Your stay — La Portada
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The Property — La Portada
La Portada is a straightforward three-star hotel on Ica's main square, with a sun-drenched courtyard and a small pool that is a genuine relief in the desert heat. Rooms are functional tiled affairs with air conditioning that actually works; the USP is location — you step straight into the Plaza de Armas life. It suits budget-conscious travellers who want a clean base near the cathedral and bars, not luxe seekers. Standing in the lobby, you smell chlorine and hear the fountain outside: honest, no-frills Ica.
Chronicles of Ica
Ica was founded as Villa de Valverde in 1563 by Spanish conquistador Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera on a dry coastal plain. Its colonial core, rebuilt after the 2007 earthquake, still centres on the Plaza de Armas, with the neoclassical Cathedral of Ica and the squat, ochre Municipal Palace flanking it. The city grew rich on cotton and wine in the 19th century, and today it's the gateway to the Huacachina oasis and a centre for pisco production. Contemporary Ica is a dusty, lively market town where pickup trucks share the streets with moto-taxis, and the desert presses in from all sides.
Best Time to Visit
Full Ica guide →Best months
April, May, November: cooler days (low 20s °C) and almost no rain; Easter crowds thin by May; November has the best light for Huacachina dunes.
Peak / festival surge
January, February: Peruvian summer holidays + the Fiesta de la Vendimia (wine harvest) in early March; hotel prices spike 30-40%; rooms at La Portada book out 6-8 weeks ahead.
Budget shoulder season
April and October: mild weather, room rates drop 20% from peak; the desert is greenish after rare winter mist, and fewer tourists at Huacachina.
Weather & packing
Ica gets almost no rain year-round (average <5mm/month), but June mornings can be overcast with a fine garúa drizzle. Pack sunglasses and a light fleece for chilly nights; leave the umbrella at home.
Live City Briefing — Ica
- The Panamericana Sur highway between Ica and Lima reopened fully in March 2026 after landslide repairs; journey time is back to 4 hours.
- Huacachina's new entry fee (15 soles for non-residents) started in January 2026 — pay at the oasis gate, wear cash as card machines fail.
- Several pisco bars on Calle Bolívar now do set-menu tastings (25 soles) with local cheese; book by 4pm for same-day availability.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to La Portada, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floor (Floor 2 or Floor 3) for easier access to the lift and less likelihood of being disturbed by street noise from Avenida La Esperanza, which can be busy due to its central location.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift, as the door is narrow (0.75 m) and may not be suitable for large suitcases or guests with mobility issues.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Avenida La Esperanza, a busy street, means that rooms may have views of the street or surrounding buildings. There are no specific views to request.
Quietest floors
The second and third floors are likely to be quieter due to their elevated position and distance from the main street.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for some street noise from Avenida La Esperanza, but it's likely to be manageable. There are no other known noise sources.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the free on-site parking, but be aware that spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you arrive early, you may be able to secure a space. The hotel's free Wi-Fi is available without a login, but the speed is limited to 15 Mbps download. If you need a stronger connection, consider purchasing a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
- 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 — La Portada
free, 15 Mbps download, no login (open network)
single lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections
no complimentary printed newspapers; building is a modern structure with small internal courtyard
check-in 14:00-23:00, check-out 11:00; early bag drop allowed from 07:00; late check-out charged 50 PEN until 16:00, thereafter full night
free after check-out until 19:00
no step-free main entrance (two steps); no accessible rooms; lift narrow (0.75 m door); no wheelchair-accessible bathroom
free on-site parking for 12 cars, first-come-first-served; nearest public car park (Estacionamiento Ica Centro) charges 2 PEN per hour, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: full prepayment required at booking; cash hold of 50 PEN per night for incidentals at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días (481 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia San Clemente (533 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Pentecostal (991 m · ~12 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Evangélica Cristo Rey (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parque Pisco — 1.5 km · ~18 min walk
Plazuela Bolognesi — 558 m · ~7 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 402 m · ~5 min walk
Mifarma — 377 m · ~5 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol, PEN
Use ATMs for the best rates; avoid airport and tourist bureau exchanges — they give poor rates.
Visa and Mastercard accepted in most hotels, supermarkets, and mid-range restaurants; smaller shops and market stalls are cash-only.
Restaurants: 10% if service is good (not automatic). Taxis: not expected, but rounding up is fine. Hotel staff: a few soles for help with bags.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Local bakery coffee or a simple café cortado — about 3-4 soles.
Menu del día at a local eatery (soup, main, drink) — about 10-15 soles.
Budget dinner main, like a chicharrón or pollo a la brasa portion — 12-18 soles.
The main plaza and surrounding streets have carts selling anticuchos, picarones, and choclo con queso; look for busy stalls.
Plaza Vea and Metro are common budget supermarkets.
Mercado Modelo or local market stalls for affordable clothing and souvenirs.
Collectivos (shared minivans) around 1-2 soles per ride; no day pass. From Lima, budget buses (Cruz del Sur, Oltursa) are the main option — no airport in Ica.
Eat at market stalls or menu del día spots for cheap, filling meals. Buy water in bulk from supermarkets, not tourist stores. Negotiate prices at Mercado Modelo.
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 La Portada
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 402 m · ~5 min walk — pharmacy · Mifarma — 377 m · ~5 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 La Portada?
Request a room on the upper floor (Floor 2 or Floor 3) for easier access to the lift and less likelihood of being disturbed by street noise from Avenida La Esperanza, which can be busy due to its central location.
Which rooms should I avoid at La Portada?
Avoid rooms near the lift, as the door is narrow (0.75 m) and may not be suitable for large suitcases or guests with mobility issues.
Is La Portada noisy?
Be prepared for some street noise from Avenida La Esperanza, but it's likely to be manageable. There are no other known noise sources.
Which rooms have the best views at La Portada?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Avenida La Esperanza, a busy street, means that rooms may have views of the street or surrounding buildings. There are no specific views to request.
What are insider tips for staying at La Portada?
Take advantage of the free on-site parking, but be aware that spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you arrive early, you may be able to secure a space. The hotel's free Wi-Fi is available without a login, but the speed is limited to 15 Mbps download. If you need a stronger connection, consider purchasing a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
What time is check-in at La Portada?
Check-in at La Portada is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does La Portada have Wi-Fi?
free, 15 Mbps download, no login (open network)
Is there a city or tourist tax at La Portada?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near La Portada?
Menu del día at a local eatery (soup, main, drink) — about 10-15 soles.
What is the cheapest way to get around from La Portada?
Collectivos (shared minivans) around 1-2 soles per ride; no day pass. From Lima, budget buses (Cruz del Sur, Oltursa) are the main option — no airport in Ica.
When is the best time to visit Ica?
April, May, November: cooler days (low 20s °C) and almost no rain; Easter crowds thin by May; November has the best light for Huacachina dunes.
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.