PARACAS NATIONAL RESERVE
The Paracas Protected Area was created on the 25th of September 1975 and in 1991 was declared a Regional Reserve for Migratory Birds Program (now the Wetlands for the Americas Program). In 1992 it was included on the list of special sites by the Convention on Wetlands of International importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (the Ramsar Convention).

The Ballestas Islands are among the main attractions of the reserve. On passage to the islands you will see the Candelabrum, an enormous figure in the shape of a candle holder with two arms on a sandy hillside, the purpose of which is still not known for certain.

BALLESTAS ISLANDS
These islands are breeding and resting places for seals and seabirds. The large rocky outcrops and beaches attract hundreds of species of birds, especially from May to September when their migration is at its height. From the boat you will see large numbers of birds from North America (playeros and chorlos) and – if you’re lucky – a Humboldt Penguin, native to the cold Peruvian current.

THE ROUTE OF THE PISCO IN THE ICA VALLEY
Ica is the most significant of the Pisco production regions of Peru because there we find the most famous Peruvian vineyards and wineries with a history that goes back to the beginning of the colonial period, with its close relationship to the seaport that gives its name to the liquor.

THE PISCO, PATRIMONIO OF THE NATION
Pisco is a Peruvian brandy produced from distilled fermented grape juice. Following traditional technology introduced in the Ica valley by the Spaniards in the sixteenth century. Pisco varieties depend on the grape used, the “Quebranta” being he most popular.
The word pisco means too bird in quechua, the ancient Peruvian native language. Pisco is also the name of an old seaport that appears in the first map of the New World made by Diego Mendez at 1574.
The very same term was employed in colonial times to name a special type of ceramic jug used for the storage of wine and pisco, and the firs historical reference to pisco as the Ica brandy was in 1630.Thus, throughout history, few words have been so related to Peruvian identity as pisco.
That is why, on April 7, 1988, the Peruvian Government declared the Pisco, cultural Patrimony of the Nation, in relation not only to the word itself but to the liquor.


NAZCA
Nazca is a town that has been modernized badly, but it has a number of attractions that are worth at least town days’ stay. The Antonini Museum is the most complete display of the Nazca and Paracas cultures. It also has the Cantayoc aqueduct, archeological remains at Paredones, the sacred city of Cahuachi, the Estaqueria archeological complex, the Nazca cemetery at Chauchilla and the whale museum at Sacaco. The best known attractions, however, are the Nazca lines.

NAZCA LINES AND GEOGLYPHS
These are lines on the earth representing animals and plants, on a plain that is also covered with geometric patterns and figures. The system consists of furrows some 8 inches deep cut into the ground. It is thought that they may have been made between 200 and 500 A.D.
Innumerable theories have been put forward about their origin and purpose; from and Astronomical Calendar to link with UFOS. Nevertheless, nobody knows the truth for certain.- 260 miles south on the Pan American Highway is a tower from which some of the geoglyphs can be seen. Why recommend you to complete the view by taking a flight over the lines in a light aircraft, which can be done from Nazca airfield near the city.