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Paracas is spa, a peninsula, a bay, a pre-Inca
Culture and a National Reserve. Its amazing for
birdwatchers and hikers.
The desert and the sea come together in spectacular
landscapes in Paracas, in the department of Ica,
just a few hours south from Lima. The cliffs that
fringe the beaches are teeming with life, millions
of birds that live here year-round, and thousands of
others that fly from the northern hemisphere and
from further south, ranging from guano birds to
Humboldt penguins.
Boats departure from the port to Islas Ballestas (Ballesta
Islands), giving visitors a chance to gaze at the
sea lion colonies, millions of birds and you'll see
the famous three-pronged Candelabro (Candelabrum),
carved into the sand with a similar technique to the
Nazca Lines, although possibly of a different
origin: theories range from pirates marking a
treasure hiding place to soldiers fighting for
Latin-American independence from Spain.
By car, or buggies, you can visit the terrestrial
area of Paracas National Reserve and enjoy the
desert dunes. Back on the traditional circuit, the
road leads to the on-site museum and the ruins of
the burial grounds of the Paracas culture (700 BC),
whose weaving skills have been admired the world
over. A trail leads down to a protected bay, the
natural habitat of flamingoes, the scarlet-and-white
birds that inspired the colors of the Peruvian flag.
They are not to be disturbed. Further south lie the
striking natural rock formations of the Catedral
(Cathedral) and Mendieta.
At sunset, the Paracas coast spins through a range
of colors, the signal for nostalgic visitors to
return to the city.
Spa of
Paracas
Located in the
province of Pisco; is located at 9.3 miles (15 km)
of the city and port of Pisco. It is a place of
gentle beaches and sunny weather most of the year.
Very close by a picturesque creek of fishermen
called El Chaco and a residential area are located.
It is the starting point to visit the fantastic
attractions that are located in its surroundings.
Alternatives for the practice of water sports in
private clubs, excellent seafood and enjoy the
famous Peruvian Pisco Sour cocktail.
Reserva Nacional de Paracas (Paracas National
Reserve)
Nature and ecology lovers will find the only marine
reservation of Peru in this place. This reserve is
dedicated to the protection and the conservation of
marine ecosystems as well as for the protection of
the cultural and historical patrimony of the
pre-Inca Paracas culture.
It is considered as one of the richest and most
uncommon ecosystems in the world; declared "Natural
World Heritage Site" by UNESCO. Many tour operators
offers you a tour to the reserve.
Paracas Peninsula
On this peninsula, on a sandy hillside, the
enigmatic figure of the chandelier is found. This
chandelier, with its trident form, belongs to
pre-Inca cultures. It is yet to be determined its
meaning. The best way to appreciate this figure is
from a boat in a tour to Islas Ballestas. These
boats normally offer rides to visit the Paracas
Natural Reserve as well as the Islas Ballestas,
which allow an excellent view of the Candelabro
(Candelabrum).
Bay of
Paracas
This bay is formed on the north part of the
peninsula of Paracas, and has special historical
significance for Peruvians, since it was here where
José de San Martín disembark with the liberation
forces, began the campaign for independence to end
the Spanish viceroyalty. An obelisk reminder to this
historical event.
On the beaches of this bay, it is frequent to find
Andean parihuanas (flamingos), of beautiful red and
white plumage, which inspired José de San Martín for
the Peruvian flag.
Pisco
Town founded in 1640, divided in Pisco town and
Pisco port. The picturesque fishermen's wharf of San
Andrés is located on its beaches, in which numerous
popular restaurants of seafood also exist
characterized by the simplicity of its presentation,
yet exquisite typical food. (52,100 inhabitants)
Pisco has an airport that does not have regular air
traffic. The port was disabled for marine traffic;
being displaced by the modern port of San Martín,
located in the peninsula of Paracas.
Source:
Go2Peru.com
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