Travelling on the Panamericana Route south from Lima we find Ica city. This city and its beaches are believed to be a real oasis in the middle of the desert of this Latin American country. Ica has a rich history, and it is the only province on the south coast which is formed by the so-called coastal plains.
Its beaches are amont the best beaches in Peru, because the weather is amazingly warm, due to their nearness to desert areas, and have abundant marine fauna. La Huacachina is the most famous oasis in Peru. Situated among huge beautiful sand dunes, it was once a seaside resort where people went in search of the healing power of its sulphur waters. It offers a unique landscape surrounded by locust and palm trees.
As far as accommodation is concerned, Ica offers all the possible comfort in its apartments, houses, rural inns, hotels and hostels. The restaurants offer typical fish and seafood dishes as well as the highest class international cooking.
We specially recommend a visit to the Reserva Nacional de Parcas, an officially protected marine area where you will appreciate the beauty of a myriad of species such as seals, dolphins, Humboldt Penguins and the beautiful flamingos, whose red and white colours inspired the creation of the Peruvian flag. In this reserve you can also find the beaches of La Mina, La Catedral and Mendieta, which are said to be the most beautiful ones along the seacoast, and which are the ideal place for windsurfing, surfing and diving. If you re looking for virgin nature, you must camp on Puerto Caballas beach, where you will enjoy the lush vegetation and exotic landscape.
Moreover, Ica is a wine centre, where the production of Pisco (the national drink of Peru) stands out.
You can get there by land, taking the road from the international airports in Lima or Pisco City. The weather is always dry and hot, with temperatures of up to 38ºC during the summer. As it is tropical desert cllimate, winter nights are usually very cold.
