The sand dunes surrounding Ica are the main attraction. The oasis of Huacachina, a green lagoon ringed by towering white dunes, is where visitors go sandboarding and ride dune buggies — exhilarating and slightly terrifying in equal measure.
The Museo Regional houses an impressive collection of mummies, textiles, and ceramics from the Paracas, Nazca, Wari, and Inca cultures. The elongated skulls are particularly striking. Visiting one of the traditional bodegas in the countryside to learn how Pisco is made and to taste the local wines is a pleasant half-day excursion.