In the print dialog pick “Save as PDF” to keep it on your phone. A5 makes a pocket booklet; A4 suits a desk printer.
Voykit pocket guide · Peru
Ica
Spend 1–2 days in Ica: one day for Huacachina oasis and sandboarding, plus a half‑day for the Regional Museum and a winery.
Ica is a desert‑climate city about 4–5 h by bus from Lima. Its main draws are the Huacachina oasis with sand dunes, the archaeology museum, and nearby vineyards producing Pisco and wine. A short stay covers the highlights; longer trips can add day trips to Nazca or the Palpa bridge area.
- Country
- Peru
- Best months
- Oct–Apr (dry, milder temperatures)
- Avoid
- May–Sep (hotter, occasional rain)
- Stay
- 1–2 nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- PEN
- Money
- Currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN, S/). Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants in Lima and Cusco; markets, small towns, taxis and entrance fees in villages need cash.
- Daily spend
- Budget S/40–70 excl. bed · Mid S/70–120 excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Claro, Movistar, Entel and Bitel sell prepaid SIMs; register with your passport at official shops.
- Emergency
- Police 105 · Fire 116 · SAMU ambulance 106
- Plugs
- Types A, C · 220 V · 60 Hz · US devices need to be dual-voltage (most chargers are).
- Tipping
- Restaurants: About 10% if service is not included.; Inca Trail porters and cooks: Per the operator's guidance; pooled at the end.; Guides: S/ 20–50 per person for a day tour.
- Water
- Not safe from the tap; bottled or filtered.
- Toilets
- Paper in the bin; carry tissue and coins for public toilets.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Pisco Sour | S/15–25 |
| Sandboarding session | S/30–50 |
| Museum entry | S/10 |
| Meal at Mc Grill (set menu) | S/25–35 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- ICA · Mayor General FAP Carlos Martínez de Ica Airport
- Domestic flights; limited schedule
Typical fares
- Lima → Ica bus
- about S/120, 4–5 h (check)
- Taxi Ica → Huacachina
- ≈ S/30 round trip
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Taxis are safest at night; city centre is walkable. Buses connect to Huacachina (≈ 5 km (3.1 mi)) and Nazca (≈ 2 h).Taxis are safest at night; city centre is walkable. Buses connect to Huacachina (≈ 3.1 mi (5 km)) and Nazca (≈ 2 h).
See and do
Known for
- Huacachina oasis
- Regional Archaeology Museum
- Pisco and wine production
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Huacachina | Taxi or local bus 5 km (3.1 mi), 10–15 minTaxi or local bus 3.1 mi (5 km), 10–15 min | ≈ 30 min total |
| Nazca | Bus 2–3 h, S/13 (May 2023 price) | ≈ 3 h |
Sleep
- Hotel Ollanta
- Family‑run, near city centre and Huacachina.
- Mc Hotel Ica
- Three‑star, pool, 24‑h reception; rooms from S/240.
- Las Dunas Hotel
- Resort style, 10 min from downtown; US$80–200 per night.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Excuse me / Sorry | Disculpedisˈkulpe |
| Thank you | Graciasgraˈθjas |
| How much is it? | ¿Cuánto cuesta?kwanˈto ˈkwesta |
| Can I pay by card? | ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?pweˈðo paˈɣar kon taˈxeta |
| Where is the toilet? | ¿Dónde está el baño?ˈdonde esˈta el ˈβaɲo |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Handshake; one cheek kiss among acquaintances; avoid: Skipping greetings
- Food pride: Ask about local dishes; avoid: Comparing pisco or ceviche unfavourably with Chile's
- Photos: Ask and pay if asked; avoid: Photographing people without asking
- Politics: Listen; avoid: Taking sides in protests
Scams and watch-outs
- Nighttime streets can be unsafe; use taxis or stay in hotel.
- Palpa bridge construction may add > 1 h delay on Lima‑Nazca road (check).
Daytime visits are safe; avoid walking alone after dark, especially near the plaza.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Ica yet. Suggested stay: 1–2 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Huacachina oasis
- Regional Archaeology Museum
- Pisco and wine production
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikidata – Ica: www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12345
- Wikivoyage: Ica, revision 5237590 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5237590
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/ica). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.