Ica is a city located in the department of the same name. With 337 590 inhabitants, it is within the 12 most populous cities in Peru. It is possible that Ica comes from "Ika", a Yunga word that can mean lagoons, wells or rivers, and it is said that Ica was formerly surrounded by several lagoons. In this area the Paracas, Nazca and Chincha cultures were established. In 1563, Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera officially founded Ica with the name "Villa de Valverde del Valle de Ica", although not originally in the same territory. It is a city that has been the center of different natural disasters, such as a flood in 1908 or the 2007 earthquake, when 75% of the entire department was affected and still does not fully recover. Its economy revolves around the production of wine mainly, but also produces alfalfa, sweet potato and cotton.
Climate in Ica
● Ica is an arid city, which is why it usually has hot days but not very embarrassing. Generally the temperature is always above 15°C, except in winter, which lasts from June to mid-September, which is when the temperature drops to 12 ° C. It usually doesn't rain much in Ica, but during summer there is more possibility than in other seasons.
Hotels in Ica
● Anthony Hosting
- Address: CastroVirreyna Street # 327, Ica.
- Price: From S / 20.
- Services: This lodging is a good option if you are looking for a comfortable and economical place. The rooms are medium in size and simple and include their own bathroom and cable television. There is a common area where you can hang out and meet other travelers.
● Hotel Ica Adventures 2
- Address: Avenida Nicolás de Rivera El Viejo # 290, Ica.
- Price: From S / 30.
- Services: This hotel is very popular among backpackers who want to spend a couple of nights in Ica at a good price. You can choose between a shared or a private room. The bathrooms are also shared, and there are common areas with board games and bar.
● Hotel El Huarango.
- Address: Calle El Medano Y-5, Residencial La Angostura, Ica.
- Price: From S / 80.
- Services: This establishment is one of the best options if you have a budget and want a large room for a good price. You can rent both private and double rooms.
● Hotel Sol de Ica.
- Address: Calle Lima # 265, Ica.
- Price: From S / 130.
- Services: This is a beautiful hotel where travelers will rest peacefully and with a great atmosphere. Not only are the rooms spacious, but it also has a large garden and a sauna for relaxation.
● Hotel El Carmelo.
- Address: At kilometer 301 of Panamericana Avenue, Ica.
- Price: From S / 160.
- Services: In addition to renting double rooms, there is the possibility of choosing a suite. The particularity of this hotel is that each room has a unique decoration, so you should check it well before making the respective reservation.
Restaurants & Bars in Ica
● Moroni Restaurant.
- Address: Next to the oasis of Huacachina.
- Price: From S / 30.
- Services: There is nothing better than enjoying lunch next to the Ica oasis, whose natural landscape makes the view dreamlike. Here you will find an extensive menu, full of national and international dishes.
● The Other Little Rock.
- Address: Calle Bolivar # 255, Ica.
- Price: From S / 35.
- Services: Art lovers will enjoy this fabulous place, because its interior is not only a restaurant but also a small art gallery. In addition to being surrounded by an artistic atmosphere, you can enjoy excellent local dishes prepared here, and if you want to also order international dishes, they are able to prepare them.
● Bar "Huacafuckingchina - Lounge Bar"
- Address: Angela de Perotti Avenue (Reference: Next to the Huacachina oasis).
- Services: This bar is very popular among national tourists due to its proximity to the oasis, making the view from the balcony spectacular. In addition to this, it also offers great service and a unique party atmosphere.
● Bar "Arenas Bar"
- Address: Angela de Perotti Avenue (Reference: Next to the Huacachina oasis).
- Services: Sitting here and drinking a drink is one of the best experiences due to the view you have of the Huacachina, which is why at night it is usually a very full bar.
The most tourist places in Ica
● Ica Cathedral: It is the main church of Ica, it is also known as "Cathedral of San Jerónimo". Its architectural style is very neoclassical. The earthquake that occurred in 2007 caused a part of the cathedral to collapse, a reconstruction plan is still in force to restore it.
● Sanctuary of the Lord of Luren: A mandatory point for believers. This cultural heritage has an image of the Lord of Luren within him, which is said to have been brought by lucky on a donkey. Due to the 2007 earthquake, part of the sanctuary was damaged, but fortunately the reconstruction has made it stand again.
● Huacachina Lagoon: Without a doubt, the most popular tourist attraction in Ica is this beautiful oasis, which is protected by large palms and guarangos. In the past, it was a very popular spa because it was said that its waters were healing. Today, although you can no longer enter the waters, it is still a spectacular natural paradise.
● Paracas National Reserve: Very close to Ica, in Pisco, it is one of the most important and popular reserves in Peru due to the amount of marine animals that can be found here. It is recommended to all travelers who wish to take a tour here to be respectful because the Humboldt penguin, the gray seagull and the tendril, among other animals, inhabit the Paracas National Reserve.
● Cachiche: Located at 4 kilometers from the city of Ica. It is very popular among national tourists due to their mysticism, as the legend tells that here live witches capable of curing all ills. The town itself is made up of palm trees and Gothic architecture, and some sites offer card or hand reading for the most curious.
Important dates in Ica
● February 20 - Black Summer Festival: It is a holiday where Afro-Peruvian culture is celebrated, its importance has been increasing in recent years due to the discrimination suffered by its members. Local joy infects all tourists , especially in the contest of Afro-Peruvian dances, gastronomic fairs and craft fairs.
● March 11 - Harvest Festival: It is 5 days of pure celebration where the main attraction is the grape tread, which is the moment where different people step on the grapes in a small tub to extract the juice, which will then be processed as wine. In addition to this, there are also other activities such as dances and food sharing.
● April - Holy Week: This date may change, but the fervor of Catholics is the same. For 08 days, both the passion and the death of Jesus Christ are remembered, who according to the Bible sacrificed himself to save humanity from their sins. Masses are a traditional part of this week.
● Throughout October - Feast of the Lord of Luren: The patron saint of the city, the Lord of Luren, whose history dates back to the Spanish conquest is celebrated throughout the month of October. The central day is October 21, as the procession takes place here, which is when the image of the Lord of Luren travels through some parts of the city to offer his blessing.
● December 8 - Feast of the Immacula Conception: Ica is a very believing city, which is why the pregnancy of the Virgin Mary is celebrated with great admiration and love. It is a very special day, which is why a great mass is celebrated, usually preceded by the Bishop, and then a series of processions are carried out.
How to move around Ica?
To move around in the city of Ica, the tourist has 2 options: public bus, commonly regulated by the municipality or the authority in charge, or taxi, driven by a citizen who provides the service.
● Public bus: It is the most popular way of transporting within the city, as well as being very economical. The fare, also called a ticket, does not usually go up from S/5 per person. The public bus has different stops where it picks up passengers, so the trip can be a bit slow.
● Taxi: This is the fastest way of transport within the city. It does not have stops, so it goes straight to the desired destination. You can contact it on the avenue or by calling a company or through an application. The rate here is usually higher, usually exceeding S/10.
How to reach Ica?
● Ica by bus: Getting to Ica by bus is a great option if you are looking for an economical and fun method. Be amazed by the beautiful coastal landscapes. If you leave from Lima, you can take up to 5 hours.
● Ica by train: At the moment, it is not possible to go to Ica by train.
● Ica by plane: Ica does not have its own airport, so you cannot go directly to the city by plane.