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The monkey, the spider, the hummingbird and the rest: the Nazca Lines, etched south of the Peruvian desert, are one of the most popular and captivating destinations in the country. More than 2,000 years ago, these ancient geoglyphs were created by brushing away the dark top layer of arid desert to reveal the light, sandy soil beneath. Most of the lines have been fairly well preserved due to the region's dry, windless climate and remote location. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the lines are believed to have been constructed by people of the Nazca culture and consist of several hundred individual figures, including geometric shapes, zoomorphic designs such as birds, monkeys and fish, as well as anthropomorphic and vegetal ones. . -like figures. Over the years, archaeologists, ethnologists, and anthropologists have studied and suggested many theories about the function of the lines, but the most common identifies them as having some type of astronomical function.
The best way to experience these lines is from above. Fly from Lima or Cusco to Pisco where you can board a smaller plane for a flyover of the enigmatic lines. Ideally, incorporate a visit to Paracas and the southern coast of Peru where there are a variety of other activities to include such as a visit to Ballestas Islands, sand buggy and visits to the Pisco distilleries. This new Pisco service opens up many opportunities for building interesting itineraries on the south coast that work seamlessly with the trip to Cusco.
When to go to Ica
The southern coast of Peru is a year-round destination. It is warmer with more sun from December to April, although there is generally sun all year round.
Recommended for:
The starting point to visit Nazca and Paracas is Ica, located on the Ica River, on the southern coast of Peru, about 300 km south of Lima. Ica is famous for its beautiful valleys, excellent wine, pisco, and the rich vineyards that surround the city. Just like you can go wine tasting in other parts of the world, this is the perfect place to go pisco tasting to learn more about Peru's national liquor. Near Ica there is the opportunity for sand boarding and dune buggy rides.
The Paracas National Reserve, the only marine protected area in Peru, extends over a total of 335,000 hectares; It was created with the goal of protecting large breeding populations of Humboldt penguins, South American fur seals and sea lions, as well as 63 species of migratory birds for which this area is an important stopover.
The coastal desert area around the Paracas National Reserve is home to the Pre-Inca Paracas culture, famous for its exquisite textile work. Further south, you can fly over the enigmatic Nazca lines, enormous geometric designs and animals etched into the earth, covering 220 square kilometers of desert plains.
The landscape and attractions of this area changed dramatically as a result of the earthquake that hit the area on August 15, 2007 and devastated the cities of Pisco, Ica and Canete among many scattered towns.
This enigmatic area is purely desert. From the hotel of your choice in Paracas, you can book a number of additional activities, including trips to the vineyards to see the Pisco production process or the ultimate thrill of sand buggy rides in the desert.
Access to the area is generally by land from Lima to Paracas (3 ½ hours non-stop south on the Pan-American Highway), and use Paracas as your base. There is a small selection of luxury hotels……
The southern coast of Peru is a year-round destination. It is warmer with more sun from December to April, although there is generally sun all year round.
Recommended for:
Experiences to consider:
