Pisco Route, Ica

Artisan pisco bodegas in the Ica valley: clay jars, copper stills, tastings and a Peruvian lunch.

  • Address: Ica valley, Ica
  • District: Ica
  • Category: wineries and distilleries

The Ica valley is the heartland of pisco, Peru's grape brandy, and a visit to one of its small artisan bodegas is one of the most enjoyable stops in the region. Visitors walk through shaded vine pergolas, see the old wooden presses, the large clay jars (botijas) traditionally used for fermenting and the copper stills where the spirit is distilled, and learn how grapes become pisco and wine. The visit ends at the tasting counter, where several piscos and wines are poured, often flavored versions alongside the classic styles, and the bodega shop sells bottles to take home. Many bodegas also serve lunch on a shaded terrace, with Peruvian dishes such as green noodles with chicken or roast meat with green rice. It is an easy, relaxed stop between Paracas and Huacachina.

Highlights

  • A visit to an artisan pisco bodega, with its vineyard, presses and clay jars
  • Copper stills and the story of how pisco is made
  • Tasting several piscos and wines, with bottles to buy in the shop
  • A Peruvian lunch on a shaded terrace at the bodega
  • An easy stop between Paracas and Huacachina

Ideal for

  • travelers who enjoy food and drink experiences
  • groups and couples on the Paracas-Ica route
  • anyone wanting a relaxed stop between boat and dune adventures

Practical information

Hours
Bodegas generally open in the daytime; visits are usually part of a tour, so confirm the schedule with the operator
Price
A tasting is often included in the tour; bottles in the shop and lunch may be extra -- confirm with the operator
Good to know
Pisco is strong, so sip slowly, eat something and plan your dune ride or drive accordingly. The valley is hot at midday, so bring sun protection and water. Bodegas differ from place to place, so the exact stops and the lunch menu vary.

Frequently asked questions

What can I expect at a pisco bodega?

A walk through the vineyard and the old presses, clay jars and copper stills, an explanation of how pisco is made, and a tasting.

Is lunch included?

Many bodegas serve a Peruvian lunch on a shaded terrace. Confirm with your tour operator what is included.

Can I buy pisco to take home?

Yes, the bodega shop sells pisco and wine, often in flavored and classic styles.

How long is the visit?

Usually an hour or two, including the tasting and, on some tours, lunch.

Is it part of a longer tour?

Yes, the full-day Paracas, Ica and Huacachina trip includes a bodega stop between the Ballestas boat ride and the dunes.

Is pisco strong?

Yes, it is a grape spirit, so sip slowly, eat something and drink water.