The city of Ica is the capital of the Ica Region in southern Peru. It was founded in 1563 by Spanish conquistador Gerónimo Luis de Cabrera. As of 2005, it had an estimated population of over 219,856, however, the city suffered extensive damage and loss of life during the 2007 Peru earthquake.
Location
The city is located on the Ica River about 300 km to the south of Lima along the desert coast of southern Peru. Further south along the Pan-American Highway lies the city of Nazca.
History
The city was founded in 1563 by Gerónimo Luis de Cabrera as Villa de Valverde. On August 15, 2007, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake occurred off the coast of Peru, severely affecting Ica.
In 2007, a prehistoric penguin was found there. It was said to be around five feet tall[2].
Transportation
Ica can be reached from Lima by the Pan-American Highway. Trip takes about 4.5 hours by bus.
Tourism
Huacachina, an oasis near Ica
Las Dunas Resort.jpg
Las Dunas Resort
Ica and surrounding areas are the traditional source of Pisco brandy. Ica is home to Museo Regional de Ica, a local museum with many exhibits. On display are pre-Columbian mummies with elongated heads bearing evidence of trepanning. There are also furniture, paintings and artifacts from the Spanish colonial era.
Ica is an important agricultural region, where grapes, cotton, asparagus, olives and other produce is cultivated. It is known by Peruvians as the land of the sun, and although there are the 4 seasons, the warm dry climate makes it feels like summer year-round. Natives also claim the climate of the city can help in the curing of asthma.
