To the south of the city of Ica runs a desert dunes (at km 420 of the South Panamerican Highway, a 25 km Nasca) pampa of San Jose shows a set of Mysterious geoglifos and straight strokes, which dates back to antiquity sixth century of our era And who are known as the Nasca Lines. There are rows of 20 cm deep, Images are zoomorphic and fitomorfas nearly 500 m in length (one hummingbird, a monkey, Fish, etc.).

They were studied by Max Uhle in 1901, Toribio Mejia Xesspe in 1926 and was Paul Kosok Who unveiled to the world in 1939. The German scholar disciple of Kosok, Mary Reiche was devoted for life, from 1940 to 1998, the care of these geoglifos, Were declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1994.

In the same region of Ica is the Paracas National Reserve (22 km south of the City of Pisco, on the km 261 of the Pan American South), is a rich coastal ecosystem, 335 000 has extension, which includes deserts, beaches, islands, coastal cliffs and sea. There Protecting, in their natural habitat, parihuanas, pelicans, penguins, dolphins, sea lions and Countless fish and crustaceans. At 1 hour navigation to the northwest lies the beautiful Scene of the Ballestas Islands which show a large number of bird guano and wolves Marine.

Altitude

Chincha, Pisco and Paracas, at sea level; Ica, 406 meters; Palpa, 347 meters; Nasca, 588 Masl.

Getting there

In the city of Ica be reached by air from Lima (1 hour). Flights on demand.
By land, along the Panamerican Highway South, it comes from Lima to Paracas in 3 hours; to
Ica in 4 hours, and Nasca at 6 pm.

Lodging

There are comfortable hotels and hostels in the towns of Chincha, Pisco, Ica, Nazca and Paracas.

Activities

Archeology, wildlife observation, water sports (windsurfing and skiing), rides Boat, trekking, hiking cycling, sandboard, horseback riding.

Travel Services

Guided Tours; overflights of the Nasca Lines from Palpa and Ica and Nazca (45 minutes Length); comprehensive service for hiking and camping; rides in cars areneros by Desert in Paracas, motorized tours by boat to the Ballestas Islands.

Minimum

Three days to visit over the lines and a portion of the Paracas and Ballestas Islands, Enjoy the rides and adventure sports in the desert.

Recommendations

Sobrevolar the Nasca Lines in the morning, depending on the weather. For the excursion to the Ballestas Islands, sail in the morning, depending on weather conditions. Some beaches Reserve Paracas are not suitable for children by large algae and muddy bottom.

Nearby Attractions

There are several attractive prehispanic, as the aqueduct Cantayoc (5 km east of Nasca); cemetery Cahuachi (17 km north of Nasca) and the Inca ruins of Tambo Colorado at the Pisco Valley.

Ica is also very attractive as a tourist destination for their holidays and tradition Wine, as it is the birthplace of Pisco, Peruvian grape brandy. An important center Recreation is Huacachina, spa old tradition located in an oasis at 5 kilometers from the City of Ica, with comfortable hotels.

Season / Climate

Throughout the year the weather is warm and dry, no rain.

Festivities

International Festival of the Harvest (first half of March): In Ica; celebration of
The grape harvest, which includes wine tasting and pisco, Gourmet Festival, parades
Allegorical, election of queen and music festivals.
Religious Celebration of the Lord of Luren (first Thursday and third Monday of October): In Ica;
Procession of the patron saint of the city with a large turnout of faithful, which are added
Fairs, and other games.

Dinners

Dry Soup: noodles with meat frayed, seasoned with achiote, parsley and basil.
Served accompanying the carapulcra.
Carapulcra: potato stew with dried minced pork, achiote, ground peanuts and chili stover.
Guiso de pallares green: Spicy pallares with milk, eggs and cheese.
Texas: sweet prepared with nuts, beans cast, delicacy of white custard apple and other fruit station.