Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Camino a La Tinguina, Km 2.5; admission S5; 8am-noon & 1:45-4:45pm Mon-Fri,
7am-1pm Sat)
About 3km northeast of Ica in the La Tinguiña district, this is the easiest of
the large commercial wineries to visit (taxi one way S5). It's best to go in the morning, as
the winery occasionally closes in the afternoon.
Tours
Travel agencies around the Plaza de Armas offer city tours, winery excursions and trips
Calle Lima 171)
has an office in the rather alluring Tejas Don Juan chocolate shop on the
Plaza.
Festivals & Events
Ica has more than its share of fiestas. February inspires the water-throwing antics typical
of any Latin American
carnaval
, plus dancers in beautiful costumes. In early to mid-
March, it's time for the famous grape-harvest festival,
Fiesta de la Vendimia
, with all
manner of processions, beauty contests, cockfights and horse shows, music and dancing,
and of course, free-flowing pisco and wine. The founding of the city by the Spanish con-
quistadors on June 17, 1563 is celebrated during
Ica Week
, while
Tourist Week
happens
during mid-September. In late October, the religious pilgrimage of
El Señor de Luren
culminates in fireworks and a traditional procession of the faithful that keeps going all
night.
Sleeping
Beware that hotels fill up and double or triple their prices during the many festivals.
Most budget travelers head for Huacachina, 4km west of the city, but Ica has several
options.
El Carmelo $$
( 23-2191;
www.elcarmelohotelhacienda.com
; Carr Panamericana Sur Km 301; s/d/
tr/q from S100/150/200/250; )
This romantic roadside hotel on the outskirts of
town inhabits a delightful 200-year-old hacienda that has undeniable rustic charm. There's
a good restaurant plus a winery onsite. Take a taxi from the city center (S3).
HISTORIC HOTEL
Hotel Las Dunas Sun Resort $$$
RESORT
