On the Coast: Ica and Huacachina (PERU)

ICA
Ica, with a population of over 200,000 inhabitants, sits on the coast at approximately four hours south of Lima. From mysterious ruins of supernatural proportions to architectural ruins due to natural disasters, Ica is believed to be a magical city. 'Magical' in the supernatural sense, other-worldly, sorcery and witchcraft.

Its greatest attraction is the wine. As the saying goes...

Si a Ica vino y no tomo vino, entonces porque mierdas vino

You can grab a taxi from the center of Ica, or its periphery, and visit any vineyard in Subtanjalla.

View of Subtanjalla, on the periphery, April 2014.
Photograph credit: Verioska J. Torres

One vineyard that I highly recommend is called El Catador, which literally translates to 'the taster.'
At El Catador you are guided through a luscious vineyard, access wineries, and be part of the wine-making process, as well as, wine tasting! The best time to visit the wineries in Ica would be in March for the annual Grape Festival (harvest and pressing grapes). Just so we're clear, wine in South America are mostly sweet or semi-sweet, never dry (be careful what you ask for at restaurants!). Also let it be known that Peru has no legal age limit for drinking alcoholic bebidas.

After the tour around the vineyard and winery, you are sent back to the bodega turistica for wine tasting. Depending on the time of day, you are given 6-7 (7-10 in the afternoon) tastings of wine, plus one of pisco puro and another of a cocktail-mix liquer. El Catador is well-known for their grapes; their best product is called "Tres Generaciones Pisco."

El Catador bodega, April 2014.
Photograph credit: Verioska J. Torres

For more information, contact them via email (English or Spanish available) and LIKE them of Facebook.

El Catador | Fundo Tres Esquinas N.102 | Subtanjalla, Ica, Peru | (056) 403-427
CLARO: 986 961126 | MOVISTAR: 956 957440
Email: elcatadorq@aol.com

BEST PLACES TO EAT:

I would also recommend El Encanto de La Huerta as you leave Ica, located six minutes away from tourist buses. They serve the best sopa secca, causa, and papa a la huancaína.You must also try their version of chicha morada--it is extra foamy, not too sweet, and a strong essence of cinnamon.

El Encanto de La Huerta | Calle Fermin Tanguis N 347 | San Miguel, Ica, Peru | (056) 218970
Cel: 956309466 | RPM #943983929
www.elencantodelahuerta.com.pe
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HUACACHINA
Huacachina is Peru's desert oasis built around a small lake, home of a mythical mermaid, surrounded by sand dunes. Located in the Ica district, approximately five to seven minutes by taxi, Huacachina is a tourist wonder, even for local Peruvians, filled with specialty meat vendors and adrenaline-pumped dune buggies.

View of Huacachina, returning from Dune Buggy excursion, April 2014.
Photograph credit: Verioska J. Torres

When in Huacachina, dune buggies and sand-boarding is the thing to do! Ask your taxi driver or a local  to point you to the nearest agent. Dune Buggies are ONLY available through a tourist agency, unless otherwise purchased online.

Image of a 8-seat Dune Buggy, Dunes of Huancachina, April 2014.
Photograph credit: Verioska J. Torres

The dune buggies, or tubulares, are available at certain times of the day and some in the evening. I recommend your excursion on the dunes between 04:00 (16:00) or 05:00 (17:00) in the afternoon. This timeframe allows for plenty of sand-boarding, picturesque photos, and a beautiful sunset on the west.

WATCH OUT FOR:
(1) Inexperienced drivers. You can almost always recognize an inexperienced driver by their manner of driving and their inept attention to their own buggy. A good driver always checks their vehicle after a long, BUMPY crusade, AND follows a trail previously marked by other buggies. If a driver is driving off-course or trying a new route, please let them know. It is very easy for one to get lost in the dunes, especially around nightfall.

(2) Short trips. Most dune buggy excursions run between two to three hours (length in kms unknown) and one can sand-board up to four hills in one trip. With an inexperienced or lazy driver, you may suffer a short trip of two hours and only within a 10 mile radius.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR RIDE:
(1) Long Sleeves, Pants, and closed-toe shoes! It is important to wear apparel that is light and comfortable; short sleeves and shorts are good options for riding on the buggies. However, if you plan on sand-boarding make sure you have an extra pair of long sleeves or pants (easy to attach). You are sand-boarding belly down with the likelihood of scraping your forearms and your shins, so please be advised to wear long sleeves/pants. Finally, only closed-toe shoes are accepted while in the dune buggy.

(2) Wind and Sun. You are given the option of wearing protective glasses from sand blowing into your cornea, however it is not necessary. Also, take care of your skin; sunblock should be applied liberally.

Inside a tubular, April 2014.
Photograph credit: Verioska J. Torres

(3) Camera. You can bring any camera you wish. The photos and the experiences are your only souvenirs. Note: cameras are NOT permitted when you opt for sand-boarding, you MUST leave your camera in the buggy and wait until the buggy picks you up from the bottom of the hill.

WHERE TO STAY:
Hotel Mossone 3/5 ***/***** $$$ ($50-200)

A wonderful hotel with Spanish architecture throughout and a fabulous view of the Laguna. A great location with historical significance. Continental breakfast--Delicious morning breakfast served in buffet style, breakfast to your liking. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, bar and restaurant,  HD Television with cable and WIFI, and A/C. Large rooms with full bathroom (hair-dryer, soap, shampoo, towels included) and housekeeping.

Outside Hotel Mossone, April 2014.
Photograph credit: Verioska J. Torres

Balneario de Haucachina s/n, Ica
Referencia (frente a la Laguna)
TEL: (056) 213630
FAX: (056) 236137

For reservations: Book Hotel Mossone

Promotional video: Hotel Mossone

hmossone@dematourshoteles.com
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