Nazca and Paracas are located in the department of Ica which is in a coastal desert that stretches all the way along the Peruvian coast.
Paracas is a peninsula about 20km south of the town of Pisco. The landscape is dry and barren but was home to the Paracas culture which flourished here between 2000 BC and 400 AD. This culture is famous for its textiles and deformed skulls. From the port of Paracas speed boats leave to the Ballestas Islands. These islands are inhabited by thousands of seabirds and seals.
The nearest town with a variety of hotels and restaurants is Pisco which is 245 km south of Lima.
Nazca is another 200 kilometers further to the south (445 km from Lima) and like Pisco in the desert. The town of Nazca is a relatively small town famous for the Nazca Lines. These lines are figures in the desert about 15 kilometers away from town and can really only be seen from an airplane. Near Nazca are some pre-Inca irrigations channels and there is also a pre-Columbian cemetery.
WE SUGGEST THE FOLLOWING TOURS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ICA
- A visit to the Ballestas islands.
- A flight over the Nazca lines.
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