Located 303 km. south of Lima, Ica is made up most wide desert plains that stretch from the sea to the Andes, interspersed with dunes and huarango forests. However, Ica has fertile valleys that are planted with cotton, grapevines, and different varieties of fruit. The region is also blessed with natural resources and archeological remains, including the world-famous Nazca Lines. The Nazca civilization was also renowned for its multi-colored ceramics and cloaks. The area also retains significant reminders of the Inca presence there. The Paracas Nature Reserve provides a haven for many species of sea and the Ballesta islands and San Gallán are a sanctuary for a great diversity of marine life.
Ica is also famous for its pisco, a fiery liquor distilled from grapes, that was developed after the Spaniards arrived, and takes its name from the port in the area. It has become a symbol of Peru’s cultural identity. Ica’s year-round sunny climate and fertile soils make it a prime wine-producing area and the Conquistadores were quick to see its potential and planted vines, which prospered and soon spread into neighboring valleys. As a result, the winemaking industry is one the area’s main economic activities.


Main Tourist Attractions

ICA
ICA REGIONAL MUSEUM. Contains invaluable archeological finds from the Paracas, Nazca, Wari, Ica, and Inca civilizations.

PARACAS
Paracas is protected as a National Reserve due to the large quantities of marine life that thrive there: the main attractions of the reserve are:

BALLESTA ISLANDS
A 30-minute boat ride from the Bay of Paracas. Erosion has formed spectacular rock formations that provide nesting places for thousands of seabirds, including pelicans, penguins, flamingos that cohabit in this paradise. One of the highlights of the boat ride are the hundreds of playful sea lions that come right up to the boats.

EL CANDELABRO
(THE CANDLESTICK). Also known as the "Tridente" (Trident) or "Tres Cruces" (Three Crosses), mystery enshrouds the origin of this huge design engraved into the side of a hill overlooking the Bay of Paracas..

"LA CATEDRAL" AND "FRAILONES"
These are impressive rock formations sculpted by the elements on which countless seabirds come to nest..

JULIO C. TELLO SITE MUSEUM
The museum contains significant remains from the various ancient cultures that flourished and declined in the area, including textiles and ceramics, some of which are as much as 4,000 years old.

NAZCA
NAZCA LINES. The Lines lie outside the town covering a desert plain of 500 km2. They best way to see these vast, enigmatic engravings is from the air. There are nearly 30 different geometric designs and figures. The best known ones are the man, the monkey, spider, hummingbird, dog, fish, and the condor.