The Nazca people developed new agriculture techniques and irrigation systems that let them to transform the deserts into fertile valleys. They built aqueducts and dams that still work nowadays, and also a huge city, Cahuachi. The remains can be visited, as the remains of their cemetery, Chauchilla. Both archaeological sites are close to the Nazca city.

The Nazca Lines: They are the reason why tourists come to Nazca. There are 32 huge figures carved on the surface of the desert plains with the shapes of animals (monkey, whale, fish, dog, llama, pelican, seagull, condor, hummingbird, lizard, spider and more), plants, and even a human being. They were done in the 5th century AD but their purpose is still a mystery. Many archeologists agree that they had a ceremonial purpose, maybe religious. Some scholars believe they were a calendar or a chart of the stars and constellations.

Ica Desert: The city of Ica is surrounded by a desert of big sand dunes. The desert is beautiful and big, there is even an oasis called Huacachina. You can explore the desert on a "buggie", a vehicle especially designed to ride on the sand dunes. You can sand-board too, it is like snow-boarding but on sand.

Paracas: This marine reserve is the only one in Peru, and the reason is the diversity of wildlife in the area. Paracas hosts 216 species of birds, 168 species of fish and 16 species of mammals. The reason of this bio-diversity is the richness of plancton in the sea water, this attracts the fish, and them attract the birds and sea mammals.

The animals that can be seen easily are the sea lions, seals, penguins, pelicans, seagulls and other sea birds. More rare are the dolphins, the condor, the flamingoes, and sea otters. There are many spots in the reserve to watch the animals, but the most popular is the Ballestas Islands. They are a group of small islands that shelter an enormous number of sea lions, seals and birds. They can be reached by boat but you cannot stop at the islands. It's common that the seals and sea lions swim close to the boats, but you shouldn't try to feed them to attract them.

Another interesting spot is the Candelabro, a huge (120 meters long) etching on a hill that faces the sea. It was a signal used by pirates who hided theirselves and their ships there.

A tour to the Islas Ballestas can be included upon request in our Peru Discovery Tour and Inca Route Tour.

Festivities: Ica is the most important winery region in Peru. The best wines of Peru are produced there. The Pisco spirit is also produced mainly in this region. The Pisco is the Peruvian liquor, a pure grape brandy used to prepare the national cocktail "Pisco Sour", that also includes white eggs, sugar, lime and cinnamon. It is very tasty.

The main festivity is the “Vendimia” (Vintage festivity) on March in Ica city. In regard to the local folklore, there is an important Afro-Peruvian community, especially in Chincha, and they are famous due to their music and their dances.