The city is located on the Ica River about 300 k to the south of Lima along the desert coast of southern Peru. Further south along the Pan-American Highway lies the city of Nazca. and Ica has 4 provinces: Ica, Pisco, Nazca, Chincha and Palpa.
It was founded in 1563 by Spanish conquistador Gerónimo Luis de Cabrera. As of 2005, it had an estimated population of over 219,856, however, the city suffered extensive damage and loss of life during the 2007 Peru earthquake.
The Ica Region has a remarkable geography. It is the only region of the southern coast formed by plains also called coast plains since the Andean Cordillera is erected inside. Some geological folds have determined the formation of lands moving forward the sea which form the Paracas Peninsula while some isolated formations located at the southern part have determined the Marcona complex, a place where the biggest deposits of iron in the Pacific coast have been formed. Ica's configuration is due to the geomorphology of its two big and unique fluvial watersheds: the Pasco watershed and Ica watershed.
Ica is an important agricultural region, where grapes, cotton, asparagus, olives and other produce is cultivated. It is known by Peruvians as the land of the sun, and although there are the 4 seasons, the warm dry climate makes it feels like summer year-round. Natives also claim the climate of the city can help in the curing of asthma.
Ica and surrounding areas are the traditional source of Pisco brandy. Ica is home to Museo Regional de Ica, a local museum with many exhibits. On display are pre-Columbian mummies with elongated heads bearing evidence of trepanning. There are also furniture, paintings and artifacts from the Spanish colonial era.
One of the most popular places to visit in Ica is La Huacachina. The famous desert oasis is located 5km from Ica. It is a small lake with medicinal water, lying in the middle of a spectacular sand desert.
It is interesting to visit:
Square of Arms
Sanctuary of Señor de Lauren
Regional Museum Maria Reiche
Museum of Piedras Grabadas (Engraved Stones)
House of the Marquis of Torre Hermosa
Wine cellars Vista Alegre, Tacama and Ocucaje
Huacachina Lagoon
Snowy Mountain Ampay
Capital: City of Ica Altitude: 406 m.a.s.l. Distance: 267 kilometers from Lima.
