Southern Coast (Peru)

The Southern Coast region of Peru is a barren steppe landscape that merges into the Atacama Desert in the south. There are numerous seaside resorts on the coast. It is comparatively well developed. Many roads are paved.

Paracas Reserve
The Paracas Peninsula is one of the greatest marine reserve of South America, located at the shores of the Pacific Ocean. A boat tour to the Ballestas Islands will be the perfect deal for those in search of marine life. Touring around these small islands, visitors may easy spot hundreds of birds, Humboldt penguins and dozens of sea lions, resting on the shores of the islands. In addition, visitors will also see a huge figure etched on the slope of a hill known by the locals as El Candelabro. Paracas was also home of one of the most important ancient civilizations in Peru, the Paracas culture. By exploring the Paracas National Park by land you will not only enjoy a gorgeous landscape, with unique rock formations, such as the famous Cathedral, but also will learn about the ancient people that lived there between the desert and the sea 2000 years ago.

Department of Ica
Ica is a beautiful city in the southern part of Peru, in the middle of a green valley surrounded by the desert. This wonderful city stands out thanks to its warm climate, gorgeous white sand dunes and to a mysterious lagoon, known by the locals as Huacachina. On this spot visitors may explore the surroundings of the lagoon or go for a ride with buggies out in the desert and practice one of the ultimate sports in our country “Sandboarding”.

This city also has one of the best museums of the country, the Regional Museum, which displays stunning relics and mummies bundles from the various cultures that flourished in the south of Peru, including the Paracas, Nazca, Wari and Inca culture. In addition, visitors may have a great time at one of the traditional vineyards in the countryside and learn how Peruvians prepare their delicious “Pisco Sour”.

Cities

 * — a UNESCO World Heritage site that embodies a rich mix of the indigenous and Spanish colonial cultures
 * — a town with good beaches and fresh seafood from the ocean and the river
 * — a city in the desert near the the Huacachina Lagoon, the only oasis in South America, surrounded by huge sand dunes where you can practice sandboarding
 * — famous for the Nazca Lines, a collection of long lines, geometrical figures, and giant drawings in the desert sand that have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list
 * — the main gateway between Peru and Chile

Other destinations

 * — home to various fauna like the guanay guano bird, the blue-footed booby, the tendril, the Humboldt penguin, fur seals and sea lions
 * — an oasis town in the middle of sand dunes.
 * National Reserve — Coastal desert and wildlife viewing.
 * San Fernando Reserve — The beautiful bay of San Fernando is about 70 km away from Nazca, at the shore of the Pacific Ocean, within the district of Marcona. This wonderful reserve shelters a great variety of sea birds and animals. Among the animals stand out the Humboldt penguins and sea lions. As to the birds, it is very common to see condors, boobies, cormorants, pelicans, Inca Terns and many others species. In addition to wildlife, visitors may also enjoy the unique natural beauty that stretches from beach to beach for many kilometers, offering different views of the bay as well as a peaceful atmosphere.

Get in
Rodríguez Ballón International Airport