Paracas & Nazca
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Sea birds, Ballestas Islands
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Ballestas Islands
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Candelabra Geoglyph, Paracas
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Up-close with the sea lions, Ballestas Islands
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Vineyards near Pisco
Sunny seaside location with nature reserves, vineyards and the mysterious Nazca Lines
The desert coastline to the south of Lima is an area of considerable natural beauty and the vast Paracas Nature Reserve covers some 350,000 hectares of the Paracas Peninsular. The region enjoys a dry and sunny climate all year round, which makes for an ideal place to chill out for a few days and see a different side to Peru. There is plenty to do and see.
The Ballestas Islands – a mere 45 minutes from Paracas by boat – are often nicknamed the ‘Poor Man’s Galapagos’ but make for a memorable trip. The islands are fully protected and guests are not allowed to disembark, but the boats can get extremely to the shore and you will be astonished at the sheer number of birds, sea lions and penguins. The islands also have an interesting history having been part of the ‘Guano Wars’ between Peru and Chile.
En route to Ballestas you can’t miss the famous Candelabra Geoglyph – a massive figure 150 metres high and 50 metres wide etched into the sandy hills. Nobody knows how it came to be there, but theories abound.
Even more bizarre are the Nazca Lines – one of the world’s great archaeological mysteries left by the ancient civilisations of Peru. More than 800 straight lines, geometric figures and animal and plant images have been carved into the ground. The only way to experience the sheer size and scope of these enigmatic creations is to take an over-flight in a light aircraft. Most convenient is to fly from Pisco Airport.
The national drink – Pisco – takes its name from the town, and this is the region from where this fiery, grape-based spirit originates. A visit to a Pisco distillery is interesting – and wine-lovers may also be interested to visit the vineyards near Ica, which produce some surprisingly good Peruvian wine.
To discover more about Paracas, the Ballestas Islands and the curious Nazca Lines, give us a call or send us a message.
Places we love to stay
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Hotel Paracas
Hotel Paracas has two large swimming pools, and is a great place to relax - both for couples and families.
View details about Hotel Paracas
