Huacachina & Ica

Travel Guide + Pisco

Did you know that Peru is the birthplace of pisco, the country’s national spirit distilled from grapes grown in the sun-drenched valleys of Ica? While this region is often known for its desert landscapes and coastline, it’s also home to Peru’s wine and pisco production. As a grape and wine enthusiast, I couldnt wait to explore this flavorful side of Peru. Our visit was a journey through tasting macerados, sipping pisco, and wandering through historic vineyards, as we immersed ourselves in Ica’s rich viticultural heritage. We finished up the day in Huacachina, the only natural desert oasis in South America nestled among towering dunes, where a new adventure awaited us the next morning.

Pisco & Wine Tasting

Before the dunes and sunset views, our first stop was Viñas Queirolo, one of Peru’s most renowned pisco and wine estates.

First Stop: Viñas Queirolo

Queirolo is one of the largest and most recognizable pisco brands in Peru—you’ll find their bottles in every supermarket. Their estate features a grand entrance and a beautiful reception area overlooking the vineyards.

We booked a wine and pisco tasting tour (cata) that included a distillery visit. Coming from Europe, I found the wines decent but not exceptional compared to Old World standards. Pisco, on the other hand, was a pleasant surprise. While I’m not used to sipping strong spirits neat, I could appreciate the flavor. One of my friends, more accustomed to spirits, really enjoyed it.

What truly surprised us all was the macerados—fruit-infused piscos. We tried two flavors, cherry and mandarin, and we all fell in love with the cherry variety. We liked it so much that we ended up buying six bottles, each priced at 45 soles (about £9). Apparently, these macerados are exclusive to the vineyard, so we couldn’t miss the opportunity.

I highly recommend visiting Queirolo for a tour or even an overnight stay, as they have a hotel with various amenities, including tennis courts. Plus, it’s a fantastic place for photos! And I also took that opportunity.

Second Stop: Tambo de Tacama

Tacama is another major pisco and wine producer, set in a stunning estate full of flowers and colonial architecture.

We started with lunch on their terrace; incredible traditional Peruvian dishes served with views of the vineyard. Afterward, we joined a wine tasting in one of the coolest venues I’ve ever seen: a glass-walled room inside an underground wine cave, surrounded by oak barrels.

Our sommelier was fantastic, he explained wine production, terroir, and guided us through a unique food pairing: red wine with pecan, golden raisin, gouda and other items. The combo tasted like a rich, dessert-like cheesecake. Absolutely magical.

After the tasting, as a little bonus, we were able to enjoy a great sunset overseeing the vineyards. Another great opportunity for photos!

Huacachina: Oasis Adventures

After a delightful (and boozy) day, we headed to Huacachina, a tiny village built around a desert oasis just southwest of Ica, the only natural oasis in South America.

Huacachina is a small village built around an oasis, tucked between the sand dunes just southwest of Ica. While it’s touristy, the lively vibe comes with lots of perks, plenty of hotels, restaurants, and bars (almost all with happy hour deals on Pisco Sours). But what really draws people here are the desert adventures, especially the thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding down the golden slopes.

We booked a classic tour through one of the many local agencies offering dune buggy rides and sandboarding. There’s no shortage of options, so we just booked ours the night before—no need to reserve in advance unless you’re traveling with a big group.

Our buggy driver didn’t hold back, it was wild, fast, and so much fun. After about 20 minutes of flying over dunes, we stopped for photos (the guides are pros at finding the best angles), then it was time for sandboarding.

Heads-up: sliding down the dunes is a blast… but hiking back up with your board? Not quite as fun.

After a few more runs and a final high-speed ride through the dunes, we rolled back into town, covered in sand but riding high on adrenaline.

Our 4-day trip through Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina felt just right, we saw and did a lot but never felt rushed. If you have extra time, I’d recommend adding a day or two, especially in Paracas, to unwind by the beach and enjoy the ocean breeze. Having a car made things easier for us, but getting around is totally doable without one. Buses and taxis are very affordable in Peru, and hopping on a mototaxi (tuk tuk) is not only convenient, but also part of the local experience.

For those with more time and curiosity, Nazca is just a 3-hour drive south. There, you can take a small plane to see the mysterious Nazca Lines from above—an unforgettable experience.

Day 1 – Wine, Pisco & Arrival in Huacachina

  • Arrive at Viñas Queirolo by 11 a.m. for your first tasting experience
  • Head to Tambo de Tacoma for a relaxed and tasty lunch, followed by their vineyard tours and tasting (we booked the tasting before sitting down for lunch)
  • After the degustación, head to Huacachina, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner/drinks (Pisco sour) by the oasis.
  • Don’t forget to book your buggy and sand boarding tour for the next morning (most hotels have contacts or agencies)

Day 2 – Desert thrills (half-fay)

  • Morning: hit the dunes for your buggy and sand boarding tour for the next morning.
  • After the ride, grab lunch and head off to your next destination.

Key Considerations

Are there wine and pisco tasting tours in Ica?

  • Yes! There are plenty of tasting tours around Ica. Some are group tours that visit several producers in one day, these are often more affordable and can be fun if you are looking for a social, fast-paced experience. Just keep in mind that larger groups can vary in quality and feel a bit rushed.
  • We chose to visit Viñas Queirolo and Tacoma, two of Peru’s best producers. These visits felt much more intimate, with small groups (8-10 people), knowledgeable guides and a more relaxed, private experience. We called Queirolo the day before to check availability, but in high-season, you might want to check/book 1-2 weeks in advance since tours capacity are low.

What is Pisco?

  • Pisco is a clear or amber-colored distilled spirit made from fermented grape juice. What makes it unique is that it is distilled only once and not aged in wood, preserving the pure aromas and flavors of the grapes.

Is Pisco really from Peru?

  • Yes, Peru is widely recognized as the birthplace of pisco and there is strong evidence to back it up:

    • Historical records: The word pisco appears in Peruvian colonial records dating back to the 17th century, including tax records and export documents
    • Geographical naming: Pisco gets its name from the Peruvian port town of Pisco, located in the Ica region, which was a major colonial shipping hub. In Quechua, pishku means “bird”, a recognition to the region’s rich birdlife
    • Production and tradition: Peru uses specific grape varieties (like Quebranta, Italia and Torontel) and maintains a strict traditional product method. To be named pisco in Peru it must be made from 100% fermented grape juice (no additives), be distilled only once in copper still to preserve the flavor of the grape and be bottle without aging in wood.
    • Cultural recognition: In 2013, Peru declared pisco as a national cultural heritage product and UNESCO Memory of the World features historical manuscripts supporting its Peruvian origins.
    • Scholarly sources: Historians like Luciano Revoredo and Guillermo Toro-Lira, point to Peru as having the earliest and most consistent documentation of pisco as a grape brandy.

How to do Pisco Sour at home?

  • To make a simple Pisco Sour, you’ll need Pisco, fresh lime juice, simple syrup (or “jarabe de goma”), ice, and Angostura bitters. I usually swap the syrup with white sugar and use a dash of ground cinnamon instead of bitters—it still works great!

    Use the 3-2-1 rule as a base:

    • 3 oz Pisco

    • 2 oz syrup or sugar (add gradually to adjust sweetness)

    • 1 oz lime juice

    Start by blending the Pisco, lime juice, sugar (or syrup), and ice until smooth. Taste it, and if the balance is right, add one egg white and blend again—this time on low speed—just enough to create that signature frothy top.

    Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drop of bitters, and you’re good to go. Cheers!

When is the best time to visit Huacachina and Ica?

  • The wet season (Dec-Apr): Occasional rain and more humidity; the dunes can get damp, which may affect sandboarding and buggy tours

  • The dry season (May to Sep): Sunny days around 25-30°C with cooler nights

Is Huacachina part of Ica?

  • Yes, Huacachina is a small desert oasis village within the city of Ica, in the Ica region of southern Peru. It is just a 10-minute drive from downtown Ica.

How do I get from Ica to Huacachina?

  • The easiest way is to get a taxi, which typically costs $4-$6. It is a short 10-minute ride.

Are the buggy tours in Hucachina scare or dangerous?

  • Buggy tours are high-adrenaline and thrilling. The buggies do not have doors, they are metal roll cage, so it can feel intense if you are not used to it or the idea.

    That said, the drivers are experiences and well-trained. They know how to navigate through the dunes, follow safety routes and connect with other driver each day as the landscape shifts daily. Make sure to book with a licensed, official agency for safety and peace of mind.

    You can also ask your drive to take it slow and skip the fast, adrenaline pumping rides, just a gentle cruise through the dunes. This way, you’ll still get to enjoy the stunning landscape, take plenty of photos, and experience a bit of adrenaline with sandboarding.

    A quick note: sandboarding is done lying on your stomach, as standing up has led to several accidents in the past. Safety first!

What should I wear for the buggy tour?

  • Wear whatever you are comfortable in, but closed shoes like sneakers are best, especially since you will be walking up dunes with a board.

How many days do i need in Ica and Huacachina?

  • You can do the highlights in 1-2 days. Here is a sample 1-day itinerary but for our full itinerary you can check the summary:

    Morning: Arrive early in Huacachina, do the buggy and sandboarding tour

    Midday: Head to a wine and pisco estate for lunch and a tasting tour

    Afternoon: visit a second producer or explore downtown Ica

    Evening: return to Lim, depart to your next destination or stay overnight.

    If you have more time, I highly recommend staying an extra day, especially to book premium experiences like Queirolo or Tacama.