9 Best Things to Do and See in Ica
Exploring Ica on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Ica, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Ica. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Huacachina Lagoon Reserved Zone
The Huacachina Lagoon Reserved Zone near Ica is a spectacular oasis in the heart of the Peruvian desert. Discover a lagoon surrounded by palm trees and impressive sand dunes, creating a unique and highly photogenic landscape. Visitors come here for lakeside walks, dune viewpoints, and outdoor activities such as buggy rides and sandboarding in the surrounding area. It’s a peaceful place with a singular natural setting.
2. Main Square of Ica
Ica’s main square is a central landmark where you can experience the everyday atmosphere of this Peruvian city. Surrounded by buildings, shops, and cafés, it offers a pleasant place to take a break, watch local life, and enjoy the lively city center. You’ll often find gardens, benches, and walking areas, plus views of iconic nearby buildings. It’s a simple but lively spot, ideal for starting a visit to Ica and feeling the rhythm of the city.
3. Brujas – Cachiche Park
In Ica, Peru, Brujas – Cachiche Park is a small tourist attraction that showcases the unique atmosphere of the Cachiche district, often associated with local legends. Visitors can enjoy a simple, pleasant public space, ideal for a stop while exploring the city, with a popular vibe and references to regional folklore. The site mainly appeals to those looking for a photogenic landmark to take pictures, stroll around and experience Ica’s local identity, between urban culture, traditions and popular imagination.
4. Huacachina Oasis
Huacachina is a spectacular oasis near Ica, in the heart of the Peruvian desert. Discover a small lagoon lined with palm trees, surrounded by towering sand dunes and unforgettable scenery. Visitors come for its peaceful atmosphere, walks around the water, and outdoor activities such as sandboarding and dune buggy rides. It is a must-see stop to enjoy one of Peru’s most unique natural landscapes.
5. Seven-headed Palm Tree
Seven-headed Palm Tree, near Ica in Peru, is a natural curiosity that attracts visitors with its unusual silhouette. As its name suggests, this palm has several trunks or branches emerging from a single base, creating a spectacular and rare shape in the region’s arid landscape. It is a unique stop to observe local vegetation and enjoy a setting typical of the Peruvian coastal desert. Visitors appreciate it for its photogenic look and the chance to discover an original botanical feature.
6. Regional Museum of Ica Adolfo Bermúdez Jenkins
The Regional Museum of Ica Adolfo Bermúdez Jenkins is a must-visit for understanding the history and cultural heritage of the Ica region. The museum displays a wide range of collections, from archaeology and pre-Hispanic remains to objects linked to local cultures and the area's development. Visitors can discover pottery, textiles, tools, and other pieces that reflect ancient ways of life in southern Peru. Its route offers a clear overview of regional heritage in an informative and accessible setting.
7. Ica Zoo
In Ica, Peru, Ica Zoo offers an enjoyable visit to see a variety of animals in a family-friendly, nature-oriented setting. Visitors can usually observe local species as well as animals from different habitats, making it a great way to learn more about wildlife and biodiversity. The walk is simple and entertaining, with areas designed for observation and relaxation. It is a popular stop to round out a discovery of the city from a more natural and educational angle.
8. Desierto de Ica
The Ica Desert in southern Peru offers a spectacular landscape of endless golden dunes and sunlit arid plains. Discover a typical coastal desert setting, ideal for admiring the contrasts between sand, sky, and nearby oases. This site attracts travelers seeking adventure, with activities like buggy rides, sandboarding, or simply taking in the panorama. It is an iconic place in the Ica region, valued for its vast, wild, and unforgettable atmosphere.
9. Museo Científico Javier Cabrera
Museo Científico Javier Cabrera in Ica is an unusual museum featuring a collection centered on the region's famous engraved stones, often linked to scientific and pre-Columbian themes. Visitors can discover objects, engravings, and pieces that spark curiosity about the interpretations of these artifacts and their place in local culture. The museum offers a unique experience, blending discovery, questions, and a look at Peru's unusual heritage.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
