Ica: A Sandboarding Destination in Southern Peru
Located in southern Peru, the city of Ica rests on massive high plains bordering the Andean foothills. It is a five-hour drive from the center of Lima and offers interesting museums, sand boarding opportunities and a lovely lagoon that attracts tourists all year round. You can travel to this place by plane via the Jorge Chávez International Airport. An alternative option is the Coronel FAP Alfredo Mendívil Duarte Airport.
Best Time to Visit
Every March, Ica and its neighboring towns hold the Festival Internacional de la Vendimia to celebrate the region’s harvests. Celebrated every May, the Festival of the Crosses is a religious event held in Ica and other locations across Peru such as Lima and Cuzco. Another religious festival is El Señor de Luren, an occasion held every October featuring colorful fireworks display and processions. While accommodation options are aplenty in the area, expect Ica Peru hotels to be highly in demand during these months.
What to Do & Area Attractions
The city is home to Museo Regional de Ica, which houses important artifacts from the prehistoric era. It also has mummy displays and unique furniture from the Spanish period. Ica also offers sandboarding opportunities, thanks to its proximity to Huacachina, a tiny village surrounded by sand dunes. From there, you can explore the famed Huacachina lagoon and enjoy a nice drink at one of the nearby bars.
One recommended place for an extended stay is Hotel Las Dunas, a lovely property with a tennis court and three swimming pools. Another option is Gran Hotel Ica, a modern hotel with marble floors located close to casinos and bars.