They have become the main tourist destination in Paracas. These rocky islands received their name from the large arches that the ocean has eroded right through the stone. They also hold important deposits of guano (bird droppings rich in phosphates used as fertilizer) and are a fantastic place for watching sea lions and marine birds up close on this part of Peru’s coast. The group includes three islands: South, Central, and North. As you embark on small, motorized vessels from the pier on El Chaco beach towards them, you have a good view of the enigmatic geoglyph, the Candelabro, a curious shape traced into the side of a hill (formed after the Nasca Lines), and of dolphins.

Few experiences can compare to the adrenaline rush you feel as you drive at full speed over desert sand dunes. You board specially outfitted vehicles that are handled by a team of expert drivers who guide caravans to some of the most amazing and secret corners of the Ica desert, crossing gigantic sand dunes and sublime settings. Besides this, try your hand at sandboarding or enjoy a night under the stars next to a campfire with a lovely dinner. We assure you it will be something you will never regret.

Drawn carefully upon one of the most arid regions on the planet, the Nasca Lines and Geoglyphs captivate us because of their mysterious origin and the immensity of their size. Astronomical calendar, sacred area, or an offering to the gods: the lines are still one of the biggest mysteries in world archeology and a testimony to the intimate relationship ancient Peruvians had with their spiritual world.

But the area around Nasca is much more than its lines. The valley offers us an opportunity to escape from daily routines and to find peace in the middle of the desert. Likewise, the city of Nasca is also a launching point for excursions into the southern Andes of Ayacucho and Apurimac and the lofty and mysterious Arequipan coast. All you have to do is open your eyes because there are surprises awaiting you around every corner.

The extensive Geoglyphs of Nasca are spread out over an approximate 1000 km2 area on the San Jose Pampas as well as on the sides of some of the hills along the Rio Grande River Valley.

Several of these singular designs represent animals (hummingbird, monkey, and snake) and are superimposed over several geometric shapes and spiral lines. Their size varies from 150 m to 300 m, and the furrow depth is 20 cm, suitable dimensions for viewing these figures from the air. The best way of viewing the lines is from a small airplane, and there are daily flights from nearby Nasca Airfield. The Nasca culture flourished between 200 B.C. and 700 A.D. They were innovative farmers who built their own reservoirs that were fed by underground canals and aqueducts, which are still in use today. The Nasca were also expert artisans, as evidenced by their pottery that is finely decorated with colorful felinesque characters, orcas, anthropomorphic birds, and creatures that look like snakes.

Cahuachi was one of the main ceremonial and administrative centers of the Nasca, and some studies point to it being their capital. The site is comprised of six architectural groupings found amidst 25 hectares of rocky hills. The chief building is an adobe pyramid standing 20 m tall and 100 m long and adjacent to a hill. Other complementary structures include ceremonial plazas and cemeteries, where scholars have uncovered numerous pieces of pottery. Investigations by Helaine Silverman and Giuseppe Orefici reveal that Cahuachi was populated by pilgrims who lived there for a period of time, perhaps to perform rites seeking the favor of the gods. A must see.

The Cantayoc Aqueducts are an extensive network of underground stone canals and reservoirs that the Nasca built on the lands that are today owned by the Cantay Cooperative. What really sticks out in each section is the concentric circular openings called “ojos” (eyes) that were used to maintain the network. Nearby are two interesting archeological sites: Paredones, which is made up of several stone and adobe rooms, terraces, and patios, and the Cantayoc Telar (loom), a huge geoglyph that features several implements used in weaving, such as a needle and spirals that might represent spools of thread.