NASCA AND THE DESERT COAST

Few ancient mysteries have stumped scientists, and sparked such a bizarre collection of theories, as the Nasca Lines. Dug into the landscape a thousand years ago and preserved by the area’s peculiar climate, the lines include hummingbirds, whales and a series of intersecting grids and trapezoids, some of which are 10 km long. Even from a three-story observation tower along the highway, visitors can see a lizard, a tree, and an odd pair of outstretched hands—but the view is best from an airplane. Some researchers think these shapes were used in ceremonies to ask the gods for rain; others believe they were landing strips for Martians.

Nearby is the Ica Desert, an unexplored area of rolling sand dunes, wilderness beaches, and an astounding variety of marine fossils, including long-extinct porpoises and gigantic sharks. One of the best launch pads for exploring is the palm-fringed Lago Huacachina, where travelers can slide down dunes on sandboards. The next stop on the way to Lima is the Reserva Nacional Paracas, Peru’s most important stretch of protected coastline and home to sea lions, two hundred bird species, and the endangered Humboldt penguin. Further on is Chincha, home to Peru’s small but outspoken Afro-Peruvian culture and Hacienda San José, the country’s best-preserved colonial plantation. From here Lima is just a few hours away along a route that passes a string of ocean beaches.

Nasca

Nasca Lines: There are certain mysteries, like huge astronauts and hummingbirds etched onto the desert plain, that you have to see to believe. (read more)

Ica

Ica Desert: This ancient ocean floor, heaved upward by tectonic activity, is littered with marine fossils, sculpted hills, and towering dunes. Those who venture into this remote sandscape return dazzled by the experience. (read more)

The Paracas Peninsula

Reserva Nacional Paracas: This coastline of rugged cliffs and islands is a good place to see a wide array of birds and marine mammals and, in the process, camp or hike amid the spectacular surroundings. (read more)

El Carmen and Chincha

Hacienda San José: With its whitewashed chapel, long wooden veranda, and creole cooking, San José recalls the day when more than 1,000 African slaves worked and lived here. The descendants of the slaves now live in nearby El Carmen, a village that has blossomed into the heartbeat of Afro-Peruvian dance and music. (read more)