TRAVEL IN PERU - Ica and Nazca

Nazca Lines - Peru

Oasis near Ica - Photo by Jordane Chesse

​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.