Introduction to the Southern Route
Southern Peru offers travelers a journey full of contrasts that brings together sea, desert, fertile valleys and ancestral mysteries. In this region you will find three of the most fascinating and visited destinations in the country: Nazca, Ica and Paracas. Each of them has its own personality and together they form a route that captivates with its diversity. From the millenary geoglyphs of Nazca, through the adrenaline of the Huacachina oasis in Ica, to the marine biodiversity of the Ballestas Islands in Paracas, this circuit combines history, living culture, extreme adventure and unforgettable landscapes.
Nazca and its enigmas in the desert
Nazca is one of the most mysterious places on the planet thanks to the enigmatic Nazca Lines, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These gigantic geoglyphs drawn on the desert surface represent geometric shapes, animals and plants that can only be fully appreciated from the air. The overflight in a small plane, lasting approximately 30 to 40 minutes, is the most sought-after experience and allows visitors to admire figures such as the hummingbird, the spider, the monkey and the famous astronaut. But Nazca is not limited to these lines: the Cantalloc aqueducts are an example of ancestral hydraulic engineering that still functions today, supplying water in the middle of the arid desert. Another point of great interest is the Chauchilla Cemetery, where mummies more than a thousand years old rest in a surprising state of preservation. Visiting Nazca means entering a world where the desert keeps secrets that even science has yet to fully decipher.
Ica: pisco, history and the Huacachina oasis
Ica is known as the capital of Peruvian pisco and the cradle of viticulture in the country. Touring its traditional and modern wineries is an unmissable experience to learn about the production process of pisco and taste different varieties of local wines. The hospitality of its producers and the tradition inherited since colonial times make every visit a lesson in culture and flavor. But the main tourist icon of Ica is the Huacachina Lagoon, an oasis surrounded by giant sand dunes that seem to extend endlessly. This place combines rest in a picturesque setting with the most intense adventure: dune buggy rides and sandboarding are activities that attract travelers from all over the world. At sunset, the dunes are dyed golden and reddish hues, offering one of the most spectacular sunsets in Peru. Ica is also a land of great gastronomic richness, with typical dishes such as carapulcra with sopa seca, fried pork (chicharrón de chancho), and traditional sweets like tejas and chocotejas, which reflect the coastal identity.
Paracas: nature, sea and desert
Paracas is the place where the Pacific Ocean and the desert meet in a natural spectacle like no other. From its bay depart excursions to the Ballestas Islands, known as the “poor man’s Galápagos” for the great diversity of marine fauna they harbor. On a boat tour you can see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans and various species of seabirds. During the trip, travelers also have the opportunity to admire the enigmatic geoglyph of the Paracas Candelabra, a huge design drawn on a dune that continues to be a mystery for researchers. Another major attraction in the area is the Paracas National Reserve, a protected natural area that combines red sand beaches, cliffs plunging into the ocean and desert landscapes that seem out of this world. Here you can hike, cycle, observe birds or simply relax on quiet beaches such as Playa Roja, Playa Yumaque or Lagunillas. Paracas is undoubtedly a destination for those seeking a deep connection with nature and marine life.
How to organize the Nazca, Ica and Paracas route
The most common circuit begins in Lima, with a first stop in Paracas to visit the Ballestas Islands and the National Reserve. The journey then continues to Ica, where visitors tour wineries and enjoy adventure in Huacachina. Finally, the route ends in Nazca with the overflight of the lines and visits to archaeological sites. The ideal duration of the trip is 3 to 4 days, although it is also possible to do it in 2 days if only Paracas and Ica are combined. Those with more time often extend the trip to connect with Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, creating a complete southern Peru experience.
Must-do activities in each destination
In Nazca, the highlights are the overflight of the lines, the Cantalloc aqueducts, the Chauchilla Cemetery and the metal observation tower that allows you to see some figures from the ground. In Ica, the main activities are visits to pisco and wine wineries, adventure sports in Huacachina, buggy rides through the dunes and a visit to the Adolfo Bermúdez Jenkins Regional Museum. In Paracas, the main attractions are excursions to the Ballestas Islands, observation of the Candelabra, and exploration of the Paracas National Reserve with its beaches and landscapes.
Climate and best time to travel
The climate in this region is mostly warm and dry throughout the year. Nazca has high daytime temperatures and cool nights due to its desert climate. In Ica and Huacachina, the sun is constant and temperatures are usually warm, so sunscreen, sunglasses and light clothing are recommended. In Paracas, the climate is mild but sea breezes can be cold in the morning, so a windbreaker is useful. The best time to visit this route is between April and November, when the weather is more stable and fog does not interfere with Nazca flights.
Practical tips for travelers
In Nazca, it is essential to book flights over the lines in advance and avoid heavy meals before the experience. In Ica and Huacachina, comfortable footwear for walking on sand and plenty of water are recommended to stay hydrated during activities. In Paracas, a light jacket is advisable for boat tours and a camera with a good zoom is ideal for capturing marine wildlife. Throughout the trip, carrying cash is important as not all places accept cards.
Conclusion: an unforgettable circuit
The route connecting Nazca, Ica and Paracas is one of the most complete in Peru. It combines archaeology, living history, adventure, unique landscapes and cultural experiences that showcase the richness of the country’s south. Each destination contributes something different: Nazca, mystery; Ica, adventure and flavor; Paracas, nature and the sea. Together, they form a circuit that surprises, excites and leaves travelers with unforgettable memories of one of the most fascinating regions of Peru.
