Ica, Desert city in southern Peru
Ica is a city in southern Peru stretching along the Ica River in a dry landscape about 300 kilometers (190 miles) south of Lima. The built area extends between sandy hills and vineyards that shape the look of the region.
Spanish conquerors founded the city in 1563 on land previously inhabited by the Paracas and Nazca peoples. A severe earthquake in 2007 damaged many buildings and changed the urban layout substantially.
The Regional Museum holds ceramics, textiles and mummies from the Paracas culture, which thrived here thousands of years ago. Outside the urban center, vineyards produce grapes for pisco, the national spirit of Peru.
Buses run regularly from Lima along the Pan-American Highway and take about four to five hours for the journey. The climate is dry and warm year-round, so light clothing and sun protection are advisable.
A natural oasis pond called Huacachina lies just a few kilometers outside the city, surrounded by tall sand dunes. There visitors ride buggies across the sand or slide down the slopes on boards.
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