Your stay — El Pallar
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The Property — El Pallar
El Pallar in Ica, Peru is a simple, no-frills hotel that embodies the rustic charm of the region. Its adobe-style architecture and local artwork blend seamlessly into the town's colonial atmosphere. This 3-star hotel is perfect for budget-conscious travelers seeking an authentic experience, rather than luxury amenities. The lobby's warm lighting and earthy tones immediately transport you to the surrounding desert landscape. As you step inside, you'll feel the gentle warmth of Peruvian hospitality.
Chronicles of Ica
Ica, founded in 1544 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, was once a significant centre for the production of wine and cotton. The city's colonial architecture is a testament to its rich history, with many buildings dating back to the 18th century. Ica's modern identity is deeply rooted in its indigenous culture and the nearby Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's vibrant cultural scene is a result of its unique blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. Visitors can experience this cultural melting pot at the local markets, museums, and festivals throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit
Full Ica guide →Best months
The best time to visit Ica is from September to November, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs of 22°C (72°F). The crowds are manageable, and hotel prices are lower compared to the peak season.
Peak / festival surge
June and July are peak months for tourists, as they coincide with the winter solstice and the Fiestas de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival). Expect higher hotel prices and larger crowds, but enjoy the festive atmosphere and wine tastings. The peak season is driven by the grape harvest and the festivities surrounding it.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great shoulder months to visit Ica, with average highs of 24°C (75°F) and lower prices. The weather is still mild, and the crowds are smaller, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travelers.
Weather & packing
Ica's climate is characterised by a dry desert climate, with very little rainfall throughout the year. Pack light, breathable clothing and a hat to protect yourself from the strong desert sun.
Live City Briefing — Ica
- The new Ica Airport expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, improving air connections to major Peruvian cities.
- The Ica Museum of Regional History has recently reopened after a major renovation, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage.
- The city's main market, Mercado Central, has introduced a new section dedicated to local artisanal crafts and traditional textiles.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to El Pallar, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (3rd or 4th) to minimize the potential for street noise from the Panamericana Sur. This highway can be busy, and being higher up may help mitigate the noise.
Rooms to avoid
Floor 1 is likely to be noisier due to potential proximity to the hotel's street entrance and service area.
Best views
Views of the surrounding desert landscape and the Nazca Lines are likely best from higher floors, but the hotel's orientation and layout don't provide ocean or city views.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 are likely the quietest, given the hotel's layout and the potential for higher floors to be further from the street.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for potential noise from the highway, especially if your room is on a lower floor. Additionally, the hotel's location may mean some traffic noise from the Panamericana Sur.
Insider tips
1. Be sure to ask about parking options in advance, as the hotel's location on a major highway may have specific parking instructions. 2. Check-in can be busy, so consider arriving early or later in the day to avoid long queues.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — El Pallar
Free in public areas; paid tiers (S/20/S/50 per day) with login via hotel app; 5 Mbps speed
Serves all floors, no stairs-only sections
Complimentary PressReader access via hotel app; no physical papers
Check-in from 15:00, check-out by 12:00; early bag-drop from 08:00; late check-out until 14:00 for S/150
Available 24/7; S/10 per bag, S/20 for long-term storage
Step-free access; wheelchair entries at main entrance and lobby; no structural limitations
On-site parking S/30 per night; nearest public car park S/20 per day; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: S/10 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit S/200, incidental card hold S/500 at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia Amor Verde (699 m · ~9 min walk)
- Church: San Antonio (1.7 km · ~22 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
San Antonio de Coprodeli — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Bodega "Chelita" — 543 m · ~7 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol, PEN
You can exchange currency at banks, casas de cambio, or withdraw from ATMs. Be aware that airport bureaux de change may offer poor rates.
Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but cash is preferred elsewhere. Contactless payments are not common, and mobile pay is not widely used.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10 PEN is appreciated for good service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a cup of coffee for around 10-15 PEN at a local café or street vendor.
A street food lunch of a sandwich or empanada costs around 5-10 PEN.
A main course at a local restaurant can cost around 20-30 PEN.
Street food can be found in the markets and along the main roads, especially in the town of Ica.
Local supermarkets like Wong and Tantapi offer affordable options for groceries.
You can find affordable shopping at the local markets or in the town of Ica.
A local bus ride costs around 1-2 PEN, and a day pass is not available, but you can buy multiple tickets for a discounted rate.
Use local transportation instead of taxis.Eat at local markets or street food stalls for affordable meals.Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas for better rates.
Good to know — Ica
Type A/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ PEN 3.4 · PEN
Emergency Contacts
IcaFor general assistance in Ica, call the tourism police at (056) 222-831. The local hospital is Hospital Regional de Ica, Av. Abelardo Quiñones s/n, phone (056) 231-145.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Ica, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at El Pallar
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) → Ica bus terminal
💡 Book the 'VIP' seat for extra legroom. The bus drops you at Ica terminal, then take a colectivo (10 soles) to Hotel Hacienda Cantayo.
Ica bus terminal → Hotel Hacienda Cantayo Spa & Resort
💡 Bolt is cheaper than Uber in Ica—typically 18–22 soles. Catch one from the terminal exit, not the main road where drivers overcharge. Cash works best.
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) → Hotel Hacienda Cantayo Spa & Resort, Ica
💡 Agencies at arrivals quote 300–350 soles. Haggle hard and confirm the price includes tolls and waiting time. Official green taxis are safer than unmarked cars.
Ica city centre (Av. Grau) → Hotel Hacienda Cantayo Spa & Resort
💡 Colectivos run along Av. Grau towards Huacachina. Hail one with 'Cantayo' written on the windscreen. They fill fast—expect to stand if it's busy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at El Pallar?
Request a room on a higher floor (3rd or 4th) to minimize the potential for street noise from the Panamericana Sur. This highway can be busy, and being higher up may help mitigate the noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at El Pallar?
Floor 1 is likely to be noisier due to potential proximity to the hotel's street entrance and service area.
Is El Pallar noisy?
Be prepared for potential noise from the highway, especially if your room is on a lower floor. Additionally, the hotel's location may mean some traffic noise from the Panamericana Sur.
Which rooms have the best views at El Pallar?
Views of the surrounding desert landscape and the Nazca Lines are likely best from higher floors, but the hotel's orientation and layout don't provide ocean or city views.
What are insider tips for staying at El Pallar?
1. Be sure to ask about parking options in advance, as the hotel's location on a major highway may have specific parking instructions. 2. Check-in can be busy, so consider arriving early or later in the day to avoid long queues.
What time is check-in at El Pallar?
Check-in at El Pallar is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does El Pallar have Wi-Fi?
Free in public areas; paid tiers (S/20/S/50 per day) with login via hotel app; 5 Mbps speed
Is there a city or tourist tax at El Pallar?
S/10 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near El Pallar?
A street food lunch of a sandwich or empanada costs around 5-10 PEN.
What is the cheapest way to get around from El Pallar?
A local bus ride costs around 1-2 PEN, and a day pass is not available, but you can buy multiple tickets for a discounted rate.
When is the best time to visit Ica?
The best time to visit Ica is from September to November, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs of 22°C (72°F). The crowds are manageable, and hotel prices are lower compared to the peak season.
Top Attractions in Ica
💡 Grab a ceviche from one of the stalls on the side streets for about 10 soles. Avoid the overpriced churros from touts near the cathedral. Best visited late afternoon when the heat drops and people start gathering.
💡 Bring swimwear if you want to paddle; the water is murky but locals swim. Avoid the boat rental—overpriced and the pond is tiny. Best at dawn when the tour groups haven't arrived yet.
💡 Skip the overpriced cafes near the car park. Walk around to the far side for quieter spots and better photo angles. Go early in the morning or just before sunset for cooler sand and fewer people.
💡 Entrance costs about 8 soles (roughly £1.60). Bring a phrasebook or a translation app as there are no English labels. Allow 45 minutes to an hour; it's not huge. Closed on Mondays.
💡 The basic tour costs 15 soles and includes three samples. Go for the 'Premium' tour (25 soles) if you want to taste their older piscos—it's worth it, but book ahead. They sell good-value bottles at the shop, much cheaper than in restaurants.