Ica, located on the southern coast of Peru, is a city full of history and unique attractions. Known for its wineries and vineyards, Ica is famous for the production of high-quality wines and piscos. Additionally, the iconic oasis of Huacachina, surrounded by stunning sand dunes, offers exciting buggy and sandboarding tours. At the Ballestas Islands, you can admire abundant marine life, including sea lions, penguins, and guanay birds. Ica is also home to fascinating archaeological sites, such as the Cahuachi complex, an ancient ceremonial city of the Nazca culture. Discover the diversity and charm of Ica during your visit to this must-see destination in Peru!

Useful information

• Location: Ica, situated on the southern coast of Peru, is strategically located. It is approximately 300 kilometers south of Lima, the capital of the country.

• Climate: Ica enjoys a warm and desert climate, with average temperatures ranging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

• Altitude: The altitude is relatively low, at approximately 406 meters above sea level.

• Best time to visit: The best time to travel to Ica is during the summer months, from December to March. During this period, Ica experiences warm and dry weather, with average temperatures ranging between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius. These favorable weather conditions allow visitors to make the most of the numerous attractions that this Peruvian region has to offer.

How to get there

• By land: Enjoy a fascinating journey. From Lima, take the Pan-American Highway South and head south for approximately 5 hours, enjoying beautiful landscapes along the way. The route is safe and well-maintained, ensuring a smooth and comfortable trip. Along the way, you’ll be able to appreciate the transition of landscapes, from the coast to the desert surrounding Ica.

What to do

Ica is a region of Peru that offers a great variety of activities for all tastes. Here are some things you can do during your tours in Ica:

• Visit wine and pisco wineries: Ica is known for its production of wine and pisco, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit local wineries. You’ll be able to learn about the process of making these traditional beverages and enjoy tastings.
• Buggy ride on the dunes of Huacachina: Huacachina is an oasis surrounded by imposing sand dunes. Here, you can enjoy an exciting buggy ride that will take you through the dunes, and you’ll also have the opportunity to practice sandboarding.
• Visit the Ballestas Islands: From the port of Paracas, located near Ica, you can embark on a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands. These islands are home to a great variety of seabirds, such as the famous cormorants and Humboldt penguins.
• Fly over the Nazca Lines: Within a short distance from Ica are the enigmatic Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs in the desert that depict animal figures and geometric designs.
• Regional Museum of Ica: This museum houses an important collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and archaeological remains found in the region.
• Visit the Cathedral of Ica: Located in the Plaza de Armas of Ica, the Cathedral is a remarkable example of colonial architecture. Its facade and interior decoration are impressive and reflect the religious history of the region.
• Excursions to Paracas: A few kilometers from Ica is the Paracas National Reserve, famous for its marine biodiversity and stunning coastal landscapes.

Important Dates

The festivities in Ica, Peru, are celebrated in various important celebrations that stand out for their color, joy, and community roots. Here are some of the most important festivals in Ica:

• Wine Harvest Festival (March): This festival is celebrated in honor of the grape harvest and the production of wine and pisco, emblematic products of Ica.
• Holy Week (variable date, usually in March or April): Holy Week is an important religious celebration in Ica and throughout the country.
• Anniversary of the City of Ica (October 28): Ica celebrates its anniversary as a city. On this date, civic parades, cultural activities, sports events, and competitions are held.
• Feast of San Juan Bautista (June 24): This religious festival is dedicated to San Juan Bautista, the patron saint of Ica. During San Juan’s day, processions and religious activities are carried out in honor of the saint.
• Feast of the Virgin of Mercedes (September 24): The Virgin of Mercedes is one of the most revered Marian advocations in Ica.

Gastronomy

The gastronomy of Ica, Peru, is a delight for food lovers. Here are some of the most representative dishes of Ica:

• Causa: It consists of a base of pressed and seasoned yellow potatoes, filled with different ingredients such as chicken, tuna, seafood, or vegetables. Causa is served cold.
• Pork Chicharrón: It consists of pieces of pork meat fried until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It is accompanied by fried sweet potatoes, yuca, and a Creole dressing of onions and chili peppers.
• Tacu Tacu: It is a traditional dish that combines rice and beans, forming a mass that is grilled until a crispy crust is formed on the outside. It is usually served with a piece of meat, chicken, or seafood and accompanied by Creole dressing.
• Carapulcra: It is a stew made with dried potatoes, pork meat, panca chili pepper, and spices. It is usually served with white rice and Creole dressing.
• Sopa seca: This dish consists of noodles cooked in a thick broth made from meat and spices, such as panca chili pepper and cumin. It is served with shredded beef or pork and garnished with hard-boiled eggs and olives.
• Tejas: These are traditional sweets from Ica made with manjar, nuts, and crystallized fruits.
• Wines and piscos: Ica is famous for its production of high-quality red and white wines, as well as piscos, the emblematic liquors of Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions