Into the Crack: Hiking the Cañón de los Perdidos in Ica’s Desert
A desert fissure of fossils and color — a hands-on lesson in ancient seas and modern sand
You can feel it before you see it: the desert hush that shrinks the world down to the steady sound of your breath and the click of boots against packed sand. Then the earth opens. From a windswept viewpoint the Cañón de los Perdidos — a jagged fissure some 150 meters deep and roughly three kilometers long — slices the horizon like a wound in the coastal plain. Sunlight pulls the canyon walls into bands of ochre and pink, and the wind sculpts thin finials that look as if a giant hand carved them yesterday.
Trail Wisdom
Start at first light
Morning hikes avoid the desert’s fiercest heat and bring softer side-light that reveals the canyon’s textures.
Pack extra water
Bring at least 2 liters per person for a half-day; there is no reliable water source in the canyon.
Wear grippy shoes
Choose trail shoes with good traction for sandy descents and loose scree sections.
Respect fossils
Do not remove or chip fossils from the canyon walls; take photos and leave the geology intact.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Ojos de Agua — small desert lagoons tucked near the canyon floor
- •Local artisanal wineries on return routes offering pisco and wine tastings
Wildlife
red-headed vulture (Andean and coastal scavengers), desert lizards and small passerine birds
Conservation Note
Local operators emphasize leave-no-trace practices and avoid removing fossils; supporting guided visits helps preserve fragile sites and benefits nearby communities.
The canyon was put on the tourist map in the 1980s; its walls contain marine fossils that reveal the coastal plain’s ancient life as seabed.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: mild temperatures, fewer crowds
Challenges: variable winds, strong sun in midday
Spring brings mild mornings and cooling evenings; expect gusty afternoons and excellent conditions for daytime exploration.
summer
Best for: long daylight, clear skies
Challenges: hot afternoons, intense UV
Peru’s coastal summer (Dec–Mar) is warmer and can be quite hot midday — early starts are crucial to avoid heat stress.
fall
Best for: golden light, stable weather
Challenges: cooler mornings, less consistent water access
Fall offers stable weather and excellent afternoon color; pack a light layer for cooler early mornings.
winter
Best for: dry clarity, pisco and winery visits
Challenges: cold mornings, strong daytime sun
Peru’s dry winter (May–Sept) is widely regarded as the best time: crisp air, minimal humidity and superb visibility.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Trail shoes with good tractionEssential
Stability for sandy slopes and rocky scrambles keeps you safe and sure-footed.
2–3 liters water reservoir or bottlesEssential
Hydration is critical in the desert; carry more than you think you'll need.
Sun protection (hat + SPF 50)Essential
The reflected heat off canyon walls intensifies UV exposure—protect skin and eyes.
Light wind layer and sunproof shirt
Keeps you comfortable during cool mornings and windy afternoons.
Common Questions
How long is the hike inside the canyon?
Most routes cover the main gorge of about 3 km in length; allow 2–5 hours depending on stops, photos and side hikes.
Do I need a guide for Cañón de los Perdidos?
Guides are strongly recommended — they know the safe routes, interpret fossils and manage local conservation considerations.
Can I visit from Huacachina?
Yes. Numerous shared and private tours pick up in Huacachina and Ica, making the canyon an easy day trip.
Are there fossils in the canyon?
Yes — sedimentary walls show marine fossils from when this region was seabed millions of years ago; do not remove them.
Is this hike suitable for children?
Older, confident children who can manage sandy ascents and short scrambles can do the route; keep them close on ledges.
Is there cell service or potable water on-site?
Cell service can be spotty; bring your own water and snacks — there are no reliable sources inside the canyon.
What to Pack
2–3 liters water (hydration), wide-brim hat (sun protection), sturdy trail shoes (traction on sand and scree), sunscreen + sunglasses (UV protection)
Did You Know
The canyon walls contain marine fossils showing that the Ica desert was once part of the Pacific seabed millions of years ago — fossil evidence that helped scientists reconstruct ancient coastal changes.
Quick Travel Tips
Book a morning tour from Huacachina, bring cash for small winery tastings, check weather for winds, confirm pickup with your operator
Local Flavor
Pair your walk with Ica’s culinary staples: artisanal pisco tastings, local wine from family bodegas and the sandboard-and-buggy culture of Huacachina; many tour operators include a winery stop for a well-earned tasting.
Logistics Snapshot
Nearest base: Huacachina or Ica (3–50 min transfer to canyon depending on route). Typical tours: half-day to full-day with hotel pickup. Bring sun protection, cash for tastings and allow 2–5 hours on-site.
Sustainability Note
Respect fossil sites by not collecting specimens, stay on established trails to avoid erosion, and choose local guides to ensure tourism dollars support conservation and community livelihoods.