Pisco tastes better with a tour. This Ica day trip is built around pisco tastings at the actual wineries, with enough structure to keep the pace fun and not chaotic, plus round-trip hotel pickup from Ica or Huacachina. One key thing to budget for: the Tacama entrance ticket is extra (PEN 25 per person).

I like the way this tour balances production-site visits with tasting time, so you are not just watching grapes sit in barrels while you wonder what you are supposed to taste. The small group size, capped at 12 people, also tends to mean your guide actually has time for questions, not just a microphone-and-routine approach.

This is a great fit if you want a focused intro to the pisco scene in Ica, especially if you are staying in the Huacachina or Ica area and want someone else to handle the timing.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Oldest winery stop in South America at Tacama, with a scheduled tasting experience
• Small group (max 12) for more attention and easier questions
• Multiple tasting stops where you sample pisco and wines, including cachinas
• Artisanal pacing at El Arrabal and the historic Spanish cava experience at La Vieja Bodega Lovera
• Family winery legacy at Pisco Nietto, tied to the Gonzalez Misa family since 1857
• Monday swap so your day still runs if Tacama is closed

Ica is the right base for a pisco-and-winery day

Ica is where many people start when they want to connect pisco with place and process, not just a bottle on a shelf. On this tour, you get that connection by moving from site to site along the pisco route, with tastings built into the visit.

You also save time. Pickup and return transport means you are not piecing together taxis while you are trying to figure out where the wineries are and how long each stop will take. With an overall duration of about 5 to 6 hours, it fits neatly into a day where you still want something else afterward.

The day’s rhythm: roughly 5 to 6 hours of stops and tastings

Your tour runs as a guided route with three main stops, timed so you experience multiple styles without feeling rushed. Start times are available in different options, so you can pick what works with your other plans in Ica or Huacachina.

Here is the pacing you can expect:

• Stop 1: Tacama (about 2 hours)
• Stop 2: El Arrabal plus La Vieja Bodega Lovera (about 2 hours), with lunch free time
• Stop 3: Pisco Nietto (about 1 hour)
• Transfer back to your hotel in Ica after the final winery

That timing matters because tastings take longer than people think, especially if you want to ask questions. The route is designed so you get guidance at each place, then time to enjoy the samples at a human pace.

Stop 1 at Tacama: the oldest winery in South America (and what to plan for)

Tacama is the opening act, and it sets the tone fast. You visit the oldest winery in South America, currently known as Hacienda Tacama, where they produce wines, pisco, and sparkling wines. You will also be invited to tastings of the products from that winery.

This stop is one of the strongest points for people because Tacama is not just a tasting counter. It is a real, established production site, so the experience feels grounded. In practical terms, it also gives you a reference point early in the day. Once you taste here, the later wineries make more sense, and you can compare what changes between styles.

Budget note, because it can surprise you: Tacama entrance is not included. You may need to pay an additional PEN 25 per person ticket on site (card or cash). If you have a habit of traveling with mostly cards, bring some cash too, just to keep things smooth.

Also, there is a schedule quirk worth noting up front: on Mondays, Tacama has a rest day, and the tour swaps this stop for another option (more on that below).

Stop 2 at El Arrabal and La Vieja Bodega Lovera: artisan wineries and a real lunch break

Stop 2 keeps the vibe artisanal and hands-on. You start with El Arrabal, an artisan winery where tradition in wine and pisco production has been preserved over time. Expect a walk-style visit, plus tastings as part of the experience.

Then you get something that makes tours feel more vacation-like: free time for lunch at the restaurant of the vineyard. That break is not a random detour. It is placed in the middle of the day so you do not turn the rest of the tastings into a sprint.

After lunch time, you visit La Vieja Bodega Lovera. Here, the main attraction is pisco, wines, and cachinas, but the cellar experience is the bonus. The winery keeps an authentic Spanish cava, with cellars from the 16th and 17th centuries, which adds atmosphere even if you are not a history nerd.

The main drawback to be aware of here is simply workload. After Tacama, you are moving into another place with tastings and walking. If you know you only want one or two wineries total, the middle stop can feel like a lot. Still, the lunch break helps reset your pace.

Stop 3 at Pisco Nietto: family production since 1857

The final stop is Pisco Nietto at Bodega Nietto, and it is a family story. This winery traces back to the Gonzalez Misa family in 1857, and today it is in the hands of the fourth generation.

You will see the mother winery concept, and you will also focus on what most people come for: piscos, wines, and cachinas. This stop is shorter, about 1 hour, which is a good thing late in the day. It gives you time to learn and taste without pushing your schedule into “too much of a good thing.”

When the day ends, you are transferred back to your hotel in Ica. That return matters because you avoid the hassle of trying to figure out rides after tasting.

Price and what you truly get for about $30.77

At $30.77 per person, this tour can be a solid value if you want transport, guided visits, and tastings bundled together. You are not just buying entry to one place. You are paying for a structured route with several winery stops, plus tastings and time built in.

Here is what you should expect to be included:

• Reception at the bus station or pickup from your hotel in Ica
• Visits to El Arrabal, Bodega Nietto, and Tacama
• Tastings of piscos and wines (at the wineries)
• Entrance to the specified tourist places
• Free time for lunch during the tour

And here is what costs extra:

• Meals and lodging are not included
• Tacama entrance ticket is extra at PEN 25 per person

If you are doing mental math, plan for that Tacama ticket early. It is the only item in the provided details that can raise your total on the day. Once you factor it in, the pricing makes more sense as a full, guided itinerary rather than a single-site visit.

Pickup and schedule details that make or break the day

Logistics are handled, which is a big deal for a half-day-ish tasting route. Pickup is generally from your Ica hotel, or reception at the bus station, so you do not have to locate the tour yourself in a new city.

There are also details that can save time if you are traveling during a holiday period:

• On holidays, pickups are at Plaza de Armas and Huacachina
• Drop-off is at the tour provider office in Ica or at Plaza de Armas in Ica

On top of that, this tour limits to a maximum of 12 travelers, which is one of the reasons the vibe tends to feel personal. You are more likely to get real answers, not just a timeline shouted over bus engine noise.

If you have tight connections, you will appreciate the kind of guide coordination that helps transitions run smoothly. For example, guides such as William and Raúl have handled prompt, organized service and helped keep moving schedules from colliding with your next plan.

Monday matters: Tacama is closed, Vista Alegre takes its place

If your schedule includes a Monday, you should know that Hacienda Tacama is closed. The tour replaces the Tacama stop with Hacienda Vista Alegre, which is listed as being of the same category.

This is not a simple “sorry, no.” It is a planned substitution so you still get the first big winery experience and tastings as part of the route. If you specifically want Tacama by name, you will need to pick a different day.

Who this tour suits best in your Peru plans

This tour is ideal if you:

• Want a structured pisco day in Ica with multiple tastings
• Like artisan settings, including cellar experiences like La Vieja Bodega Lovera’s Spanish cava
• Are staying in Ica or Huacachina and want round-trip transport
• Prefer a small group so your questions land with your guide

It may not be the best match if:

• You dislike moving between many tasting stops in one afternoon
• You know you only want one winery visit and then to move on

One other practical tip: if you have food-sensitive days, treat the lunch free time at El Arrabal as your anchor meal. It helps you keep comfortable while you sample multiple products across the route.

Should you book it?

Yes, I would book this if you want an efficient way to connect pisco with place in Ica. The combination of pickup, multiple winery visits, and tastings, plus the small group cap, makes it feel like you get real value for the time you spend.

Just do two things before you go. First, budget for the Tacama PEN 25 entrance ticket. Second, if you are traveling on a Monday, accept that the route swaps to Vista Alegre, unless you plan your dates around Tacama specifically.

If you want a day that is more than a quick sip stop, and you like having guided context while you taste, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the winery and pisco distillery tour in Ica?

It runs about 5 to 6 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $30.77 per person.

What is included in the tour price?

Pickup or reception, winery visits, tastings of piscos and wines, entrance to the specified tourist places, and free time for lunch during the tour are included.

What is not included?

Meals and lodging are not included. Also, Tacama entrance ticket costs PEN 25 per person.

Where will pickup happen?

Pickup is available from your hotel in Ica, or reception at the bus station. On holidays, pickups are at Plaza de Armas and Huacachina.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers, so it stays small.

Are there different start times?

Yes, there are several tour times available to match your schedule.

What happens on Mondays?

Hacienda Tacama is closed on Mondays, and the tour substitutes Hacienda Vista Alegre (same category).

Do I need good weather for the tour?

Yes, the experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.