A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fascinating Nazca Lines are mysterious drawing in the desert that are some 2,000 years old. Many questions remain as to their origins and purpose. The pattern of lines is put into perspective from the air, when they transform into monkey, spider, bird, fish and reptile, ranging in size up to 1,000 feet. Scenic flights from Ica fly above these ancient drawings.
The resort town of Paracus, nearby, is where the desert and the ocean come together. The Paracas culture was an important Andean society that existed in Peru between approximately 750 BC and 100 AD. It was known for the high quality of its textiles and weavings. The town’s beaches are rimmed by cliffs that are home to millions of birds, both resident and migratory species. From here, boats take travelers out to see the Islas Ballestas, where the wildlife has been likened to the Galapagos. Unlike the Galapagos, however no boats may land on these islands to avoid disturbring the wildlife of seal lion colonies, Humboldt penguins and seabirds.
Browse Peru tours from 4 to 24 days, in various price ranges.
