Surrounded by rolling sand dunes and boasting the title of Peru’s pisco and wine center, Ica—capital of the desert district of the same name—is a staple of southern Peru itineraries. Though it's home to a handful of notable churches, squares, and restaurants, the city primarily serves as the gateway to some of southern Peru’s most impressive things to do—such as the acid-green desert oasis of Huacachina; the Nazca Lines, whose origin has baffled historians for centuries; and the Ballestas Islands, hailed as Peru’s answer to Galapagos.
Ica’s desert climate makes it a year-round destination that doesn’t experience much variation in temperature. At night, however, temperatures can plummet, so be sure to bring warm clothes for the evenings. While you’re likely to spot sea lions and seals all year, July through November is flamingo season and brings with it a more varied spectrum of bird life.
Travelers typically arrive in Ica by bus from Lima (which takes around four hours) or from Arequipa, which takes around 13 hours and is usually done overnight. There’s no airport in Ica, with the closest being Lima. The popular desert oasis of Huacachina is 10 minutes in a taxi from Icas center, which you can easily navigate on foot.
The dry, desert landscapes of Peru’s Ica region aren’t exactly what you’d call fertile fields—but somehow, this agricultural anomaly is a harvest festival of Peru’s best bounty. Year-round sunshine means that crops ranging from cotton and olives to beans and asparagus all thrive here, so be sure to sample local dishes such as carapulcra (a pork stew made with locally grown peanuts and chiles) and bean-based plates such as chupe de pallares (bean chowder).
