Boats, planes and dune buggies – an action packed 2 day excursion or tour add-on will create adventurous memories!
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Nazca Lines are giant figures and lines drawn in the desert of Southwestern Peru by ancient Nazca peoples. The drawings were created on such a large scale is such that the shapes can be readily discerned only from the air, leading to a variety of theories about their purpose. The Nazca Lines were created in the time of the Nazca civilization, who flourished in the area from 200 BC to about 600 AD. Graves and ruins of their civilization have been found near the lines.
The area of the Peruvian desert in which the Nazca Lines were drawn is parallel to the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. The desert is not sandy, but made of dark red surface stones and soil with lighter-colored subsoil beneath. The lines were created by clearing away the darker upper layer to reveal the lighter subsoil. The lines would have taken a long time to create, perhaps several generations, and many people contributed to their creation. As to the purpose of the Nazca Lines.
It seems incredible that such simply-made drawings have survived for so many hundreds of years, and some have seen a mysterious element to this. But there is also a natural explanation: the surface is made of stone, not sand, and the climate of the area is such that there is practically no erosion. The Nazca peoples chose an excellent place for an enduring monument.
LIMA – PARACAS
Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up at the hotel with private transportation for an approximately 3 hour trip to the incredible location of Paracas, also known as the Peruvian Galapagos Island. Evening walk in town. Spend the night and pamper yourself at a luxury hotel resort at the oceanfront. (Aranwa Hotel Paracas Resort and Spa.)
PARACAS – NAZCA – LIMA
Pick up at 8:00 a.m. for boat transportation of approximately 25 minutes to the Peruvian Galapagos Islands. Here we will see Gumball penguins, birds, turtles and more animals. It is very common to see sea lions – and perhaps even some dolphins! We will explore the islands for about 2 hours and take many beautiful photos. On the way back from the islands we will see the candelabro, carved on the sand mountain by the ancient cultures that have lived in this region. We head back to town and pick up our luggage to drive for about 2 ½ hours to Nazca Town. There, we will board a small aircraft to view the famous World Heritage Site – the Nazca Lines! Thought to be up to 2,500 years old, the reason for the creation of these ancient geoglyphs that create traditional motifs, animals and aliens is often debated. We will have lunch and then drive to visit the Oasis of the Huacachina that is located just 4 miles from Ica City. We have yet one more adventure in store for you today – the Sand Buggy on an incredible desert drive that will both thrill and amaze you! We will enjoy the sun set and take amazing photos. Drive back to Lima, for another great night at your hotel. (Hotel accommodation depending on your choice.)