Canyon of the Lost day trip: Desert fossils & rock formations

Walk a 2-kilometer canyon carved by ancient seas, reading fossils in the walls

Canyon of the Lost day trip from Ica is a full-morning tour into a desert canyon 150 meters deep, formed by river erosion and once a seabed. You walk a sandy path through rock formations layered with whale and shark fossils millions of years old, with hotel pickup and entry included. The guide speaks English or Spanish, and the tour runs 9 hours total from Ica.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Canyon of the Lost from Ica

• Pick up from hotel or bus station
• Drive 2 hours via South Panamerican highway
• Stop to buy food and drinks (optional)
• Admire Ocucaje desert landscapes
• Stop at Pampa de Piedras for photos
• Visit Canyon of the Lost viewpoint
• Walk along canyon path viewing fossils
• Explore rock formations and lagoons
• Return to Ica and drop off

The experience

The tour starts with pickup at your hotel or bus station in Ica, then a 2-hour drive south through the Ocucaje desert along the South Panamerican highway. A short stop lets you buy fresh food and drinks before the canyon itself. On the way, you pass Pampa de Piedras (a photo stop in the open desert), and reach the Canyon of the Lost viewpoint, a natural wonder discovered in 2011 that stretches 2 kilometers long and drops 150 meters deep.

The walking tour follows a sandy path into the canyon, where the walls hold marine fossils (whale and shark remains) from 20 to 30 million years ago, when this place lay beneath the sea. You explore different levels of the rock formation, see natural figures carved into the stone, and pass lagoons along the way. The canyon was shaped by the Seco River, which still flows toward the Ica River and the Pacific. Among the wildlife, you may spot buzzards and crows overhead. After the walk, the guide leads you back to Ica for drop-off at your hotel or bus station.

What’s included

• Entry to the canyon.
• hotel or bus station pickup and drop-off in Ica.
• a guided walking tour with a live English or Spanish-speaking guide.
• access to view the marine fossils and rock formations.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 49 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tangol

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup in Ica means you don't need a car or arrange your own transport to the desert. The 2-hour drive and full morning in the canyon fit into a single day without the logistics of getting there yourself.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5): free.

How far is Canyon of the Lost from Ica, and how long is the drive?

The canyon lies in the Ocucaje district, reached by a 2-hour drive south along the South Panamerican highway from Ica.

What fossils will I see in the canyon?

Canyon of the Lost holds marine fossils (whale and shark remains) dating back 20 to 30 million years, visible in the rock walls along the walking path.

Is the walk difficult, and how long does it take?

The walking tour follows a sandy path through the canyon and is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though you should be in good condition to hike along the canyon floor and explore its different levels.

What's included in the tour price?

Entry to Canyon of the Lost, hotel pickup and drop-off in Ica, and a guided visit of the fossil remains are included. A live guide speaks English or Spanish.

Should I bring anything for the desert?

Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable hiking shoes, and light clothing. Carry spending cash for personal expenses like food or drinks at the optional stop.