Ica: Land of Eternal Sun and Desert Adventures

Introduction & History

Set amid the sun‑drenched desert of southern Peru, Ica is known for its endless dunes, fertile vineyards and status as the cradle of Peru’s national drink, pisco. The city lies about 320 km south of Lima along the Pan‑American Highway and enjoys a warm, arid climate that has earned it the nickname “Land of Eternal Sun.” Long before Spanish colonisers arrived, the Paracas and Nazca cultures thrived in this region, leaving behind intricate textiles, subterranean aqueducts and the enigmatic Nazca Lines. Today Ica serves as a centre for agriculture, wine production and desert adventure.

The Ica valley blossomed under the Inca Empire and later as a Spanish colonial town. Jesuit missionaries introduced vineyards in the 16th century, and the region’s dry climate proved ideal for grape cultivation. Over centuries, the distilled grape spirit known as pisco became integral to Peruvian culture. Earthquakes and droughts have challenged the city, most recently a 2007 quake that damaged infrastructure, but Ica continues to rebuild and attract visitors to its unique mix of heritage and outdoor fun.

Top Attractions & Activities

• Huacachina Oasis: Just a 10‑minute drive from Ica, this natural lagoon surrounded by soaring dunes offers sandboarding, dune buggy rides and sunset strolls on its palm‑lined boardwalk. Restaurants and guesthouses line the lagoon’s shore, making it a picturesque spot to relax after adrenaline‑filled adventures.
• Pisco & Wine Tours: Visit vineyards and distilleries to learn how grapes are cultivated and fermented into pisco and wine. Tastings at bodegas such as Tacama, Vista Alegre and El Catador reveal the nuances of Peru’s national liquor alongside local cheeses and chocolates.
• Museo Regional de Ica: This regional museum displays mummies, textiles and skulls from the Paracas and Nazca cultures, including examples of cranial trepanation and deformation. Exhibits also cover colonial history and natural science.
• Desert Excursions: Ride ATVs across dunes, take a hot air balloon ride over the desert at sunrise or plan a flight from nearby Pisco to view the Nazca Lines from above. The Paracas National Reserve and Ballestas Islands are also reachable as day trips from Ica.

The city itself offers charming plazas, a cathedral rebuilt after earthquakes, and markets selling locally grown fruits such as grapes, avocados and asparagus. Culinary highlights include carapulcra (spicy dried potato stew) and dishes cooked in clay pots called pachamanca. Don’t miss a tasting of sweet desserts like tejas (dulce de leche‑filled chocolates) and chapanas (cassava cakes wrapped in banana leaves).

Practical Information & Travel Tips

Ica is accessible by bus or car from Lima in about four hours. The city’s hot and dry climate means daytime temperatures can reach 30°C (86°F) or higher; pack sunscreen, hats and light clothing. Nighttime temperatures drop, so a light jacket can be useful.

Accommodation ranges from budget hostels in Ica and Huacachina to eco‑lodges in vineyards. Hire dune buggy operators with safety certifications and always wear seat belts during rides. If flying over the Nazca Lines, book with reputable operators and consider the weather; flights may be delayed due to winds or low visibility. While exploring wineries, designate a driver or join organised tours to avoid drinking and driving.

Beyond Ica

Combine a visit to Ica with excursions to the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands for wildlife encounters, or travel south to Nazca to marvel at the ancient geoglyphs. Inland, the highlands of Ayacucho and Huancavelica offer colonial towns and traditional weaving communities. Ica makes an ideal stop on a journey between Lima and Arequipa, providing a sunny contrast to Peru’s Andes and jungle.