ICA, Peru — There’s no shortage of inspiration when it comes to exploring the enchanting country of Peru.

What begins as a playful adventure can quickly deepen into a genuine appreciation for authentic experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and newfound friendships along the way.

Energized by new direct flights to Lima with Air Canada from Toronto and Montreal, and thanks in part to the many tour operators offering the destination, there’s a lot of curiosity about Peru, and more and more Canadians are taking a closer look.

This is my second visit to Peru, after a long hiatus from hiking the Inca Trail, and I was intrigued by the opportunity to explore a more off-the-beaten-path side of the country. Considering that Peru ranks high for adventure travel, coupled with a new, sharpened awareness that ‘someday’ can’t wait, the country offers a perfect opportunity for intrepid enthusiasts and travel advisors alike.

Following a restful night in the vibrant city of Lima, Peru’s capital, I set out on a three-hour journey to southern Peru. I was joined by an international group of tour operators and travel advisors on a carefully curated fam trip organized by Promperu.

The goal? To dive into the unique attractions and offerings of the stunning coastal regions of Ica and Paracas. And we did just that.

Travelweek’s Annie Cicvaric (second from left at back) is ready for UTVing and sandboarding in Peru

SAND DUNES & WINERIES? SURPRISINGLY YES!

Kicking off this Peruvian adventure was a visit to Ica, officially founded by the Spanish in the 16th century. This region serves as a vital agricultural hub, enjoying abundant sunshine each year, making it ideal for Pisco production.

The first stop was Tacama Winery, renowned for its premium wines and Pisco and, anecdotally, is the oldest winery in South America. Here, we encountered spectacular verdant vineyards – as far as the eye could see – and learned about the eight distinct grape varieties used to make Pisco.

Melissa Bullock, from Travel Better with Melissa from the U.S., quickly realized that this was not just a tasting stop. As she put it, ”I expected a tasting, but what I experienced was a true sense of heritage and pride. It added so much more meaning to each sip, like tasting a piece of Peru’s identity.”

Fun fact: In Peru, the spirit is called Pisco, but there is a long-standing rivalry between Peru and Chile regarding its origin and name.

Another historical landmark on the agenda was a stop at the Hacienda La Caravedo Distillery, established in 1684. You would be hard-pressed to find someone more knowledgeable or enthusiastic than our bubbly guide, Jesus, who greeted our group. He entertained us with his singing and dance moves, while instructing us on how Pisco is still crafted using old traditional methods at the distillery. One example of this is the processing of the spirit in small batches in copper pots – a practice still used today.

Later, as the evening unfolded, we were treated to an unforgettable sunset toast in the heart of Ica’s desert oasis.

Undoubtedly, this is a must-do experience that combines an exhilarating off-road ride in powerful UTVs driven by professional drivers, sandboarding, and a dinner experience under a star-studded sky.

An unforgettable experience in the heart of Ica’s desert oasis includes off-roading in powerful UTVs

The outdoor dining area featured a carefully curated boho-chic lounge complete with cozy cushions and soft lighting. Having a talented musician entertain the group, filling the desert silence with the latest tunes from Michael Jackson to The Weeknd on his electric violin, was the cherry on top.

For Dayna Kerford from Exodus Travel in South Africa, it was one of her top highlights in Ica: “The dune buggy sunset experience with Buganvilla Tours was a true five-star setup. From the stunning desert setting to the elegant atmosphere and the live violinist playing as the sun dipped below the dunes, it felt almost surreal to be surrounded by such beauty and sophistication in the heart of the desert.”

A TREASURE TROVE FROM LAND TO SEA

Our next stop was the vibrant coastal region of Paracas, an hour from Ica and known for its unique desert and marine ecosystems.

With the Pacific Ocean at its doorstep, it’s no surprise that Paracas offers distinctive seafaring experiences. One of these experiences was an educational opportunity to spend time with a local mariculturist while exploring one of the region’s leading scallop farms.

Our mariculturist, Pepe, truly embodied the spirit of Aquaman, bringing aboard an impressive trove of seafood in a single dive. Pepe detailed the cultivation process, explained the role of the coastal environment, and outlined the challenges faced by suppliers serving some of the most demanding markets.

On a calm day, visitors can enjoy a ride on a traditional artisanal fishing boat and even make the dive themselves.

To top off our experience, we were treated to a tasting of freshly harvested scallops, prepared by Pepe himself, in the local traditional style – and it was absolutely delicious.

Also in the region is Paracas National Reserve, a natural protected area that is the only one in Peru to encompass both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

As you hike through the unique reserve, be prepared to be awed by a dramatic, stark landscape where the arid desert dunes meet the ocean and the striking red sand beach known as Playa Roja.

Of course, a visit to the Ballestas Islands, part of the Paracas National Reserve, is a natural add-on. A two-hour boat ride will bring you face-to-face with sea lions, Humboldt penguins, flamingos and other protected species that all live in harmony.

Not only that, on the way to the islands, visitors can see the El Candelabro, a large-scale geoglyph on the Paracas Peninsula with a mystery surrounding its origins.

The group’s evening in the desert featured a carefully curated boho-chic lounge complete with cozy cushions and soft lighting

VIBRANT CULINARY SCENE

Stepping into Ica’s and Paracas’s culture through heightened food experiences was a daily occurrence on this trip – even in the smallest of towns – we were impressed by the flavourful, fresh offerings and attention to detail.

It was the perfect introduction to the coastal cuisine of both the Ica and Paracas regions.

The local fare? Ceviche is the national dish of Paracas, featuring marinated fresh fish or a mix of seafood. Whereas, in Ica, the ‘Chocotejas’ deserts filled with dulce de leche will satisfy any sweet tooth.

A personal favourite, the Languilla Restaurante in Ica, delivered a fusion of marine flavours, Creole roots, and Nikkei influences in its cuisine, leaving a lasting impression on the entire group.

After four unbelievable days of exploring the Southern coast, I had the pleasure of journeying through many stunning contrasts and experiences – each unique – that deepened my connection to Peru.

And, with that, the newfound friendships were the icing on the cake.

For more information on Peru, visit Peru.travel.

Paracas offers distinctive seafaring experiences, including an opportunity to spend time with a local mariculturist while exploring one of the region’s leading scallop farms