Adventure Travel to the Nazca Lines

Paracas is a small port town on the southern Pacific coast of Peru, used as a launching point for tours to Islas Ballestas and Paracas National Reservation.

Because the Paracas Bay is a protected enclosure, the shallow warmer water permits marine life to flourish. It is also a good place for bird watching, especially for spotting flamingos, pelicans, and Inca terns.

The nearby Paracas National Reserve, Peru’s oldest marine reserve, also preserves archaeological sites from the ancient Paracas culture, including burial grounds and intricate textiles. Visitors can explore dramatic desert-meets-ocean landscapes, including the striking red sands of Playa Roja.

Ica is a hot, bustling city on the Peruvian coast. It is well known for its vineyards and wineries which produce both wine and Pisco, the national beverage. The city is home to the famous Huacachina Lagoon, which is surrounded by huge sand dunes and where many people try their hand at sandboarding. Ica also offers cultural attractions such as the Regional Museum of Ica, which houses pre-Columbian artifacts from the Paracas and Nazca civilizations. Adventure seekers can enjoy dune buggy rides at sunset, while food lovers can sample traditional dishes like carapulcra and sopa seca.

The Nazca Lines are a group of pre-Columbian geoglyphs etched into desert sands. Covering an area of nearly 1,000 sq. kilometers, there are about 300 different figures, including animals and plants. Composed of over 10,000 lines, some of which measure 30 meters wide and stretch more than 9 kilometers, the figures are most visible from the air or nearby hilltops. Theories about their purpose range from astronomical calendars to ceremonial pathways. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the Nazca Lines continue to intrigue archaeologists and travelers alike.

Often called the Capital of the Peruvian Amazon, Iquitos is both the largest city in the Peruvian rainforest and a melting pot for different foods, cultures, and historical landmarks. Located on the banks of the Amazon River, it offers a wide range of natural attractions as well. From Iquitos, visitors can embark on river cruises or jungle treks to explore the Amazon’s extraordinary biodiversity, including pink river dolphins, sloths, and countless bird species.

Iquitos was founded in the mid-18th century as a Jesuit mission to the indigenous Yameo people. The rubber boom of the early 20th century brought thousands of international immigrants as well as industry and money to the town – making way for the now culturally diverse, large city. European influences are still seen mingled with local culture today. Notable landmarks include the Iron House (Casa de Fierro), designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the vibrant Belen Market, where floating houses rise and fall with the river’s tide.