Places to See and Stay: Nazca and The South Coast - Peru

The Ballestas Islands, Peru

South of Lima, a huge monkey appears etched in one continuous line into the barren landscape. Other complex images include a hummingbird, condor, spider and various geometric shapes. These are the Nazca Lines, one of the world’s most bewildering archaeological sights, believed to date back to 400BC, but their origin and purpose are still a mystery. A trip to see this phenomenon begins on the Pan American Highway which snakes out of Lima and then arrows through a landscape of barren desert interspersed with fertile valleys growing grapes for pisco, and rolling golden sand dunes being pounded by Pacific waves.

You can make this journey either by comfortable public bus, or in a private 4WD. From the town of Ica you can board a small plane for a scenic flight over the Nazca lines. You can also visit the ancient mummies at the local museum, relax by Huacachina’s palm-fringed lagoon, which is set against a backdrop of mountainous sands, or head out on a morning boat trip from Paracas to the Ballestas Islands, home to hordes of sea lions and a wonderful variety of birdlife.

 
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