We are met by our guide and vehicle for a drive southward along the Pan American Highway, which runs parallel to the coastline with the Pacific Ocean to the west and the towering Andes to the east. The highway heads inland from Pisco, rising gently to 1,380 feet above sea level, to the pleasant colonial town of Ica. After lunch at our hotel, we spend the afternoon visiting Huacachina Lagoon, a tiny resort village not far from Ica. Here we are surrounded by graceful palm trees, colorful flowers, and attractive buildings in pastel colors with the backdrop of giant sand dunes. We return to Ica for overnight at Las Dunas Resort.