In the Ica territory flowered 2 of the most important cultures that lived in this part of the continent. The Paracas culture (600 B. C. - 100 A.D.) and the Naza culture (100 A.D. - 800 A.D.) were the first civilizations of Ica, followed by the Chincha culture (800 A.D. - 1476 A.D.), but there are not many registers of the last one. With the expansion of the Incan Empire, the end of the Chincha culture would arrive, consolidating as new power of the territory of Ica until the arrival of the Spanish and the subsequent conquest. After the foundation by the Spanish, Ica would become a commercial region, characterized by its textile and winemaking industries, which saw its origin in 1540, when Nicolás de Ribera el Viejo produced the first eau-de-vie with the Ica raisins.
What is the climate like in Ica?
The climate in Ica, a city located on the southern coast of Peru, is predominantly arid and warm. The region is characterized by very little rainfall throughout the year, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 30°C. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and also dry. This combination of climatic factors makes Ica an ideal place for agriculture, especially for the cultivation of grapes and the production of wine and pisco.
Hotels in Ica
As a tourist destination, Ica offers a wide variety of accommodations for you to rest. From 5-star hotels with all possible luxuries to hostels or backpackers for travelers seeking more economical options.
Hotel Viñas Queirolo
- Carretera a San José de los Molinos s/n, Ica
- Prices: from S/774.00
- Services: The rooms are spacious and bright and have air conditioning, a private bathroom with free toiletries, cable TV, and a minibar. An American breakfast is served daily. Additionally, it offers free bicycle rental service, tourist information service, luggage storage, and laundry service. There is also free parking, and wine tours are organized.
Hotel La Colina
- Av. Fray Ramon Rojas, Cerro Prieto 11501 Salas - Ica
- Prices: from S/168.00
- Services: It has an outdoor pool, garden, terrace, and restaurant in Ica. This 3-star hotel offers 24-hour reception and a tour desk. The hotel has free private parking and free WiFi.
Huacachina Desert House
- Urb. La estancia de Huacachina C-11, Ica
- Prices: from S/123.00
- Services: It has an outdoor pool, fitness center, garden, and bar in Ica. There is a sun terrace, free WiFi, and free private parking. Some rooms have a kitchen with a refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave.
Casa Yuraq Hotel Boutique
- Av. Carrizo 210 Grocio Prado, Chincha Alta, Peru
- Prices: from S/135.00
- Services: The rooms at the accommodation have a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries, and some units also have city views. The rooms at the hotel have bed linen and towels.
Restaurants and Bars in Ica
Ica is more than its dunes and hot climate; it also has exquisite cuisine, highlighting traditional Peruvian dishes made with ingredients that are native to the region. But that's not all, as its nightlife is one of the reasons why Ica is the favorite place of thousands of travelers.
El Tambo de Tacama
- Camino Real 390 La Tinguina, Ica
- Prices: from S/30.00
Tatá Rooftop
- Av. Cutervo 300, Urb. San Isidro, Ica
- Prices: from S/25.00
La Olla de Juanita
- Fundo Tres Esquinas 121, Subtanjalla Boulevard Tres Esquinas, Ica
- Prices: from S/37.00
Tourist Attractions in Ica
Ica is a region rich in tourist attractions. Here are some of the most notable places you can visit:
- Huacachina Lagoon: This natural oasis, surrounded by dunes, is perfect for sandboarding and buggy rides. The lagoon is surrounded by palm trees and vegetation, creating an impressive contrast with the surrounding desert. Additionally, there are several restaurants and hotels nearby, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the nightlife.
- Cañón de los Perdidos: A geological wonder offering stunning landscapes and ideal for hiking. The canyon has unique rock formations and is relatively unknown, making it a hidden gem for adventurers.
- Hacienda Tacama: The oldest winery in South America, where you can taste high-quality wines and piscos. The hacienda offers guided tours that include a visit to the vineyards, the winery, and a tasting of their products. It is a perfect place for wine and history lovers.
- Cachiche: A town famous for its witch stories and the Seven-Headed Palm Tree, a tree with a very peculiar shape. Cachiche is known for its legends and myths and is an interesting place to explore and learn about local traditions.
- Santuario del Señor de Luren: An important religious pilgrimage center in Ica. The sanctuary is known for its architecture and for housing the image of the Lord of Luren, a highly revered figure in the region. Every year, thousands of faithful visit the sanctuary during Holy Week.
Important Dates in Ica
Here are some of the most important dates and festivities in Ica:
- February 20 - Black Summer Festival: A festivity where Afro-Peruvian culture is celebrated; its importance has been increasing in recent years due to the discrimination faced by its members. The local joy spreads to all tourists, especially during the Afro-Peruvian dance contest, the food fairs, and the craft fairs.
- March 11 - Vendimia Festival: Five days of pure celebration where the main attraction is the grape stomping, a moment when different people stomp the grapes in a small vat to extract the juice, which will later be processed into wine. In addition to this, other activities such as dances and food sharing also take place.
- Holy Week: This date may change, but the fervor of Catholics remains the same. During 8 days, the passion and death of Jesus Christ, who according to the Bible sacrificed himself to save humanity from its sins, is remembered. Masses are a traditional part of this week.
- All of October - Festivity of the Lord of Luren: Throughout the month of October, the patron saint of the city, the Lord of Luren, is celebrated, whose history dates back to the Spanish conquest. The central day is October 21, as this is when the procession takes place, where the image of the Lord of Luren travels through parts of the city to offer his blessing.
- December 8 - Festivity of the Immaculate Conception: Ica is a very devout 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 grand mass is celebrated, generally presided over by the Bishop, and then a series of processions are held.
How to Get to Ica by Bus?
Ica by Bus: The distance between Pisco and Ica is approximately 75 kilometers. The travel time is 1 hour and 40 minutes.
How to Get Around Ica?
- Taxi: In Ica, you can get around by taxi or colectivo, depending on the distance and your budget. Some free taxis can go anywhere in Ica from S/7 soles. While colectivos can start from S/5 soles per person, depending on the destination and/or route.
- Mototaxi: These mototaxis can also take you around the city center from S/2 soles per person. This also varies depending on the distance traveled.
Gastronomy in Ica
- Sopa Seca
- Carapulcra
- Chicharrón de Pollo
- Tejas
Things to Buy in Ica
- Local Crafts
- Wines and Piscos
Facts About Ica
Ica is one of the twenty-four departments of Peru, located on the southern coast of the country. Its capital is the city of Ica. The region is known for its arid and warm climate, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 30°C. Ica is famous for its vineyards and the production of pisco, a traditional Peruvian alcoholic beverage. It also hosts important archaeological sites such as the Nazca Lines and the Paracas National Reserve, which is home to a great diversity of marine fauna. Ica's economy is mainly based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism.
Bus Operators for the Pisco to Ica Route
In Conclusion:
Traveling to Ica is a unique experience that combines history, culture, and adventure. From the Nazca Lines to the Huacachina dunes, Ica offers stunning landscapes and exciting activities. Its warm and sunny climate, along with its rich winemaking tradition, make this region an ideal destination to relax and enjoy high-quality wines and piscos.
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