Sometimes in South America there’s a travel destination that remains relatively off the radar, yet is still easily accessible from a country’s main hubs and entry points. The sand dunes of Paracas and mysterious Nazca Lines on Peru’s western coast certainly fit into that category.
Of course, the Nazca Lines are some of the most recognizable ancient landmarks in the world. But thanks to limits on daily overflights to see the lines from above (incredibly, each enormous petroglyph is only visible from the air), plus the iconic sites around Cusco and the Sacred Valley taking people’s attention when on a shorter journey, the Nazca Lines still feel like a somewhat untapped gem of an experience.
But that’s not all, there’s ancient burial sites and other archeology to discover around Nazca, as well as the outdoor activities and endearing coastline to its west.
There are so many reasons to visit Paracas and the Nazca Lines, and the region is one we’re passionate about—from the boutique hotels to unexpected wildlife, adventure activities, show-stopping sunsets and stargazing, plus desert archeology to explore with our traveling guests. Here we take a look at some of the highlights of the area, and things to consider if including Paracas and the Nazca Lines in your Peruvian journey with Atelier.
Paracas is easily accessed by road from Lima, taking around 3 hours in either a private vehicle or luxury bus. No domestic flights land in Paracas but instead fly to nearby Pisco Airport, which has good transport links to the surrounding region.
If traveling by road, the journey south from the capital is a scenic one, hugging the coastline for long stretches with the ocean never far from view. Some choose to visit Paracas as a day trip from Lima, and though this can make for an exciting break from the city, we recommend at least one or two nights in the area to make the most of your time here.
The Nazca lines, nearby Chauchilla Cemetery and Cahuachi Archaeological Site are a further 3 hours south and slightly inland, making them too far for a day trip from Lima but the perfect addition to time in Paracas.
To make the most of all that Paracas and the region have to offer, we recommend visiting in Summer, December to March. Though the shoulder seasons can be gorgeous too, winter brings sand storms and choppy coastal waters, especially from June to July, limiting the outdoor activities and clear night skies this area is loved for. Bliss.
One of the top activities in Paracas is a tour of the Ballestas Islands, a surprisingly biodiverse rocky outcrop off the coast that’s home to penguins, sea lions, cormorants, pelicans, and plenty other marine and bird life. It’s a dramatic sight and wonderful chance to spot abundant wildlife not far from the shore. Along the way, you’ll pass the famous Paracas Candelabra, a huge 600ft petroglyph carved into a coastal sand dune and thought to date back to 200BC. Tantalizingly, the purpose of the candelabra is still unknown, as is the reason it’s able to hold its shape to this day—despite centuries of coastal winds.
Another highlight of Paracas is exploring the surrounding desert dunes in a 4×4 or dune buggy. It’s an exciting, adrenaline-packed adventure that will have you powering up and down the dunes, stopping for some sand boarding or a picnic with a view, and awaiting one of the most memorable sunsets in Peru. The sand dunes of Paracas make for a full day excursion, including an evening meal amongst the sands and some of the best stargazing in the country.
The Paracas National Reserve encompasses a huge stretch of Peruvian coastline, covering marine habitats and islands, desert plains and dunes, and areas that are home to hundreds of bird species. When visiting Paracas National Reserve one of the standout experiences is a trip to a local scallop farm, where you can not only witness the way of life around the mariculture but get to taste this treasured delicacy too—straight from the sea!
You may not always associate Peru with watersports, but coastal Paracas has everything from scuba diving to snorkeling, kayaking to boat tours, even kite and windsurfing on offer! Depending on the time of year you visit, the waters are generally clear and the mostly uninhabited coastline adds a sense of adventure to all aqua activities here.
Heading inland and south from Paracas, before arriving at Nazca you’ll find the small city of Ica and nearby desert oasis of Huacachina. The founding of Ica can be traced to colonial times and is a fun day trip from Paracas or interesting stop when visiting Nazca. As well as the marvel of a population living amongst the Ica Desert’s dramatic dunes, there’s something magical about visiting a real-life oasis here too.
Roughly an hour inland (by road) from Paracas lies the well-preserved Inca ruin of Tambo Colorado, a 15th-century settlement that gives a glimpse of day-to-day life in the Inca Empire. Tambo Colorado is well worth the visit, especially if your wider trip has limited time to explore other Inca highlights across the Sacred valley and beyond.
One of the world’s great ancient wonders, the Nazca Lines have perplexed and delighted visitors and historians for centuries. Visible only from the air, these giant desert carvings remain a mystery—both their meaning and construction, not to mention accuracy. With no obvious way for the ancient Inca to fully observe their incredible carvings, the unknowns only add to their mystique.
An overflight above the 300+ Nazca Lines is among the most memorable experiences in Peru, marveling at over 10,000 lines, some several meters wide and stretching for miles.
The Nazca Lines deserve plenty of time to admire, as do the surrounding ruins of Los Paredones, the wonderful Cahuachi Archeological Site, and ceremonial Chauchilla Cemetery, all of which can be included on the same day as your overflight.
There’s a charming collection of boutique properties in and around Paracas, such as Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort. We love this beachfront Paracas hotel for its sea views, large accommodation options and excellent onsite facilities. Here, days can be spent enjoying the outdoor activities and adventure of Paracas one moment and unwinding in the spa or by the hotel’s pool the next.
Hotel La Hacienda Bahia Paracas is another excellent option, one that also benefits from ocean views and no shortage of luxurious touches, gorgeous pool areas and sun patios, and respectfully themed guestrooms. Speak to an Atelier expert for advice on a boutique Paracas property that suits your tastes perfectly.
Thanks to their proximity to Lima, at Atelier we think Paracas and the Nazca Lines have their place on all sorts of routes and journeys across Peru. The laidback beachside setting of some Paracas hotels make for a relaxing start or end to your time in the country, or you can kick things off with a bang—filling your first few days with outdoor activities and watersports.
What’s more, if your time in the country is limited then the excellent archeology around Nazca means you can see marvels of the Inca Empire without the logistics of a trip to Peru’s southern areas. If traveling by road there are interesting stops along the way, such as Hacienda San Jose in Chincha, and with domestic flights into nearby Pisco Airport you could even spend a day and night at the end of your vacation before traveling back to Lima and home.
Due to the outdoor adventures and desert terrain of Paracas and the surrounds, we recommend packing a mixture of beachwear and hiking gear ahead of your trip. Sturdy walking shoes are good for exploring ruins and coastal trails, though of course something lighter for time on the beach and enjoying watersports.
The desert dunes of Paracas and Ica, ancient wonders of Nazca and nearby archeological sites all add up to a fantastic destination for couples, families and solo travelers alike. Whether it’s a romantic sunset cruise, adrenaline-packed excursion, the fascinating history or simply unwinding around the grounds of a luxury boutique hotel, Peru’s western coast offers something special for everyone.
Whatever your interests or group size, speak to the travel specialists at Atelier and they will craft your dream tailormade tour to Peru, today.
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