Ica: Home of green asparagus cultivation and of our traditional beverage, PISCO

Sunday, November 1st

Ica, the capital of the region, is located 303 kilometers to the south of Lima. It is a city surrounded by fertile lands where grapes are cultivated and used for making Pisco, our traditional beverage, as well as wines of excellent quality. Other cities near Ica are Chincha, Pisco, Nazca and Palpa.

Ica is also known as the City of the Eternal Sunshine. It is an oasis in the middle of a desert.

Ica has a historic past. Early settlers are reported to have been in this area 10,000 years ago. Early cultures, such as the Paracas, showed good knowledge of surgical medicine and textiles, leaving preserved bodies or mummies with fine blankets. The Nazca, another culture that mastered astronomy, left the famous Nazca Lines, which are drawings representing a dog, humming bird, condor, etc. 15 to 300 m in size. Also, they knew how to make aqueducts to irrigate the land.

Ica is a region situated between oasis and valleys, sand and sea. It is the only region that does not have mountains in its territory. The Paracas National Reserve, located in this region, has colonies of many animals, such as sea lions and all kinds of birds.

Ica has good environmental conditions for agricultural activities. Thus, agriculture is the main activity and many types
of beans (chick peas, lima beans and other types of beans) are grown. Grapes are cultivated and sent fresh to markets or use for producing wine and Pisco. Vegetables and fruit for exportation are also produced, including asparagus, peppers, artichoke, sweet onions, avocado, tangelo and other products.

Local traditions are still found in Ica, such as Caballos de Paso (pacer horses), cock fighting, and Afro-Peruvian music and dances, such as the Festejo and Alcatraz.

Ica also has special cuisine. Carapulcra (dried potato, peanuts and pork), which originated in Chincha, and “dry soup” (sopa seca) are just two of the dishes that Ica has to offer.

The legacy of the city of Ica is represented by the beans and lima bean soup (chupe) prepared with milk, fish, Chinese prawn and, of course, lima beans. Desserts such as frijol colado, tejas and alcayote candy are just some of the sweets you can enjoy.

• In the afternoon, after the closing ceremony, we will depart by bus to Ica.

Upon their arrival in Ica, participants will be served a welcome dinner at which traditional dishes will be prepared and all can enjoy our Pisco.

** Hotel accommodations and meals are included in the fee.

Monday, November 2th

Early in the day, participants will visit asparagus farms in the Ica Valley according to the following schedule:

• Visit to green asparagus plantations
  
• Lunch in a rural restaurant
  
• Visit to a winery and Pisco producer, In the evening we will return to Lima.