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The
well-preserved remains of the pre-Incan cultures of Paracas and Nazca
offer the visitor an exquisite opportunity to experience the grandeur of
these fabulous civilizations that flourished on the coastal desert of
southern Peru thousands of years ago. Their pottery, textiles and art
provide you with a unique view into the lives and psyche of these ancient
Americans.

© Jeff Waugh
Nazca pottery |

© Jeff Waugh
Handle of an
oar |

© Jeff Waugh
Bone carving |
In Nazca, you will stay in the first
class Las Dunas hotel in the modern
oasis of Ica. The hotel is located on the edge of town in a beautiful
oasis on the edge of a massive sand dune. This is a very nice 4 star hotel
that offers a swimming pool, water slide, sauna, fish pools, zoo and
expansive grounds. The food, service and atmosphere are all excellent!
Don't forget to try a pisco sour! You may extend your stay at the hotel to
really relax and be pampered.

© Jeff Waugh
Expansive
grounds... |

© Jeff Waugh
Swimming
pool... |

© Jeff Waugh
Tranquility... |
In Paracas,
you will visit the Ballestas Islands Wildlife Reserve. This
area is also known as the "Galapagos of Peru" for the sea bird
colonies and marine mammals that inhabit these barren and desolate
islands. On the way to the Ballestas, you will also have a chance to see
the mysterious candelabra in the coastal sand dunes.
Itinerary
Open
Map Window
Day 1 Lima - Ica
Early morning transfer to the bus station.
Take the Royal Class special bus to the city of Ica (308 Km/191 miles
South of Lima). Bus will leave passengers at Las Dunas Hotel. In the
afternoon take a small (one engine) plane to Nazca and fly over the
mysterious Nazca lines, which is the only way to see them. These are
drawings made in the sand over 2,000 years ago, that time and weather
have not eroded. You will see gigantic geometrical lines resembling a
landing field and over 32 figures including a monkey, a spider, a
condor, a reptile, a fish, a bird, etc. The biggest figures are the
reptile (180 mts/590 ft long) and the monkey (90mts/295 ft.)
Open
Nazca Lines Window
Day 2 Ica - Paracas - Lima
Breakfast. Transfer by private car (1 hour) to the Bay of Paracas for a
cruise out to the Ballestas islands (90 mins.), where you will see sea
lions, penguins and more than 60 species of sea birds and wild life. On
the way you will also see the "Candelabro" a huge sand design on the
hilly coast, only seen from the sea or sky. Afternoon return by Royal
Class bus to Lima. Met on arrival and transfer to your hotel. 
The Candelabra
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