Ica: The Oasis in the Desert

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseQuisiera ver el menú, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah behr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, poor fah-vohr]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dee-ehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [see-eh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dee-ehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksy-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Long before the Spanish conquest, the Ica region was home to the Nazca civilization, which thrived from around 100 BCE to 800 CE. The Nazca are best known for the mysterious Nazca Lines, enormous geoglyphs etched into the desert floor. These lines, depicting animals, plants, and geometric shapes, remain one of the world's greatest archaeological enigmas.

Predating the Nazca, the Paracas culture inhabited the Ica region from approximately 800 BCE to 100 BCE. They are renowned for their intricate textiles, advanced irrigation systems, and elaborate burial practices. The Paracas Necropolis, a large burial site, has yielded mummified remains wrapped in finely woven textiles, providing insight into their sophisticated craftsmanship.

In 1563, Spanish conquistador Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera founded the city of Ica. Originally named Villa de Valverde, it was later renamed Ica. The Spanish introduced grape and cotton cultivation, which became significant economic activities in the region. The architecture of Ica still reflects its colonial heritage, with churches and buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

On August 15, 2007, a devastating earthquake struck the Ica region, causing significant damage to the city and surrounding areas. The earthquake, measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale, resulted in hundreds of fatalities and left thousands homeless. The disaster prompted a massive rebuilding effort and highlighted the resilience of the Ica community.

Ica is renowned for its wine and pisco production, a legacy of the Spanish colonial period. The region's climate and soil are ideal for growing grapes, and today, Ica is a major center for these industries. Visitors can tour vineyards and distilleries, sampling the locally produced wines and pisco, a traditional Peruvian brandy.

Just outside the city of Ica lies the Huacachina Oasis, a picturesque natural lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes. Historically, the oasis was a retreat for the Peruvian elite, and it remains a popular tourist destination today. Visitors can enjoy sandboarding, dune buggy rides, and the serene beauty of this unique desert landscape.

Ica is located in the coastal desert region of southern Peru. The nearest major airport is Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, approximately 300 kilometers away. From Lima, you can take a bus or hire a private car to Ica. The bus journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours and several reputable bus companies operate this route, including Cruz del Sur and Oltursa.

Ica's main attractions are spread out, so using local transportation is essential. Taxis and mototaxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or arranged through hotels. For longer distances within the region, buses and colectivos (shared vans) are common and relatively inexpensive. Renting a car is another option, providing flexibility for exploring nearby sites like the Huacachina Oasis and the Nazca Lines.

The official currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available in Ica, but it's a good idea to withdraw a sufficient amount of cash before traveling to more remote areas.

Ica is generally safe for tourists, but like any travel destination, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. Be cautious in the districts of La Palma and San Joaquín, which have higher crime rates. Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded places. Use registered taxis or transportation services recommended by your hotel.

In case of emergency, dial 105 for police assistance or 116 for medical emergencies. The main hospital in Ica is Hospital Regional de Ica, which provides comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are also readily available for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing due to the hot desert climate. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Dress modestly and be respectful during religious ceremonies. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer seats to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transportation. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hola' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods, such as ceviche and pisco. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ica like a local, visit the Sunday market at Plaza de Armas where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Don't miss the chance to try tejas, a traditional sweet. Engage with locals, who are often eager to share the rich history and culture of the region. For an authentic experience, consider staying in a family-run guesthouse. A visit to a local vineyard for a pisco or wine tasting is also highly recommended.