How did a desert city in Peru get its name and survive for millennia?

Science · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Ica, a sun-drenched city on the edge of the Atacama Desert, holds secrets ranging from prehistoric giant penguins to ancient brain surgery. While its name remains a linguistic puzzle, the region’s history is etched in its arid landscape, from indigenous civilizations and colonial rule to modern-day water scarcity challenges.

The etymology of Ica is a subject of intense academic debate. One traditional account, recorded by Fray Martín de Murúa, suggests the name originated from a royal exchange between Túpac Inca and a shaman, where the phrase 'y, ca' meant 'yes, take it.' However, linguist Rodolfo Cerrón-Palomino rejects this, pointing instead to an Aymara root related to 'ridge' or 'rear.' Other scholars, such as José Sebastián Barranca and Juan Durand, have proposed competing theories, linking the name to ancient roots for water sources or descriptors for rugged, arid terrain. These conflicting interpretations highlight the layers of cultural history embedded in the region's nomenclature.

Beyond its name, Ica is a site of profound archaeological and biological significance. The Museo Regional de Ica preserves evidence of pre-Columbian cultures, including the Paracas people, known for the ritual deformation of skulls and the practice of trepanning—an early form of brain surgery used to treat battle injuries or internal pressure. Further back in time, the region was home to the giant penguin Icadyptes salasi, which stood up to five feet tall and roamed the Atacama Desert approximately 30 million years ago.

Today, Ica faces a precarious future. Known as the 'Land of Eternal Sun,' the city relies on an aquifer fed by glacial meltwater to support its agricultural output, which includes grapes, cotton, and asparagus. However, regional water usage currently exceeds the natural inflow, leading to urgent calls for improved irrigation and infrastructure to prevent the depletion of this vital resource. This struggle for sustainability is the latest chapter in a long history of human adaptation to one of the world's driest climates.

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