Just a few hours from Lima, Peru’s southern coast brings together the sea at Paracas, the Ica desert and the mystery of Nasca. With three days you can see the highlights without rushing.
What to see
- Ballestas Islands: sea lions, Humboldt penguins, guano birds and the El Candelabro geoglyph.
- Paracas National Reserve: Playa Roja, Lagunillas and viewpoints over the Pacific.
- Huacachina: dune buggies, sandboarding and sunset among the dunes.
- Pisco Route: traditional wineries with tastings.
- Nasca: a flight over the Lines, the Chauchilla Cemetery and the Cantalloc Aqueducts.
Taxes and entrance fees to keep in mind
Bring cash for the Paracas SERNANP tax (S/ 22.00), the Huacachina entrance fee (S/ 4.00 for Peruvians, S/ 8.10 for foreigners), the Nasca airfield TUUA (S/ 30.00) and the flight tourist ticket (S/ 46.00).
What to bring
National ID (DNI) or passport, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap, light clothing, a jacket for the evening and a fully charged phone.