Full Day Tour Canyon of the Lost in Ica Desert

Exploring the captivating Canyon of the Lost in Peru’s Ica Desert is an adventure not to be missed. This full-day tour offers travelers an immersive experience, immersing them in the area’s stunning natural beauty and intriguing geological history. From marveling at the striking desert landscapes to uncovering ancient marine fossils, the tour promises a unique and unforgettable journey. With shared transportation, an experienced guide, and inclusive meals, this excursion provides excellent value for its affordable price point. However, what truly sets this tour apart is the opportunity to venture off the beaten path and discover a side of the Ica Desert that few travelers ever get to experience.

This experience made our list of the 6 Best Full-Day Tours In Ica.

Key Points

• A full-day tour to explore the unique Canyon of the Lost in the Ica Desert, Peru, with a depth of 150 meters and abundant extinct marine fossils.
• The tour includes shared mobility, an official tourism guide, bottled water, breakfast, and lunch, priced at $33.00 with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
• The itinerary includes a 2-hour drive to the Ocucaje desert, a visit to the Canyon of the Lost viewpoint, and a walk along the sedimentary road to observe the paleontological cemetery.
• The tour offers an opportunity to experience the captivating desert landscape of Ica, with scenic viewpoints, towering red-headed vultures, and sparse vegetation adapted to arid conditions.
• Proper attire and preparation, such as comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a small backpack, are recommended to enhance the desert exploration experience.

Tour Overview and Details

The Full Day Tour Canyon of the Lost in the Ica Desert, Peru offers a comprehensive package that includes shared mobility, an official tourism guide, assistance, bottled water, breakfast, and lunch.

Priced reasonably from $33.00 with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, this tour has earned a Badge of Excellence with 26 reviews, all averaging 5.0 stars.

The tour takes guests on a journey through the Ocucaje desert, culminating in the scenic viewpoint of the Canyon of the Lost, which boasts a depth of 150 meters.

Along the way, participants can walk along a sedimentary road and observe extinct marine fossils, as well as visit oxbow lakes known as Ojos de Agua.

Itinerary

The tour kicks off with a 6:30 a.m. pickup from the hotel or bus station in Ica, followed by a 7:00 a.m. departure to the Ocucaje desert.

After a two-hour drive, the group arrives at the stunning Canyon of the Lost viewpoint, which offers breathtaking vistas of the 150-meter deep canyon. Guests then embark on a walk along the sedimentary road, where they can observe a paleontological cemetery of extinct marine fossils.

Next, the tour visits the Ojos de Agua, or oxbow lakes, before heading back to Ica, arriving at around 11:30 a.m. The experience concludes with a drop-off at the hotel or bus station around 2:30 p.m.

Meeting and Pickup

Guests can opt for pickup either from their hotel lobby or the meeting point at La Libertad 141 in Ica, with the tour ending back at the same location. This convenience ensures a seamless start and finish to the day’s adventure.

The tour operator provides the shared mobility, official tourism guide, and other assistance throughout the experience.

Whether you choose to be picked up from your accommodations or a central meeting spot, you’ll be transported to the Ocucaje desert, the starting point of the Canyon of the Lost tour.

This flexibility allows visitors to easily coordinate their day and make the most of their time exploring the unique landscapes of the Ica region.

Expectations and Highlights

Visitors can expect to experience the unique desert valley of Ica, which boasts captivating landscapes and a paleontological cemetery of extinct marine fossils.

The highlight of the tour is the scenic viewpoint of the Canyon of the Lost, where red-headed vultures soar overhead.

This full-day adventure requires a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour involves walking along sedimentary roads and visiting oxbow lakes.

However, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or individuals with serious medical conditions, as it may pose certain challenges.

Reviews and Feedback

Based on the tour’s positive reviews, it seems participants were impressed by the unique geology and attentive guides.

Comments highlighted the bumpy ride but still described the overall experience as great, with the tour offering an incredible visual experience in the desert.

Reviewers noted the tour’s less touristy feel, allowing them to enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Ica Desert.

The scenic viewpoint of the Canyon of the Lost, with its red-headed vultures, was a particular highlight.

While the moderate physical fitness level required may deter some, the majority of travelers seemed to thoroughly enjoy this off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Geological Formation and Fossils

The tour explores the unique geological formations and paleontological wonders of the Ica Desert, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness the remnants of an ancient marine ecosystem.

Travelers can stroll along the sedimentary road, marveling at the abundance of extinct marine fossils embedded in the rock formations.

The highlight of the tour is the awe-inspiring Canyon of the Lost, which plunges 150 meters into the desert floor, revealing layer upon layer of sedimentary rock containing fossilized marine creatures such as:

• Ammonites, an extinct relative of the nautilus

• Bivalve mollusks like clams and oysters

• Shark teeth and other marine vertebrate remains

This geological treasure trove provides a window into the rich marine life that once thrived in this now-arid landscape.

Desert Landscape and Wildlife

Beyond the paleontological marvels, the Canyon of the Lost tour also immerses visitors in the breathtaking desert landscape of the Ica region.

Towering red-headed vultures soar overhead, casting shadows over the ochre-hued rock formations that rise dramatically from the valley floor. Winding through the rugged terrain, travelers catch glimpses of the region’s sparse yet resilient vegetation, adapted to thrive in the arid conditions.

The tour’s scenic viewpoint offers a panoramic perspective of this otherworldly desert environment, where the senses are captivated by the striking colors, the profound silence, and the majesty of nature’s resilience.

Through this immersive experience, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the Ica Desert’s unique beauty and the fragile balance of its fragile ecosystem.

Recommended Attire and Preparations

To make the most of the Canyon of the Lost tour, visitors should wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for light hiking and bring sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Plus, dressing in layers is recommended as temperatures can vary significantly between the valley floor and the scenic overlook.

Bringing a small backpack or daypack to carry personal items and any snacks or water beyond what’s provided is also advisable.

By preparing appropriately, travelers can fully enjoy the awe-inspiring desert landscape and paleontological wonders of this unique Peruvian excursion.

• Wear comfortable, closed-toe hiking shoes

• Bring sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

• Pack a small backpack or daypack for personal items and snacks

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

Children are allowed on the tour, but it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or individuals with serious medical conditions. The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness and may not be suitable for all children.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour company may allow participants to extend the tour duration, but this would likely incur additional fees. Travelers should contact the tour operator directly to inquire about options and pricing for extended or customized tour experiences.

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has a shared group size, though the exact number is not specified. The group size is likely small to medium, allowing for a more personalized experience as the tour explores the unique desert landscapes and fossils.

Is There a Discount for Solo Travelers?

The tour does not offer any discounts for solo travelers. The listed price of $33.00 per person is the same regardless of group size, and there are no special rates for individuals booking the tour alone.

Do I Need Any Special Permits or Licenses to Participate?

No, no special permits or licenses are typically required to participate in this tour. The tour operator handles all necessary arrangements, and participants only need to meet the physical fitness requirements to enjoy the desert experience.

Recap

The Full Day Tour to the Canyon of the Lost in the Ica Desert promises an unforgettable experience, offering stunning landscapes, unique geological formations, and the chance to observe intriguing marine fossils.

With shared transportation, an official guide, and included meals, this tour provides excellent value and a less touristy adventure in the breathtaking Ica Desert.