Any attempt to understand this region's ancient history should begin at the exemplary Museo Regional de Ica (museos.cultura.pe; S8), an understated gem that catalogs key pre-Inca civilizations on Peru’s southern coast. A rich and impressively presented collection of locally excavated artifacts is on display, from the Paracas (chiefly represented by their renowned textiles) and the Nazca (showcased through their instantly recognizable ceramics), plus other locally important pre-Inca cultures. Another wing deep-dives into specific aspects of these cultures, such as head trepanation (drilling into the skull to release the pain of battle and evil spirits).
The museum is 2.5km southwest of the city center. Take a taxi from the Plaza de Armas (S5). You could walk, but it’s usually not safe to do so alone.
