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The coastal desert area around Paracas National Reserve is the home of the pre Inca Paracas culture, famous for its exquisite textile work. Further south, you will be able to fly over the enigmatic Nasca lines - enormous animal geometric designs carved on the ground covering 220 squares kilometres of desert plains.
Practical Information for the Nasca and Paracas Areas
The landscape and attractions of this area changed dramatically as a result of the earthquake that hit the area on 15 August 2007 and devastated the towns of Pisco, Ica and Canete among many scattered villages. The lovely Hacienda Arona, one of Aracari's exclusive visits until the earthquake struck, is no longer visitable due to the extensive damage that has made the 17th century mansion uninhabitable. However, true to our principles of respecting and supporting our enviroment, Aracari and our clients donated substantial funds and reconstructed many of the staff lodgings in the hacienda.
There are varied options to visit the Nasca lines: these range from day trips with overflight by small plane, to two-day 1 night excursions overflying by helicopter. Everything accompanied with expert guiding and first-class vehicles, of course.
This area is pure desert and is very enigmatic. From the hotel of your choice in the area, you can book a number of extra activities including the ultimate thrill, sand buggies rides in the desert or visits to vineyards to see the Pisco production process. If you stay at the plush Hilton Paracas Suites from December to April, you can enjoy the sunshine, the pool or the deserted beaches not far from the hotel.
Access to the area is generally by land from Lima to Paracas (3 ½ hours non stop south on the Panamerican Highway), and use Paracas as your base. There are a couple of brand new hotels there that we recommend. Alternatively you can go on to Nasca (recommended) and base yourself there at the lovely and atmospheric Hotel Majoro, and fly the lines with a difference: by helicopter! Another additional option is to drive inland from Pisco near Paracas for 6 hours on a good paved road until you reach the lovely town of Ayacucho, nestled in the Andes. There are a number of attractions in and near Ayacucho, such as the colonial village of Quinua, the pre Inka capital City of the Wari Empire, Wari, and the magnificient and little-visited ruins of Vilcashuaman. There are flights back to Lima from Ayacucho. Onward travel to Cuzco is not recommended due to the poor state of the road.
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Paracas National Reserve
"Candelabro"
Sea lions in Paracas
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