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Nazca
The southern coastal route from Lima brings you to the Paracas peninsula, home to the largest sea-lion colony in the world and Ballestas islands, known as “Peru’s Galapagos”. An enjoyable wildlife experience where you can find seals, Humboldt penguins, dolphins and over 200 species of seabird. This is a diverse region with vineyards, sand dunes and archaeological ruins.
The main attraction to the south of Lima are the mysterious Nazca lines, etched into 1000 sq km of desert and believed to be over 1500 years old. They consist of a collection of lines, trapezoids and figures in the form of; spider, hummingbird, condor and a flamingo. Various interpretations have been offered to explain why the lines were constructed, ranging from their use as an astrological calendar, to being a landing ground for alien craft!! Regardless of interpretation, they are a unique and fascinating discovery.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Below are some of the key attractions of this region, though we can tailor any combination of sights to best suit you.
NAZCA The Nazca lines. Located just north of the town, the lines are situated in 1,000sq km’s of desert. You can view the lines several ways, the best being by air. This 45-minute flight gives you the birds eye view needed to appreciate their construction. You can also make ½ day tours from Ica by road, driving to high look out points for views of the lines. Cantayoc. This is a huge collection of Nazca built aqueducts, constructed from stone slabs and river rock, and built so well that some are still in use today. Cahuachi. The most important of the Nazca archaeological sites, and probably their religious and administrative centre. The site includes; 2 adobe (local mud mixture) pyramids, large plazas and an extensive cemetery containing mummies.
ICA
Huacachina. Surrounded by sand dunes this natural oasis contains a beautiful lagoon lined with date palms and carob trees. An ideal place to relax, or, for those more active, you can sand board down the dunes. Wineries. The area is famed for its cultivation of grapes, though Peru is not world renowned, it does produce some delicious wines. There are two vineyards in the area, the oldest dating back to 1857, and both offer an insight into production and tasting. PARACAS The Ballestas Islands. Known as ‘Peru’s Galapagos’ the islands are home to a wealth of sea life, situated off the Paracas coast it offers you the opportunity to encounter; sea lions, seals, penguins and a wide range of sea birds. The islands are reached by boat on a 2 hour round trip. Paracas Reserve. The Paracas Reserve runs parallel to the coast and can only be visited by vehicle. The ½ day tour includes; a visit to the Telbo museum, which contains artefacts dating back 2,500 years, views from the cliffs of sea lion colonies, the chance to see the protected flamingo, and some spectacular coastal scenery.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Nazca
La Hacienda Bahia Paracas sits on the very edge of the lovely Paracas Bay and surrounded by the sublime setting of the Paracas National Reserve. Its close proximity to the ocean
Nazca
The Las Dunas hotel is generally used as a lunch stop between Lima and the flight over the Nazca lines or a visit to the Ballestas islands. In our opinion though this is worth a night
Lima
This is a five star luxury hotel located in the San Isidro district which has retained all of the original grandeur similar to that of a 19th century mansion. The hotel is decorated in 300 pieces of original artwork
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