Some 167 miles (270km) south of Lima, Ica is the production center of Peru’s famed pisco brandy, described in 1630 by Spanish chronicler Francisco Lopez de Caravantes as "one of the most exquisite liquors that can be drunk in the entire world."

In 1563, Capt. Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera founded the Villa de Valverde del Valle de Ica and the Spanish conquerors discovered ideal conditions for planting vines they had brought from the Canary Islands. Today, numerous wineries near Ica offer tours and tasting.

The regional museum houses mummies, ceramics, finely embroidered textiles and elongated human skulls from the Paracas, Nasca and Inca cultures.