The city of Ica is the capital of the Ica Region in southern Peru. The Spanish colonial city was founded in 1563 by Gerónimo Luis de Cabrera as Villa de Valverde. It was ruled by Spain under colonial rulers until Peru achieved independence in 1821. Ica city is located on the Ica River about 300km south of Lima, along the desert coast of southern Peru. Further south along the Pan-American Highway is located the city of Nazca.
Evidence of prehistoric indigenous civilizations has been found in the nearby deserts, such as that of Paracas, Nazca and Inca, the last of whom were a people who encountered the Spanish. Some pre-Columbian archeological artifacts are displayed in the Museo Regional de Ica.
The many days of sunshine have made Ica the center of an important agricultural region. Commodity crops are cotton, grapes, asparagus, olives and other produce. It is known by Peruvians as the "Land of the Sun". Although there are the four seasons, the warm, dry climate makes it feels like summer year-round. The climate of the city can help in easing asthma, which is aggravated by damp and humid climates and their associated allergens. On 15 August 2007, a magnitude 8.0 Earthquake occurred off the coast of Peru, severely damaging buildings, houses and infrastructure in Ica. Initially 17 people died and 70 were killed when a church collapsed. Pisco was even more damaged than Ica, with many people buried under buildings which had fallen; 80% of the city's buildings were destroyed.
RECOMMENDED TOURS IN THE ICA REGION
NAZCA LINES TOUR
The Lines, which form different shapes, were used by the former Peruvian astronomers as gigantic solar and lunar calendars. Flight over the lines from the airport of Ica city and avoid the long journey down to Nazca airport.
- Duration
- Two hours
- Activity Type
- Cultural
- Transport
- Bus
- Level
- Easy
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WINERY TOUR
Ica is the Peru’s richest wine-growing region. Peruvian wines such as Tacama and Ocucaje, are finer and drier. Ica also is the land of the Pisco (white grape alcohol) that is Peru’s national drink, and is used to make the cocktail called as Pisco Sour.
- Duration
- Half day
- Activity Type
- Cultural
- Transport
- Bus
- Level
- Easy
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HUACACHINA OASIS
It is a green lagoon with medicinal and spiritual value for some of the people in the region. It is a really good place if you are looking for sun, solitude, buggy cars ride and sand-boarding beside the palm trees and dunes that ring the lagoon.
- Duration
- Two hours
- Activity Type
- Cultural
- Transport
- Bus
- Level
- Easy
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BUGGY AND SAND BOARD AROUND HUACACHINA
Definitely a fun way to enjoy the Huacachina Oasis, get on one of the buggy cars that will take you over the beautiful Ica sand dunes. On the ride you will be able to practice sand boarding.
- Duration
- Two hours
- Activity Type
- Nature and adventure
- Transport
- Bus
- Level
- Easy
For further information, please write us to
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