Ica International Grape Harvest Festival

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History of the Ica Wine Harvest Festival

The Ica International Grape Harvest Festival is one of the most important celebrations in southern Peru and is dedicated to celebrating the grape harvest, a key fruit for the production of wine, cachina (a type of grape brandy), and pisco in the region. Its origins are linked to the winemaking tradition of the Ica valleys, where grape cultivation has been practiced since colonial times.

Why travel to Ica with redBus?

Travel to Ica and enjoy its incredible landscapes, vineyards, and the famous grape harvest festival by booking your tickets with redBus. If you purchase through the app and use the code TUBUS, you can save up to 50% on your trip (Terms and Conditions apply). This way, you can travel comfortably, compare schedules and prices from different transportation companies, and take advantage of special offers to explore one of the most attractive destinations in southern Peru.

Escape to Ica and enjoy the Grape Harvest Festival.

Route	Approximate distance	Trip duration
Lima to Ica	311 km.	5 hours
Ayacucho to Ica	342 km.	8 hours 15 minutes
Arequipa to Ica	705 km.	9 hours
Paracas to Ica	86 km.	1 hour
Pisco to Ica	78 km.	40 minutes
Moquegua to Ica	868 km.	13 hours
Huancayo to Ica	414 km.	8 hours 16 minutes
Huancavelica to Ica	338 km.	5 hours
Tacna to Ica	943 km.	15 hours
Mollendo to Ica	640 km.	11 hours

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When is the Grape Harvest Festival?

The Ica International Grape Harvest Festival is celebrated every year in March, coinciding with the end of the grape harvest in the region. This year it will be held from March 6 to 16, 2026, when the city welcomes thousands of visitors to enjoy cultural, gastronomic, and wine-related activities that pay homage to this Ica tradition.

What is the origin of the festival?

The grape harvest festival in Ica began in 1958, when producers and local authorities decided to organize an event to promote winemaking and the region's cultural identity. Due to its success and the growing number of visitors, the celebration quickly became established, and in 1965 it acquired international status, becoming the current International Grape Harvest Festival.

Main activities of the festival

The Ica International Grape Harvest Festival offers a wide variety of cultural, gastronomic, and traditional activities celebrating the grape harvest and the production of wine and pisco in the region. Every year, thousands of visitors participate in these events that combine tradition, music, and tourism.

Among the festival's highlights are:

Grape treading, one of the most emblematic moments of the celebration, where the traditional process of obtaining grape juice, which is then transformed into wine or pisco, is recreated.
The election and crowning of the Grape Harvest Queen, a representative event that is a central part of the festival program.
Street parades and processions with floats, which travel through the city streets with dance troupes, music, and traditional dances.
Food and wine fairs, where visitors can sample wines, piscos, and traditional dishes of the region.
Concerts and cultural events enliven the city for several days with artistic and musical performances.

Thanks to these activities, the festival not only celebrates the grape harvest but also promotes culture, gastronomy, and tourism in the region.

Places to visit in Ica during the Festival

🏜️ Huacachina Oasis

Huacachina is one of the most famous destinations in Ica. It is a natural oasis surrounded by large sand dunes where visitors can go sandboarding, ride dune buggies, or simply enjoy the desert scenery. The dunes around the oasis are also popular for sunset tours and adventure activities.

🐬 Paracas National Reserve

The Paracas National Reserve is a protected natural area known for its stunning coastal landscapes, cliffs, and beaches. Visitors can observe a wide variety of marine wildlife such as sea lions, dolphins, and birds, making it one of the most important nature destinations near Ica.

🍇 Vineyards and wineries of Ica

Ica is one of the most important wine-producing regions in Peru. Many travelers visit its vineyards and wineries to learn about the production of wine and pisco, tour the vineyards, and enjoy tastings of these traditional drinks.

🧙 Cachiche – the village of witches

Cachiche is a small village near the city of Ica known for its legends about witches and healers. Visitors come to learn about its mystical history and see famous attractions like the “Seven-Headed Palm Tree,” which has become a symbol of the town’s folklore.

🏞️ Canyon of the Lost (Cañón de los Perdidos)

The Canyon of the Lost is an impressive geological formation located in the desert near Ocucaje. It is known for its rock walls, fossils, and dramatic desert landscapes, making it an ideal destination for hiking, adventure tourism, and photography.

💡 Did you know…?

During March, known as the "Harvest Month," several provinces in the region also organize activities to celebrate the grape harvest and promote wine tourism.

Among the decentralized celebrations are:

🍇 Chincha (March 17-25): Grape treading and cachina (a local grape brandy) tour at local wineries.
🍷 Pisco (February 24-March 20): Pisco harvest festival with tours and wine-related activities.
🌊 Paracas (March 27-28): Miss Vendimia pageant and cultural performances in El Chaco.
🏺 Nasca (March 23-29): Expos, winery tours, and traditional activities.

FAQs

How do I use the TUBUS code?

During the payment process, enter the TUBUS code. It's valid for new users who download the redBus app and offers up to 50% off your bus tickets. If the code doesn't apply, check that the selected company is participating in the promotion.

How much can I save with TUBUS?

You can save up to 50%, subject to availability and the policies of each transportation company. Discounts are applied automatically before final payment.

Can I buy multiple tickets in a single purchase?

Yes, with redBus you can purchase tickets for several people in a single transaction, ideal if you're traveling with friends or family. Plus, everyone will receive their digital tickets in the same email.

Where do I receive my bus tickets?

Your digital ticket will be sent to your registered email address and you can also view it in the redBus app.

How long does the Festival last?

This year, the Ica International Grape Harvest Festival 2026 will be held from March 6 to 16, with ten days of cultural, gastronomic, and traditional activities dedicated to the grape harvest.

Where does the Grape Harvest Festival take place?

The festival is held primarily in the city of Ica, especially at the Ica Fairgrounds and at various wineries and vineyards throughout the region. Some activities also take place in other nearby provinces such as Pisco, Chincha, and Paracas.

Why is the Grape Harvest Festival celebrated?

The festival commemorates the grape harvest, a fundamental activity for the production of wine and pisco in the region. It also aims to promote tourism, gastronomy, and Ica's winemaking tradition.

What is the main day of the festival?

The main day of the festival is usually celebrated on the second Friday of March, a date that is even declared a non-working holiday in the city of Ica due to the importance of the celebration.