Ica: Sand, Sea, Oasis, and Valleys
Ica is a land of sand, sea, oasis, and valleys, known as the cradle of Creole culture and famous for its saints and healers. It is home to the finest Pisco and a region of deep religious devotion, particularly for the Señor de Luren and the Sanctuary of Yauca.
Founded in 1563 by Luis Jerónimo de Cabrera, the city of Ica preserves colonial buildings, such as its Cathedral and centuries-old mansions. Pre-Columbian civilizations left an indelible mark on its territory, most notably the Nazca Lines.
- Minimum altitude: 2 m.a.s.l. (Paracas)
- Maximum altitude: 3,796 m.a.s.l. (San Pedro de Huacarpana)
🏞️ Main Attractions
Ica Cathedral
A mix of neoclassical and baroque styles, featuring impressive altars and a stunning pulpit.
Señor de Luren Sanctuary
A religious icon of the city and a site of deep devotion.
María Reiche Regional Museum
Showcasing artifacts from the Paracas, Nazca, Huari, Ica, and Inca cultures.
Engraved Stones Museum
A mysterious collection of carved stones depicting enigmatic scenes.
Marqués de Torre Hermosa Mansion
A colonial-era house with a rococo-style façade.
Vineyards & Wineries 🍷
Tacama, Vista Alegre, and Ocucaje produce high-quality wines and Pisco.
Huacachina Lagoon
A breathtaking oasis surrounded by sand dunes—perfect for sandboarding and buggy rides.
Cachiche Town
Known for its healers and mystical legends.
Los Frailes Stone Forest
Rock formations shaped by wind erosion, resembling figures and silhouettes.
Huaca Guadalupe
An archaeological site with pre-Inca remains.
🏞️ Provincia de Chincha
Chincha City🎶
A hub of Afro-Peruvian culture and traditions.
San José Hacienda 🏡
A historical hacienda with underground tunnels once used during slavery.
La Centinela Ruins ⛏️
An archaeological complex from the Chincha culture.
El Carmen District 🎭
Famous for its Afro-Peruvian music and dances.
Santuario de la Melchorita ⛪
A shrine of deep religious significance.
🏞️ Nazca Province
Nazca Lines ✈️
Mysterious geoglyphs with zoomorphic and geometric designs, best seen from the air.
Paredones 🏛️
A former Inca administrative center.
Cantalloc Aqueducts 🚰
Nazca hydraulic structures still in use today.
Cahuachi Ceremonial Center 🏺
A complex of adobe pyramids, once a religious hub.
🏞️ Palpa Province
Líneas de Palpa 📏
Similar to the Nazca Lines, featuring zoomorphic figures.
Chichictara Petroglyphs 🌬️
More than 1,200 ancient rock carvings on volcanic stones.
Lost City of Huayurí 🏚️
A pre-Inca archaeological site, lost in time.
🏞️ Pisco Province
Church of la Compañía ⛪
A colonial church with gold leaf altars.
Tambo Colorado 🏛️
The best-preserved Inca site on the Peruvian coast.
Paracas National Reserve
A biodiversity sanctuary, home to sea lions and penguins.
Ballestas Islands🚤
A paradise for seabirds and marine wildlife.
The Candelabra 🔱
A mysterious geoglyph visible from the sea.
The Cathedral 🏞️
A stunning rock formation shaped by wind and ocean waves.
🌟 Festivals & Culture
Wine & Grape Harvest Festival
A celebration of wine and Pisco, featuring traditional music and dances.
Señor de Luren Festival (October)
A grand religious procession honoring the city’s patron saint.
Virgin of Carmen Festival (Chincha)
A tribute to the patroness of Afro-Peruvian music.
📅 Best time to visit: Year-round, with warm and sunny weather.
📍 How to Get There? ✈️ Flights from Lima to Pisco (approx. 1h) or by road from Lima (approx. 4h).
Ica is a destination that offers history, adventure, and gastronomy all in one place. Get ready to explore its magic! ✨
