Paracas

Peru’s southern coastal desert is one of the driest places in the world, yet it teems with life thanks to offshore currents and coastal fog. Along the shoreline, tall cliffs pocked with caves are a haven for birds and marine mammals, attracted by the abundant fish in the nutrient-rich waters. On the plateaus, ancient cultural sites like the famous Nazca lines remain largely intact, due the lack of rain. Agriculture thrives here too, via a centuries-old system of irrigation that taps underground water supplies. This area is known for producing pisco, a grape brandy hailed as Peru’s national drink.

Ballestas Islands

Known as “Peruvian Galapagos,” these scenic islands have eroded into a series of arches and caves. Over 150 species of birds take shelter here, including boobies, pelicans, and Humboldt penguins, along with huge colonies of sea lions. Dolphins and whales are sometimes seen here as well. Visitors aren’t allowed to come ashore, but boat excursions offer excellent wildlife viewing – you’ll also get a look at the Candelabro, a candelabra-shaped geoglyph of mysterious origins, carved into the hillside above the shore. The Hotel Paracas can arrange a tour of the islands, departing from their private pier. Be sure to bring wind and sun protection.

Paracas Natural Reserve

This is Peru’s largest protected coastline and the only protected region that includes both land and marine areas. The ocean currents here create a prime habitat for plankton and algae, providing food for a wealth of marine life. On the shore, dramatic cliffs rise above red-brown beaches, home to a huge variety of birds such as Inca terns, Humboldt penguins, and the endangered Peruvian diving petral. Marine mammals are also abundant and include sea turtles, dolphins, sea lions and the rare chinguno, or marine otter.

Nazca Lines

These enigmatic geoglyphs, which the arid climate of the plateaus has preserved for 2,000 years, are the region’s main attraction. Anthropologists believe the giant drawings are the work of the ancient Nazca culture, who them created by removing the desert’s surface of reddish brown pebbles to show the lighter earth below. The earthworks are impressively large and complex, including geometric figures and stylized plant and animal shapes – the hummingbird, spider, monkey and whale are some of the most famous.

Tambo Colorado

Open daily 9am-5pm
One of the best-preserved Inca sites in Peru, this adobe complex was an important administrative and communications center during the 15th century, built to showcase the empire's power and to help integrate the local conquered tribes. The site contains a temple, a palace, barracks and warehouses. The name Tambo Colorado comes from the bright colors that decorated its walls, often applied in horizontal stripes – traces of these colors can still be seen, due to the dry climate.

Cahuachi

Dating back some 2,000 years, this vast Nazca ceremonial center was probably the home of priests who performed public rituals. The focal point is a 100-foot high central pyramid, surrounded by 40 other pyramids.

Museo Arqueologico Antonini

Avenida de la Cultura 600, Nazca
Tel: +51 (0)56 523 444
Open daily 9am-7pm

This excellent museum offers an overview of the sophisticated Nazca culture, which thrived from 100 B.C. to 700 A.D. On display are many of the treasures found at the Cahuachi site, and compiled by archaeologist Giuseppe Orefici. Exhibits include textiles, tools, figurines, enemy skulls, and a scale model of the Nazca lines. Behind the museum is the restored Bisambra Aqueduct, which shows how indigenous cultures provided themselves with water year-round.

Hotel Paracas

Av. Paracas S/N, Paracas
Tel: + 51 (0)56 581 333

This stylish, beachy resort adjacent to the nature preserve offers five-star luxury in a spectacular setting. 120 rooms and suites, each with private balcony; full-service spa. The resort can arrange tours of the Ballestas Islands, departing from their own private jetty, as well as flights over the Nazca lines.