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The
region of
Ica is located
south of Lima. Its
long coast with dry
desserts, rich
valleys, and
enigmatic sand dunes
have been home to
several species of
animals and ancient
Peruvians for
hundreds of years.
Ica was home of the
Nazca and Paracas
cultures. The first
one ruled the
southern area of Ica
(200 AD – 700 AD)
while the second one
ruled the northern
area of Ica (500 BC
– 200 AD).
The Nazca Culture
left us a huge
legacy and a lot of
examples of their
progress. Some of
these examples are
the
Nazca Lines, the
Aqueducts of
Cantayoc, the
administrative and
religious center of
Cahuachi, and their
ceramics. The
Paracas Culture left
us their beautiful
textiles and
ceramics and their
cranial surgery as
well. Some textiles
are in perfect
condition.
Ica holds the first
coastal natural
reserve of Peru. The
Natural Reserve of
Paracas covers a
total area of
335,000 hectares.
The Candelabrum and
the
Ballestas Islands
can be found in this
area. The
Candelabrum is an
ancient figure drawn
in the sand that is
100 meters tall. In
the Ballestas
Islands it is
possible to observe
several species of
birds, sea lions,
Humboldt penguins,
and more. If you
spend a night in
Paracas, you should
stay at a hotel
located in the
beautiful bay of the
same name. A tour to
the
Ballestas Islands
is recommended.
The only oasis of
South America is
located in Ica. The
Huacachina Oasis
is a beautiful tiny
town surrounded by
sand dunes. In town,
you will find three
hotels and a couple
of small lodges
where you can relax
and may go for a
ride in a buggy.
From November to
April make sure you
bring a bathing suit.
Ica is the main
producer of wine and
pisco in Peru so you
might spend an extra
day to visit some
wineries in the area.
Nazca is a favorite
visitor's spot in
Ica. Nazca was home
of the Nazca
culture. The
inhabitants of Nazca
were great farmers
and they built the
aqueducts of
Cantayoc to irrigate
their land. These
aqueducts are still
being used by local
farmers. They also
made the
Nazca Lines
which are huge
pictures made in the
ground. Why were
they made is an
unresolved matter.
The best way to see
the lines is by
plane. Most of the
companies offer a 40
minute over flight.
During this period
of time it is
possible to observe
13 of most famous
Nazca Lines. The
hummingbird, the
spider, the monkey,
the dog, the hands
and the astronaut
are only a few of
the figures that are
going to impress you.
You should take a
pill to avoid
dizziness.
Nazca,
the Huacachina Oasis
and
Paracas can be
reached by small
private planes and
by road. It is the
most common and
economical way to go
to these places by
road. From Lima to
Paracas, a non-stop
bus takes about 3
and a half hours.
To go from Paracas
to Ica, it takes
about an hour and a
half and from Ica to
Nazca, it takes
about 2 and a half
hours. From Cusco to
Nazca a bus takes
about 15 hours and
from Arequipa to
Nazca a bus takes
about 8 hours.
Please make sure you
are traveling with a
safe bus company. |
