Ica

Ica is a city in southern Peru, serving as the capital of the Ica Region and the Ica Province. It is situated in the Ica Valley along the lower Ica River, on the Peruvian coast about 300 kilometers south of Lima. The climate is arid and desert-like, with a green oasis environment in the valley created by irrigation.

The local economy is anchored in agriculture, notably grapes for wine and pisco production, dates, and cotton. The Ica Valley is a major center for wine and brandy production, and the surrounding farms supply both domestic consumption and export markets. Tourism plays an important role, centered on the Huacachina oasis and surrounding sand dunes, as well as on access to archaeological sites related to Paracas and Nazca cultures and as a gateway for visits to the Nazca Lines region.

History: The region has deep pre-Columbian roots with cultures such as Paracas and Nazca preceding the Spanish colonial period. The modern city developed during the colonial era and was affected by major earthquakes in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, including the 2007 Pisco earthquake, which caused significant damage in the area.

Culture and transport: The Pan-American Highway runs through Ica, linking it with Lima and southern Peru. The city serves as a hub for travelers heading to nearby desert landscapes, archaeological sites, and coastal towns.