From wineries to sandboarding to ocean vistas, adventures await on Peru’s southern coast

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.”