5 Best Hotels in Ica, The Southern Coast

There's no better property in Peru for getting an up-close view of the wine and pisco industry than this charming bodega-hacienda surrounded by 400 hectares (988 acres) of leafy vineyards. Santiago Quierolo is a household name in Peru, with two legendary taverns in Lima and a sizeable presence in the national liquor market, and this stylish property gives the brand's imprimatur to a modern, classy lodging with top-shelf amenities. Spend your days learning about pisco and admiring the vines and your afternoons lounging poolside. At night, indulge your taste buds at the superb restaurant.

This is one of Ica's hidden gems, with amenities you'd expect to find only in a much larger hotel. The intimate property, surrounded by brick walls, includes a great restaurant serving local specialties and a sleek bar area, plus a swimming pool, a gym, and hammocks. The cozy rooms, with tile floors and contemporary macro photography on the walls, are simple but stylish.

With rooms built around a central courtyard complete with an ancient grape press and a working pisco distillery, it's hard to tell whether this quirky property on the road between Ica and Huacachina is a hotel or a bodega-style theme park. It's strange, but all the knickknacks work, giving the place a unique and charming air. There's something for everyone: an adventure playground for the kids, a nice swimming pool, a small zoo, and of course, the bodega. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with pastel furnishings and wood fittings. In March, you're invited to use your feet in the annual grape pressing.

For a taste of the good life, Peruvian style, head to this top-end resort between Ica and Huacachina, a favorite getaway for Peruvian families. A cluster of whitewashed colonial-style buildings at the foot of the dunes is interspersed with ponds and canals full of fish, and llamas roam freely on the grounds. Spacious rooms have balconies overlooking lush lawns, and suites boast sunny courtyards and whirlpools. You can dine poolside or in a breezy gazebo at the restaurant, as well as rent sandboards, play golf on the dunes, ride horseback, or spend the day in the spa.

This intimate inn garners rave reviews, and the charming dune setting and small but inviting pool make it a good place to chill for a few days while exploring the area. It's on the small side, but the personable owner welcomes you with a pisco sour. The clean, modern rooms feature bright, cheery color schemes that help make up for the lack of natural light.