250 km. (156 miles) south of Lima lies
Paracas, a windswept arid peninsula and site of one of Peru's most
renowned archaeological sites. The Paracas Reserve, Peru's largest coastal
wildlife sanctuary, includes the Ballestas Islands, reached from Paracas
by boat. These islands are home to thousands of resident and migratory sea
birds, many endemic to the Humboldt Current. They include pelicans,
boobies, cormorants, terns and gulls who share their habitat with herds of
sea lions and fur seals. In the summer, condors are also frequent visitors
and flamingoes occasionally pause at the bay. Paracas and its charming
hotel are ideal for a weekend getaway.
| From Paracas, an hour's drive along the
Panamericana highway takes the visitors south to Ica, a verdant oasis,
home of Peru's famous pisco grape brandy. Ica, 310 km. (194 miles)
south of Lima, also houses a fine archaeological museum. Further south
lies Nazca, situated in the Ica fertile valley irrigated by a
pre-Hispanic aqueduct. It is a mandatory stopover for visitors to the
famous lines and for travelers going by road to Lima, Arequipa or
Cusco. |
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Site of the world famous ground markings
preserved by Dr. Maria Reiche, these giant animal and geometric figures
were etched on the desert sands by Nazca people 1,500 years ago. Best
viewed from the air, flights over the markings can be arranged from either
Ica, Nazca, or Lima.
2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT $525
minimum of 2 people
- DAY 1 /
LIMA - ICA
Bus ride 310 km. (194 miles) south along the Panamericana highway from Lima to Ica, through arid desert and lush
coastal oasis. Arrive in Ica at midday for a short tour of the city.
In the afternoon, fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines. Overnight at
Las Dunas Resort.
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- DAY 2 / ICA
- PARACAS - LIMA
Drive 60 km. (37 miles) north to Paracas for an
excursion by boat to the Ballestas Islands to view thousands of birds,
sea lions and fur seals in their natural surroundings. The famous
candlestick design, a Nazca civilization figure etched on the desert
face, can also be seen from the boat. In the afternoon, a relaxing drive
back to the hotel in Lima. (B)
* Daily departures.
* Seat-in-bus available with tour restrictions.
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
$895 minimum of
3 people
2 people only: $1095 per person
- DAY 1 / LIMA
- NAZCA
Drive from Lima to Nazca 440 km. (273 miles) south
through arid desert and lush coastal oasis. Stop in Ica at midday for a
tour of the city, and if time permits, for a short visit to the regional
archaeological museum. Overnight in Nazca.
- DAY 2 /
NAZCA - PARACAS
Morning flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines seen
from the air. Afternoon transfer to Paracas where you will enjoy the
rest of the day at a charming hotel situated on the peaceful Paracas
bay. (B)
- DAY 3 /
PARACAS - LIMA
Morning boat excursion to
the Ballestas Islands. Afternoon ride back to hotel in Lima. (B)
* Daily departures.
* Seat-in-bus available with tour restrictions.
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H/D NAZCA AQUEDUCTS $45 per
person based on 2
- Drive 25 minutes passing Paredones, Inca
ruins, until we arrive to Cantalloc Hacienda where the famous
underground aqueducts are located, built 2,000 years ago and still in
working order. This tour also includes a visit to a small family
processing gold in a very old-fashioned way as well as a potter atelier
to appreciate the ancient Nazca techniques.
F/D NAZCA LINES OVER-FLIGHT
$ 525 per
person (minimum 2 people)
- This tour begins in the morning at the
Lima airport. An hour and a half flight takes you 310 km. (193 miles)
south to Ica where you will be transferred to a smaller plane to
over-fly the world-famous Nazca markings. Lunch in Ica and a brief city
tour before flying back to Lima.
* Round trip transfers from your hotel included.
* Daily minimum 2 passengers.
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