Paracas and Nazca

Paracas, on Peru's southern coast, combines stunning natural landscapes with ancient heritage. This coastal reserve features dramatic red beaches and impressive cliffs where desert meets ocean. Visitors can boat to the Ballestas Islands to observe abundant marine wildlife including sea lions, penguins, and seabirds in their natural habitat. The area preserves important archaeological sites from the pre-Inca Paracas culture, renowned for their exceptional textiles. With nearby attractions including the Nazca Lines and excellent seafood restaurants, Paracas offers a refreshing coastal experience that perfectly complements Peru's highland destinations.

Paracas

Recommended stay: 2 - 3 nights

Nazca Lines flights from Pisco Airport (near Paracas) offer a convenient way to witness Peru's most enigmatic archaeological wonder. These exciting aerial tours take visitors over the vast desert to observe the mysterious geoglyphs—massive drawings of animals, geometric patterns, and human figures etched into the arid landscape around 2,000 years ago. During the approximately 90-minute flight, passengers can spot famous figures including the monkey, hummingbird, condor, and spider from the perfect vantage point. This unforgettable experience provides the only way to fully appreciate these UNESCO-protected wonders, whose perfect proportions and purpose remain subjects of archaeological debate.

Nazca Lines

Recommended stay: 0 - 1 night