Palpa

Palpa is a city in southern Peru, serving as the capital of Palpa Province in the Ica Region. It lies in the Andean foothills overlooking the coastal desert and acts as an administrative and commercial center for the surrounding area. The town is connected to regional networks of road transport and serves as a waypoint for travelers exploring the southern coastal and highland zones.

Geography and climate: Palpa sits at a high elevation, above the Ica Valley, and experiences a dry, temperate climate with cool nights. Its environment blends arid desert conditions with Andean influences, contributing to a landscape that supports irrigated agriculture in nearby valleys.

History and culture: The area around Palpa has a long history of habitation and agricultural development prior to and after the arrival of Europeans. The region is noted for desert geoglyphs, including the Palpa lines, a group of ancient drawings etched into the desert floor near the town. These geoglyphs are studied for their archaeological significance and their relationship to other desert geoglyph traditions in southern Peru. Palpa also features colonial-era architecture and churches that reflect its historical role as an inland provincial center.

Economy and tourism: Local economic activity includes agriculture promoted by irrigation, commerce, and services that support residents and visitors. Tourism is part of the economy due to its proximity to the Palpa geoglyphs and other archaeological and scenic sites in the southern desert, as well as its role as a gateway for excursions to Nazca and surrounding areas.