 10 soles. Avoid the overpriced churros from touts near the cathedral. Best visited late afternoon when the heat drops and people start gathering.
Hotels near Plaza de Armas Ica →The lagoon at the centre of Huacachina oasis, surrounded by a walking path and some small vendors. Despite being heavily touristy, the water is greenish and the setting is genuinely surreal—dunes high
🕐 Open 24 hours
Free entry💡 Bring swimwear if you want to paddle; the water is murky but locals swim. Avoid the boat rental—overpriced and the pond is tiny. Best at dawn when the tour groups haven't arrived yet.
Hotels near Laguna de la Huacachina →Norky's · ££
Taita · ££
Deeper Into Ica
A natural desert oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes, with a lagoon and palm trees. You can walk around the perimeter and climb the dunes for panoramic views of the Ica Valley. Entry to the area c
🕐 Open 24 hours
💡 Skip the overpriced cafes near the car park. Walk around to the far side for quieter spots and better photo angles. Go early in the morning or just before sunset for cooler sand and fewer people.
A small, dusty museum housing pre-Columbian artefacts including mummies, Nazca pottery, and the famous elongated skulls. Explanations are in Spanish only, but the collection is solid and honest about
🕐 Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00
💡 Entrance costs about 8 soles (roughly £1.60). Bring a phrasebook or a translation app as there are no English labels. Allow 45 minutes to an hour; it's not huge. Closed on Mondays.
Taberna de Don Jaime
Villa hermosa
Final Favourites & Departure
The oldest pisco distillery in the Americas, founded in 1855. You can tour the production area, see vintage barrels, and sample pisco and wine. The estate is la
💡 The basic tour costs 15 soles and includes three samples. Go for the 'Premium' tour (25 soles) if you want to taste their older piscos—it's worth it, but book ahead. They sell good-value bottles at the shop, much cheaper than in restaurants.
El Rocotón de Juanite
Cevichería Grecia
Getting Around Ica
Book the 'VIP' seat for extra legroom. The bus drops you at Ica terminal, then take a colectivo (10 soles) to Hotel Hacienda Cantayo.
Bolt is cheaper than Uber in Ica—typically 18–22 soles. Catch one from the terminal exit, not the main road where drivers overcharge. Cash works best.
Agencies at arrivals quote 300–350 soles. Haggle hard and confirm the price includes tolls and waiting time. Official green taxis are safer than unmarked cars.
Colectivos run along Av. Grau towards Huacachina. Hail one with 'Cantayo' written on the windscreen. They fill fast—expect to stand if it's busy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Ica?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Plaza de Armas Ica and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Ica?
See our full best time to visit Ica guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include La Portada, Hotel Hacienda Cantayo Spa & Resort, Charlie's. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.