Bus and tickets from Nasca to Ica

Reviewed

on: 2021-11-17

by: Lisa Gembrini

Quick Facts

  • Duration

    02 hours 25 minutes

  • Rating

  • Experience

    huacachina oasis, pisco tasting, hiking

  • Best Price

    USD $ 7.06

  • Maximum comfort or class

    Good

  • Departures

    3 Departures Daily

  • Recommended by

    166 travelers

Price may fluctuate due to seasonal demand and other market-driven and regulatory events.

All about the bus from Nasca to Ica

Pisco cellar and vineyards in Ica, Peru

Taking the bus from Nasca to Ica is convenient, inexpensive, and quick. Peruvian bus transportation is quite affordable, especially considering the unexpectedly high quality of both the coaches and the onboard service. Furthermore, it allows you to explore Peru at your own leisure without being constrained by a tour timetable.

What are the buses like in Peru?

Peruvians take great pleasure in their bus network, knowing that tourists from all over the world will be spending a lot of time on them. As a result, you can venture out with some confidence, feel protected, and have a wonderful time. In Peru, there are both economy and luxury bus coaches, so it all depends on where you want to go and how much money you have budgeted. Toilets and reclining chairs may not be accessible if your budget is limited. Often, the budget choice is simply a different level on the same bus as the luxury cabin, so if you want broader seats, more personal attention, and a calmer set of neighbors, you can get it for only a few dollars extra.

What is the distance from Nasca to Ica?

The overall distance between Nasca and Ica is 120 km. However, some routes take detours to pick up passengers in smaller towns on the way, which may end up making the distance 142 km. That’s not a massive difference, but it will add 10-20 minutes to your trip. It will take an hour, maybe an hour and a half for the bus from Nasca to Ica to reach its destination. That will depend on the road conditions and other factors.

How much will it cost?

The price of a bus ticket from Nasca to Ica is defined by the carrier or bus company, although they will be similar to each other's average price if you compare buses of comparable class and quality. The Peruvian currency is the Sol, which you will use when in Peru. However the price in Soles is going to be less stable, therefore we cannot provide you a number that is the same today as it is tomorrow. As a result, in US dollars, you may expect to pay roughly USD $7 to make the trip in a no-frills bus that makes multiple stops, and around $20 for a direct and more luxurious journey.

As with many South American nations, there are peak seasons that cause prices to rise for a few months, and then there are holidays and weekends in Peru that are not only more expensive but also more crowded and frenetic. To avoid all of this, click on the Reserve Now button above, and you'll be provided with a calendar that tells you which days are the greatest value since demand is low, and which are more premium because the demand on the bus system is strong.

How far in advance should I book?

To be on the safe side, reserve your tickets approximately 20-30 days ahead of time. If you book sooner, you will avoid running into sold-out departures and will have less red tape to deal with. Do not leave things to the last minute or believe that you can simply show up at the bus terminal and board. When it comes to reports of stranded passengers, long queues, and disrupted travel plans as a result of failing to plan or reserve ahead of time, the list is lengthy.

Where can I book tickets for the bus from Nasca to Ica (or vice-versa)?

Booking online is the best way to secure your spot on the bus and avoid spending your vacation time running around doing paperwork. The online process helps both you and the bus companies plan ahead for each other, so it has quickly caught on as the preferred method to make scheduled services run smoothly. To book, just click on the Reserve Now button on the top of the page, and from there you can select the day you want to travel on the bus from Nasca to Ica. Then select the departure time and price, purchase with a credit card or PayPal, and you’re done! You’ll receive a ticket back by email within six hours and you can focus on the more meaningful parts of your trip, like museums, pisco vineyard tours, or soaring above the Nasca lines.

Things to do in Ica, Peru

Los Perdidos Canyon between Ica and Nasca, Peru

Known by Peruvians as the "Land of the Sun", Ica is a beautiful retreat for the weary traveler. Its expansive landscapes are also home to the famous palm-lined lagoon Huacachina, and lush vineyards for making the celebrated liquor pisco. Harvest time turns the city of Ica into a carnival in March when the "Wine Festival" is celebrated. During the rest of the year, there are still lots of things to do in Ica that go beyond the usual. Let’s take a look at our favorites:

#1 - Go Camping in the Desert

Become one with the desert just at the edge of Ica by pitching a tent amid the dunes. Many outfitters and tour companies in Ica offer a variety of packages that will take you camping in the middle of the desert without having to make a long trek at all. Most packages will include delicious barbeque, music, dancing, and playing games, so all that you have to do is come and enjoy. Yet, the most memorable part of the camp will be when you catch the sunrise and sunset from atop the tall dunes.

#2 - Hike the Cañón de Los Perdidos

Discovered only recently, the Cañón de Los Perdidos, which translates "Canyon of the Lost", is a stunningly beautiful rocky valley. Located directly south of Ica, it is a hidden gem often left unfrequented by tourists but sought out by hikers and lovers of silence. There is a good chance that you might even have the magnificent canyon all to yourself. Imagine the photoshoots of undisturbed exploration!

The most striking part of the canyon is the Rio Seco or Dry River. Standing on its rocky cliffs, you will be so immersed in the art of nature that paints the strata of sand and rock, it will be hard to believe the ocean is just 20km away!

#3 -Take a Paracas National Reserve Tour

Situated one hour away to the northwest of Ica is the contrasting world of Paracas National Reserve. Nestled along the Pacific Ocean, it is home to creatures you will least expect to see near a desert. Loafing on the rocks will be adorable sea lions and on the shore, you will see Humboldt penguins.

Also situated in the reserve is the Museo De Sitio Julio C Tello de Paracas. Visit the museum to see the elongated Paracas skulls and other relics from the Paracas culture. A separate but equally thrilling activity to do in the Paracas area is to explore the length of it on an ATV!

#4 - Scout Out Isolated Beaches of the Pacific

While at the coast in Paracas, do not leave without setting out for a long walk to see many of its isolated coves and beaches. There are many hidden spots among the rocks to take cover from the wind and enjoy a picnic in paradise with some home-grown pisco sour to polish off your meal. You’ll be treated to seeing more marine life the farther you go, including starfish and crabs, flamingos, dolphins, pelicans, and manta rays.

Conclusion

Ica and Nasca are a perfect pair for a few days away from the hustle of nearby Lima. You will get treated to a LOT of sand, but with it comes oases, dune buggies, vineyards, flamingoes, and glimpses into ancient civilizations and the imprints on the land they left behind.

Lucky for you, getting between Ica and Naza is accessible with several bus departures, and you can beat the tourists to a seat by reserving a seat online in no time at all. Just click the Reserve Now button at the top of the page and plan your adventure today!

Route Map

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How far is it from Ica to Huacachina and Paracas?
Huacachina is only 10 minutes from downtown Ica, just on the edge of town. Paracas is a little over an hour away, but it is so vast that you will want to plan on spending the whole day there and come back to Ica in the evening, or proceed to Lima.
Are there buses to the pisco tasting places?
There are no public long-distance buses to bodegas, as they are more set up to go to cities farther away. The best way to get to bodegas is by visiting a tour provider in Ica as they can provide private transport to many in a day.
Does the bus from Nasca to Ica make many stops?
No, unless you happen to board a local municipal bus. Long-distance buses are direct from city to city.
What are the ticket policies?
It depends on the carrier you choose, but their specific policies can be previewed during checkout or in the summaries printed on your ticket email. For a general overview, see the Ticket Policy page.

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