Peru’s peculiar Pacific coast desert
Ica, Paracas and Nazca
This eclectic region is host to a variety of fascinating cultural cornerstones, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, intriguing towns and dramatic landscapes from coastline to desert.
This eclectic region is host to a variety of fascinating cultural cornerstones, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, intriguing towns and dramatic landscapes from coastline to desert.
Why Ica, Paracas and Nazca?
The northernmost of Peru’s coastal highlights is the Paracas National Reserve. Enjoy an unforgettable marine safari among Humboldt penguin, sea lion and humpback whale. The park is also the site of the Paracas Candelabra, a 183-metre-tall geoglyph created in prehistoric times.
Moving south along the coast, you’ll find the town of Ica on the edge of the Atacama Desert. This town features Spanish colonial architecture and a world-famous pisco in the Bodega El Catador. See (and sample) the production of delicious grape brandy and even press some grapes yourself if your visit coincides with harvest time. In the desert you can see geoglyphs made by the Nazin people depicting birds, animals and trees – these are best seen from above in a small aircraft.
Moving south along the coast, you’ll find the town of Ica on the edge of the Atacama Desert. This town features Spanish colonial architecture and a world-famous pisco in the Bodega El Catador. See (and sample) the production of delicious grape brandy and even press some grapes yourself if your visit coincides with harvest time. In the desert you can see geoglyphs made by the Nazin people depicting birds, animals and trees – these are best seen from above in a small aircraft.
- Varied landscapes from beach to desert.
- Marine safari including penguin and whale watching.
- Ancient geoglyphs.
- Remarkable architecture in Ica.
- Scenic flights over the Atacama Desert.
Luxury travel experiences you won't find anywhere else
Curate Your Exclusive Holiday to Peru
Best Places to Stay in Ica, Paracas and Nazca
Hotel Paracas
Facing Paracas National Reserve and with its own private pier from which you can take cruises to the Ballestas Islands, this hotel is far more than just a base for experiencing the Nazca Lines.
Vinas Queirolo
Vinas Queirolo is a palace of a place, and the only hotel in Peru nestled in the heart of a vineyard. Wine lovers naturally will feel right at home, but we have also fallen in love with the scenery and the laidback lifestyle.
Private Journeys Tailored to You
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.
Who are Journeysmiths?
An experienced team of well-travelled individuals, passionate about crafting journeys that are as exceptional as they are personal, while maximising our positive impact on the places in which we work.
Why Travel With Us?
While the evolution of travel and technology has seen much change at Journeysmiths over the years, our fundamental beliefs about the perfect holiday have not.
Positive Impact Mission
Journeysmiths mission is to inspire and expand peoples horizons through exceptional travel experiences, while preserving the natural world for future generations.
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