Ica: Huacachina, Cultural Heritage and Local Traditions

The Huacachina Lagoon combines a protected landscape with activities on the water and among the dunes. It is classified as an Área de Conservación Regional (Regional Conservation Area); the landscape includes dunes, palm trees, and huarango trees. You can ride pedal boats on the lagoon, while the dunes invite you to stroll and watch the sunset. An asphalt road runs five kilometers from Plaza de Armas de Ica to the lagoon. The drive in a private car takes about 15 minutes.

Religious Heritage and Architecture

The Santuario del Señor de Luren dates back to the 16th century and houses the famous image of the Señor de Luren, Ica’s patron saint. Religious activities associated with the Señor de Luren take place in March during Semana Santa (Holy Week) and in October during the Festividad del Señor de Luren. The festival was declared part of the nation’s cultural heritage through Resolución Viceministerial N.º 145-2015-VMPCIC-MC. If these activities are important to your trip, check the specific dates in advance.

The Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís dates back to the 18th century and has been restored several times over the centuries. Its architecture includes a three-part façade and two towers with double arches. The Casona del Marques de Torre Hermosa is a preserved example of Ica’s viceregal architecture and features a stone Rococo portal. Since it is used as a bank, it can only be viewed from the outside. Before your visit, check whether this visitor policy is still in effect.

Museums and Their Collections

The Museo Regional Adolfo Bermúdez Jenkins was founded on March 30, 1946, and preserves more than 30,000 cultural artifacts. Its museographic display presents the development of pre-Hispanic populations through ceramics and objects made from textiles, wood, bone, and metal. The Museo Científico Javier Cabrera, by contrast, displays a collection of around 11,000 engraved stones from the Ica culture. Their focuses are therefore quite distinct: the Museo Regional links population development with a variety of object materials, while the engraved stones take center stage at the Museo Científico.

The Museo Científico Javier Cabrera is located at Cl. Bolívar 170, on Plaza de Armas. A 2019 guide lists opening hours of Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., as well as an admission fee. Check the current opening hours before visiting.

Cachiche and Tacama

Local tradition links Cachiche with a village said to have been famous for its witches. Some are said to heal various illnesses and ailments today. In Cachiche, you can visit the La Bruja monument and the seven-headed palm tree. The local stories thus sit alongside specific, identifiable attractions.

The Tacama winery was established in 1540 in the Ica Valley and is located in Ica Province, in the district of La Tinguiña.

Discover more destinations: Ica, Nazca, Paracas, Sunampe.

Go to the main travel overview: Ica.