​Ica and Nazca are both south of Lima and accessible by bus. Around Ica is where many of the vineyards for making the alcoholic beverage of Pisco are. Pisco is an alcoholic drink almost like a very concentrated wine - made from white grapes - this alcohol is used in the making of Chiclanos and also Pisco Sours. It is highly recommended while in Ica to either visit a vineyard or to visit one of the ceramic making studios. Apart from Pisco, this region is highly known for their beautiful ceramics and decor of their ceramics which date back to pre Incan methods of creation. 
Nazca of course is another smaller centre near Ica. And it’s quite famous for the Nazca lines: the lines carved into the Earth for miles - out in a rocky desert - that depict animals and natural symbols of moons for example. To see the lines properly you can go out in a small plane that you rent with a pilot of course :) 
The lines are incredible to see. 
On the way to Nazca and Ica - people often also stop at the oasis for relaxation or for riding the sand dunes. People also often stop at the Islas Ballestas off the coast and south of Lima - often called the poor man’s Galapagos these islands are teeming with sea and bird life and beautiful flora. 

Oh, and one more item - If you've got the time or interest make sure to visit the ancient pre Incan burial grounds near Ica - where groups of peoples are buried together in a mummification style burial. 

​Where to stay - on a budget - Pariwana Hostel near Park Kennedy in Mirafloes - safe, lively, free walking tours, very clean, good kitchen and roof top patio - 10-15 dollars a night / Up scale - Barranco - Second Home - a small family run bed and breakfast that is better than most 5 star hotels - excellent breakfast served in the garden, suites over looking the ocean, private gardens and pool, beautiful art all over the mansion. 150-250 dollars per night 

Where to eat - see blog post on places to eat in Lima, and what to eat in Peru 

What to do - My perfect day in Lima - if I had just the one would be to wake up early and grab a coffee and pastry from a local bakery, then to head downtown in a taxi or train to the main plaza to see the government buildings, Cathedral, and plaza. I would then head back to Miraflores and visit the city ruins of Huaca Pucllana. Afterwards I would head down to Larcomar and visit the cliff side mall where I would take in the gorgeous sea view and eat lunch while overlooking the cliffside and sea. Then l would walk down the board walk from Larcomar to the Love Park - a park modelled after the works of Antoni Gaudi - by Victor Delphin. I would then head back to the hostel to rest until about 8.30 pm. That night I would out to Barranco for the evening to eat dinner, take in the lively atmosphere, and listen to the street musicians. 

If I had more than one day I would still do these things at a more relaxed place and try to visit many restaurants. I would also take a taxi to Museo Larco - an anthropological museum - that is actually pretty amazing - housing an absolutely stunning collection of gold wares and ceramics that are Incan and Pre-Incan.