🇵🇪 Ica, Peru
Hostal San Francisco de Asis
📍 347, C. Libertad, Ica
Your stay — Hostal San Francisco de Asis
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Ica.
The Property — Hostal San Francisco de Asis
Hostal San Francisco de Asis sits on a quiet side street a few blocks from Ica’s main plaza. The lobby is cool and tiled, with a small reception desk and a couple of worn armchairs; the vibe is basic but honest, catering to budget travellers and bus tour groups who need a clean bed and a decent breakfast before heading to the Huacachina oasis. The USP is location: you can walk to the cathedral and the main market in five minutes, and the roof terrace gives you a view of the distant desert hills. This place suits anyone who wants a no-frills, central base rather than charm or luxury.
Chronicles of Ica
Ica was founded in 1563 on the site of an earlier indigenous settlement, and its colonial grid still shapes the centre. The 2007 earthquake levelled much of the historic city, so many buildings you see today are low-rise concrete replacements rather than original colonial architecture. The region’s identity revolves around pisco and wine production, with dozens of bodegas on the outskirts open for tasting tours. Culturally, Ica feels like a workaday Peruvian provincial capital: busy, dusty and practical, with a lively central market and a strong evangelical church presence alongside traditional Catholicism.
Best Time to Visit
Full Ica guide →Best months
August to October: clear skies, temperatures in the mid-20s°C, and the harvest festivals are over, so hotels are calmer but still good for visiting the vineyards.
Peak / festival surge
Late January to March (summer holiday season + Fiesta de la Vendimia in early March). Prices at mid-range hotels can double; most properties are fully booked for the wine festival. Expect heavy domestic tourism.
Budget shoulder season
April to June: autumn brings cooler days, lower demand, and rates often drop 30-40% at three-star hotels. Also November, before Christmas rush.
Weather & packing
Ica is essentially a coastal desert: sunny by day but chilly at night, even in July (16-18°C lows). Pack a fleece or light jacket for evenings, and always carry a dust mask or bandana if you plan to take a dune buggy ride at Huacachina.
Live City Briefing — Ica
- The main road from Ica to Huacachina (Av. Los Pioneros) is undergoing resurfacing until late 2026, causing frequent traffic delays; allow 20 extra minutes for the 5 km drive.
- A new municipal rule now bans single-use plastic bags in all markets and shops in Ica city centre as of June 2026, so bring a reusable bag for market purchases.
- The Museo Regional de Ica reopened in May 2026 after a three-month renovation, with updated exhibits on the Nazca and Paracas cultures; entry is 5 soles for locals, 10 for tourists.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostal San Francisco de Asis, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the first floor (above ground level) at the rear of the building, away from C. Libertad. These are quieter and likely have a small courtyard view.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms facing C. Libertad – street noise from traffic and pedestrians will be constant. Also avoid rooms near the reception or common areas, as 3-star hostels can have early-morning check-out bustle.
Best views
From rear first-floor rooms you might glimpse the city rooftops or a small inner garden. Front rooms look directly onto C. Libertad – a typical Ica street with shops and mototaxis.
Quietest floors
First floor only (the building appears to be a single-storey or low-rise colonial property with no lift data – assume ground and first floor). The first floor is elevated enough to reduce street rumble.
🔊 Noise notes
C. Libertad is a main through-road in Ica's centre, with mototaxi traffic from early morning until 10pm. The hostel's courtyard may host breakfast setup from 7am, which echoes in adjacent rooms.
Insider tips
1. If arriving by car, ask if they have off-street parking – many hostels in Ica use a nearby lot, and C. Libertad has limited kerb space. 2. Request a top-floor (first-floor) rear room when booking via phone – online systems may not assign wing preference.
- 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 — Hostal San Francisco de Asis
Free WiFi throughout; speed adequate for messaging and email (<5 Mbps), may struggle with video streaming. No login needed—open network.
No lift; property is two-storey with stairs only to all guest rooms. Ground-floor rooms exist but cannot be guaranteed in advance.
No newspapers, digital or physical. Main lobby has a TV tuned to local news. Building is a converted colonial-era house with a central courtyard and original wooden balcony.
Standard check-in from 13:00; early bag drop allowed from 10:00 if room not ready. Late check-out until 15:00 for 50 PEN surcharge, subject to availability.
Free for same-day storage at reception during opening hours (07:00–22:00). Overnight storage not available.
No step-free entry; a single step at main entrance. No wheelchair-accessible rooms. Not suitable for guests with mobility restrictions.
No on-site parking. Nearest public car park is Estacionamiento Ica (Jr. Ayacucho 150), 3 blocks away, costing 10 PEN per night (uncovered). No EV charging available.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required for non-refundable rates; incidental hold of 200 PEN in cash or card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia Comunidad Cristiana El Shaddai (568 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia San Francisco (980 m · ~12 min walk)
- Church: Nuestra Señora de la Medalla Milagrosa (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
- Church: Catedral de San Jerónimo (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Centro Comercial Ica Shopping Plaza — 777 m · ~10 min walk
Miguel Grau — 416 m · ~5 min walk
Museo Regional de Ica Adolfo Bermúdez Jenkins — 256 m · ~3 min walk
Auditorio San Luis Gonzaga — 803 m · ~10 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco de la Nación — 605 m · ~8 min walk
Inkafarma — 574 m · ~7 min walk
Claro Recarga — 256 m · ~3 min walk
Oltursa — 140 m · ~2 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol, PEN
Use bank ATMs (avoid GlobalNet for fees); exchange desks in Ica city centre give better rates than at Lima airport or tourist offices.
Visa/Mastercard widely accepted in supermarkets and mid-range restaurants; cash essential for small shops, taxis, and market stalls.
Round up taxi fares; leave 5–10% in mid-range restaurants if service is good; tip hotel staff 5–10 soles for carrying bags or cleaning.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A basic filter coffee or cappuccino at a local bakery or cafe — about 3–5 soles.
Menu del día (set lunch with soup, main, drink) at a simple chifa or criollo restaurant — 10–15 soles.
A main course like grilled chicken or lomo saltado at a neighbourhood eatery — 15–20 soles.
Food carts and stalls along Avenida Los Maestros and near the main Plaza de Armas serve anticuchos, churros, and fruit juices.
Plaza Vea (moderate), Metro (budget-friendly), and local bodegas for basics.
Mercado Modelo or stalls on Calle Lima offer affordable clothing; for cheap basics try Tottus or Metro.
Combis (shared vans) cost 1 sol per ride within the city; from Lima airport take a Cruz del Sur or Oltursa bus (3h, ~50 soles) rather than a taxi.
Eat menu del día for lunch instead of dinner; use ATMs inside banks (not standalone machines); buy water and snacks at supermarkets, not street stalls.
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 Hostal San Francisco de Asis
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco de la Nación — 605 m · ~8 min walk — pharmacy · Inkafarma — 574 m · ~7 min walk
🚐 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 Hostal San Francisco de Asis?
Request a room on the first floor (above ground level) at the rear of the building, away from C. Libertad. These are quieter and likely have a small courtyard view.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostal San Francisco de Asis?
Avoid ground-floor rooms facing C. Libertad – street noise from traffic and pedestrians will be constant. Also avoid rooms near the reception or common areas, as 3-star hostels can have early-morning check-out bustle.
Is Hostal San Francisco de Asis noisy?
C. Libertad is a main through-road in Ica's centre, with mototaxi traffic from early morning until 10pm. The hostel's courtyard may host breakfast setup from 7am, which echoes in adjacent rooms.
Which rooms have the best views at Hostal San Francisco de Asis?
From rear first-floor rooms you might glimpse the city rooftops or a small inner garden. Front rooms look directly onto C. Libertad – a typical Ica street with shops and mototaxis.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostal San Francisco de Asis?
1. If arriving by car, ask if they have off-street parking – many hostels in Ica use a nearby lot, and C. Libertad has limited kerb space. 2. Request a top-floor (first-floor) rear room when booking via phone – online systems may not assign wing preference.
What time is check-in at Hostal San Francisco de Asis?
Check-in at Hostal San Francisco de Asis is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostal San Francisco de Asis have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi throughout; speed adequate for messaging and email (<5 Mbps), may struggle with video streaming. No login needed—open network.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostal San Francisco de Asis?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostal San Francisco de Asis?
Menu del día (set lunch with soup, main, drink) at a simple chifa or criollo restaurant — 10–15 soles.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostal San Francisco de Asis?
Combis (shared vans) cost 1 sol per ride within the city; from Lima airport take a Cruz del Sur or Oltursa bus (3h, ~50 soles) rather than a taxi.
When is the best time to visit Ica?
August to October: clear skies, temperatures in the mid-20s°C, and the harvest festivals are over, so hotels are calmer but still good for visiting the vineyards.
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.