2 Best Hotels in Ica, The Southern Coast

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.