El Centro Artesanal de Ica (Ica Artisan Craft Market & Regional Heritage Bazaar) is the premier shopping, cultural souvenir, and handicraft hub in the region, **located on Calle Huánuco just two blocks from the Plaza de Armas in downtown Ica, approximately 5 kilometers (10 minutes driving) from Huacachina**. Bringing together dozens of master artisans from across the department of Ica, this covered pedestrian marketplace is the definitive destination for authentic regional crafts. The bustling artisan market features **faithful ceramic replicas of ancient Nazca, Paracas, and Ica-Chincha polychrome pottery made with traditional burnished clay techniques, hand-woven alpaca and sheep wool textiles, hand-tooled leather goods, stone carvings, desert mineral jewelry, and gourmet regional sweets including fresh artisan *Tejas* and *Chocotejas de Pecana y Manjarblanco***.
Good to Know
Physical Effort: Easy; flat, covered indoor market arcade with wide paved shopping aisles and step-free access
Time to Budget: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for browsing artisan stalls, bargaining, and tasting regional sweets
Footwear & Gear: Casual comfortable walking shoes, tote bag for souvenirs, and cash in Peruvian Soles
Authentic Paracas & Nazca Ceramic Replicas, Hand-Woven Textiles & Chocotejas: Central artisan marketplace with dozens of stalls selling traditional pottery, crafts, and sweets
Operating Hours: Open daily: 09:00 to 20:30 (best visited in the afternoon when all artisan stalls are active)
Entry & Cost: 100% Free public market access; Souvenirs range from 5.00 to 80.00 PEN
Nazca pottery replicas, artisan Chocotejas sweets, and hand-woven alpaca textiles.
Must-See Highlight: Purchasing **an authentic burnished Nazca pottery replica** featuring hand-painted hummingbird and spider motifs created using ancient natural mineral pigments!
Local Tip: Buy a box of **fresh handmade *Tejas de Ica* and *Chocotejas*** (pecans and dulce de leche coated in dark chocolate); they cost 50% less here than at Lima airport!
Skip If Rushed: Accepting the first asking price; **polite, friendly bargaining (*regateo*)** is completely customary and welcomed by stall owners.
Getting There
Located on Calle Huánuco (Block 1), 2 blocks south of Plaza de Armas in Ica. Accessible via a 10-minute taxi from Huacachina (~8–10 PEN / ~$2.50 USD) or mototaxi (~5–7 PEN).
100% Free / ~8 PEN taxi · 10 min drive from Huacachina
Centro Artesanal (2026)
Covered Artisan Craft Market Public Access: 100% Free Public Entry
: Most artisan stalls operate strictly in cash (Peruvian Soles); carry small bills (10, 20 PEN).
: Central Ica is bustling; keep personal bags and phones secure while shopping.
Take a 10-minute taxi from **Huacachina to Calle Huánuco in central Ica (~8 PEN)** (16:00) → Enter **the covered Centro Artesanal de Ica exploring the colorful artisan aisles (100% free)** (16:10) → Browse **the pottery stalls meeting ceramicists demonstrating Nazca mineral painting** (16:25) → Purchase **boxes of fresh artisan *Chocotejas* and *Tejas de Ica* at local confectionery stalls** (16:45) → Walk 2 blocks to **the Plaza de Armas for an evening stroll before returning to Huacachina** (17:00–17:30)
Visit Centro Artesanal de Ica, buy authentic Nazca ceramics and chocotejas, and tour the plaza.
The famous *Teja de Ica* was invented in the late 19th century by Iqueño home confectioners—the name 'Teja' (roof tile) was coined because the curved white fondant-glazed candies resembled the traditional terracotta roof tiles used on rural colonial hacienda homes throughout the valley!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Centro Artesanal de Ica?
It is the main covered municipal handicraft market on Calle Huánuco in downtown Ica, selling Nazca pottery replicas, alpaca textiles, leather, and chocotejas.
Where is it located?
On Block 1 of Calle Huánuco, just 2 blocks south of the Plaza de Armas in Ica (5 km from Huacachina).
What are the opening hours?
Open daily from 09:00 to 20:30.
What are the best souvenirs to buy here?
Hand-painted Nazca ceramic replicas, Chocotejas and Tejas sweets, alpaca scarves, and leathercrafts.
How much does a taxi from Huacachina cost?
Approximately 8 to 10 PEN (~$2.50 USD) each way (about 10 minutes driving).
💡 Local Wisdom & Traveler Tips
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