Just a little over an hour from Paracas, you’ll find Ica and Huacachina—two incredible destinations that make for the ultimate one-day trip before heading to your next stop, whether that’s Nazca or Cusco. Both can be explored in a single day, and trust us, they’re worth it. This will be one of the most memorable parts of your trip!
Maybe you haven’t heard of Ica before, but what about Huacachina? I bet you’ve seen a picture of this place somewhere—probably on Instagram or in one of those articles titled “10 Hidden Gems You Need to Visit in your 20s” or “Places So Surreal You’ll Think You’re in a Movie”. Huacachina is a tiny village built around a stunning desert oasis, a real-life mirage in the heart of the Ica desert. While the lagoon is no longer entirely natural like it once was, the magic of this place is still very much alive.
What To Do In Ica?
Seven-Headed Palm Tree
This bizarre tree, located in Cachiche, is at the heart of one of Ica’s most famous legends. According to local folklore, Cachiche was once a village of witches, and one of them, a healer named Julia Hernández Pecho Viuda de Díaz, predicted that Ica would sink if the seventh head of this palm tree was ever cut. In the 1990s, someone ignored the warning and chopped it down. Not long after, a major flood hit Ica, fueling the belief that the tree held mystical powers. Today, the palm continues to grow in its strange, twisting form, attracting visitors intrigued by its eerie past.
Witches Park (Parque De Las Brujas)
Located in Cachiche, a town once known for its witches and healers, this park is steeped in mysticism. It features statues and monuments honoring the legends of the area, and you’ll find plenty of palm readers and shops selling good luck charms, talismans, and mystical souvenirs. Whether you’re a believer or just curious, it’s an interesting stop to soak in the supernatural vibes.
Pisco Distillery Tour
Ica is the heartland of Peru’s national spirit, pisco. Take a tour of a local distillery to see how this grape-based brandy is made—from vine to bottle—and, of course, enjoy a tasting session! Many distilleries offer guided visits where you can learn about the traditional production process and sample different varieties of pisco, making this a must for spirit enthusiasts.
What To Do In Huacachina
Dune Buggy And Sandboarding Tour
Get your adrenaline fix by zooming up and down the enormous dunes in a buggy, then try your luck sandboarding down the steepest slopes. Bonus: tours often wrap up with a sunset stop!
Sunset Over Huacachina Lagoon
As the sun dips below the horizon, the dunes light up in golden hues, reflecting off the peaceful lagoon. It’s the perfect way to end the day in this desert paradise.
Where To Stay?
After a full day of activities, we checked into Banana’s Adventure Hostel, a great spot right in the heart of Huacachina. The hostel had a laid-back vibe, a pool to cool off after the desert heat, and a lively bar area where travelers gathered to swap stories over drinks.
We took a short walk around the tiny town, where you’ll find a handful of restaurants and bars lining the oasis. But after such an action-packed day, we decided to keep it simple and grab a pizza at the hostel. The food hit the spot, and the relaxed atmosphere made it the perfect place to unwind before calling it a night.
Fair warning—this is going to be a full-on day packed with adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes. Make sure you’re well-rested and ready for an experience you won’t forget!
