Ica, Nazca & Paracas
Experience the land of eternal
sunshine in Peru’s tropical desert


A city drenched in eternal sunshine that offers travelers refuge from the barren desert, Ica is a magical oasis to
explore during a luxury trip to Peru. Enjoy excellent gastronomy and unique landscapes, and venture beyond the
golden dunes of Ica to learn about Peru’s most wondrous coastal town, Paracas.
If your trip to Peru takes you to the Pacific-lined desert, don’t miss the chance to indulge in the pleasures
of Ica, Nazca & Paracas.
Peru’s coastal desert has a unique selection of dishes, incorporating fresh seafood into rich stews with Creole flavor and flair. Centuries of cooking and combining imported spices with local ingredients have made the food in Ica, Nazca & Paracas a one-of-a-kind experience. Local wines and Peru’s national liquor, Pisco, make some amazing drinks you can pair with every dish!
Much of the Nazca and Paracas cultures that once thrived here were hidden under the sand dunes. However, historians and archeologists uncovered many of the fascinating cultural practices, including textile and pottery skills! The Paracas were also responsible for the elongated “alien-looking” skulls, an artifact museum lovers will recognize!
The sand dunes of Ica provide adventure unlike anything else you will find in Peru. Adrenaline seekers should take a dune buggy ride and race across the steep slopes! Or, test your balance while sandboarding in the desert, one of the most famous activities to experience during a luxury trip to Peru.
Travelers seeking a more peaceful escape into the desert have much to look forward to in Ica and Paracas. Visit the world’s largest sand dune – yes, it is in Peru! Cerro Blanco is a monstrous sight to behold, a perfect example of the natural beauty of the desert. Or, learn about the rich life of the marina in the Paracas National Reserve, said to be one of the world’s most productive ocean environments.
A luxury trip to Peru would not be complete without an immersive wellness experience, and Paracas has a diverse selection of resorts and spas to treat yourself to. From Aranwa Spa in Pisco to Hacienda Bahia’s ocean oasis, there is a five-star experience waiting for any traveler who seeks a restorative, healing vacation.
When booking a luxury vacation to Peru, we’ll keep your travel goals in mind – whether you’re looking to experience the
biodiversity of the Amazon, eat your way through Lima, or explore the Inca city of Machu Picchu – Peru has something
for everyone and our travel designers are eager to craft the perfect trip for your luxury vacation to Peru.
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Travelers who want to experience Ica, Nazca & Paracas at their warmest should plan a trip to Peru between December
to March. However, if you want to enjoy the relief of a cool breeze, visit from September to November in the peaceful
off-season.
Visit the Huacachina Lagoon Oasis If you were wandering under the hot Peruvian sun, the glittering desert oasis of Huacachina may seem like a mirage. But, this desert jewel is a very real paradise to explore during your trip! Built around a small lagoon, this small paradise is a sweet relief from the sun-baked heat in the surrounding sand dunes. Legends tell the tale of the lagoon being home to a mythical mermaid who you can try to spot while swimming or kayaking across the water!
Get Adventurous in Ica Venture outside of Huacachina and take on the elements with a dune buggy excursion and an afternoon of sandboarding for the ultimate thrill! Or, enjoy a slower pace horse-back desert tour for a more peaceful afternoon. Staying overnight in the desert will also give travelers the opportunity to stargaze in an unparalleled environment. Clear night skies make the distant galaxies visible and will leave you speechless!
Explore the Paracas National Reserve The Paracas National Reserve is a stunning expanse of tropical desert and piercing blue coastal waters. Peru developed the UNESCO-recognized reserve to protect a fragile marine ecosystem as well as the cultural relics of the Paracas indigenous group. With close to 100 archaeological sites strung between the desert and the sea, stunning beaches, steep sand dunes, and dozens of rare marine species and birds, the Paracas National Reserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and curious travelers.
Learn About The Most Unique Wildlife In Peru Often compared to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, Paracas is home to a unique destination called the Ballestas Islands. Travelers can visit these rocky islands with an exciting boat tour, learning about rare species up close and personal! Ballestas is home to sea lions, fur seals, and several varieties of birds including the Humboldt penguin. Getting an opportunity to see these animals interact in their natural habitat is one of the best ecotourism opportunities in all of Peru. Plus, while you are out at sea, you will be able to see El Candelabro, a large-scale geoglyph with a mysterious history.
Fly Over The Nazca Lines This ancient collection of enormous geoglyphs etched into the desert plain are one of the most mysterious sites in Peru. Historians are not certain what their purpose or meaning are, but we do know they are over 2 millenia old! Touring the Nazca lines on foot will give you an idea of their scale, but you won’t be able to make out the specific outlines and shapes. To truly appreciate the artistry of this alluring artifact, a Nazca Lines tour is best seen air in a private chartered plane.
Tambo de Tacama Learn about Peru’s most delicious wines at Tambo de Tacama which pairs local wines with regional cuisine. As the season’s shift and new ingredients become available, the menu changes and adapts to provide you with the most delicious experience. Located on a vineyard from 1540, this restaurant and wine-tasting experience is one of the most note-worthy in Ica.
8 Cepas Sip on an authentic Pisco Sour while tasting the freshest seafood dishes at 8 Cepas, a beloved restaurant in Ica. This outdoor space is a delightful escape for foodies to enjoy regional cuisine paired with the in-house sommeliers. You can sip on Peruvian wines, or taste the unique selection of Pisco available here for an ultra-local experience!
El Cordón y la Rosa Enjoy a meal expertly curated by El Cordón y la Rosa, whose menu offers a taste of the history of Ica. Dining here feels like a welcoming family dinner, and although the menu is a la carte the experience here is much more fun when everyone shares! Here the expertise is seafood, but there is plenty of diversity, from meat dishes to Creole recipes and rich pasta specialties.
La Olla de Juanita If you’re in need of a meal you know was made with love, visit La Olla de Juanita, a family-owned Creole restaurant that has delivered delicious food and Pisco for nearly three decades. Here, the mission is to preserve the culinary expressions of Peru and celebrate authentic flavors.
Paracas Luxury Collection Discover the tropical side of this desert region when you stay at the Paracas Luxury Collection Resort, an upscale, ocean-side hotel that turns this port town into your backyard. Jungle views or oceanfront suites are available, and they even offer a suite with your very own private pool that overlooks the Pacific.
Aranwa Spa & Resort Enjoy a deeply rejuvenating wellness retreat in Peru, stay at the Aranwa Spa and Resort in Paracas, where modern luxury and comfort come to fruition. Overlooking the waters of the Paracas Bay, the Aranwa campus offers breathtaking scenery and five-star accomodations for travelers of every type! Don’t miss out on their exclusive Pisco Bar, one of the delicious highlights of this indulgent resort.
DoubleTree Resort Paracas or a space that incorporates desert landscapes into the oceanside scenery, stay in the DoubleTree Resort Paracas, where guests can soak up the sun poolside all day long. This hotel is located just five minutes from the town center, so it’s a perfect location for anyone who wants easy access to the adventures of Paracas. Plus, the on-site amenities offer a full luxury service, with a spa and multiple dining options.
La Hacienda Bahia Paracas Escape to the coastal manor of La Hacienda Bahia Paracas, a tranquil and luxurious destination that offers comfort, class, and indulgence to travelers who seek an unforgettable Peruvian vacation. This beachside estate is perfect if you want easy access to adventure right on the Paracas Bay, or hope to relax with services at their Ocean Spa.
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