South of Lima, the landscape changes dramatically as the Pacific Ocean meets one of the driest deserts on earth. Paracas, Ica and Nazca combine wildlife, sweeping sand dunes, vineyards and ancient mysteries in a region full of unexpected contrasts.
From Paracas, take to the water to explore the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins and an extraordinary variety of seabirds. Back on land, the Paracas National Reserve offers vast desert landscapes where ochre cliffs and empty beaches meet the deep blue Pacific.
Continue inland to Ica, the heart of Peru’s wine and pisco country. Visit traditional bodegas and historic haciendas, taste Peru’s famous spirit at its source, or head into the immense dunes surrounding the oasis of Huacachina for sandboarding and a thrilling buggy ride.
Further south lies one of Peru’s greatest mysteries: the Nazca Lines. These enormous ancient figures and geometric shapes stretch across the desert floor, their purpose still debated today. See them from above on a scenic flight or discover some of the figures from viewpoints on the ground. Ocean, desert, vineyards and mystery — this is a side of Peru that feels completely different from anywhere else in the country.
