Peru's The South Coast
The South Coast
Essentially a narrow strip of desert refreshed by palm oases and spanned by a ribbon of pavement, the Carretera Panamericana, Peru’s South Coast offers far more than mile upon mile of arid desert and rocky coastline. It is within these lowlands that some of the world’s most extraordinary pre Columbian civilizations took root; civilizations whose awe inspiring remains can still be witnessed in such ruins as the Nazca Lines and the burial sites of the Paracas Necropolis. It is also within this region that Afro Peruvian music and dance first played its notes among the Spanish haciendas of Chincha.
However, it is not with history alone that the South Coast draws numerous visitors from around the globe each year. Well noted for the wild nature of its territory, the South Coast lures adventure seekers of every age and interest. The Pacific beaches issue a siren’s call to surfers, and Lunahuana is a river runners paradise. Pisco offers spectacular marine wildlife, as well as a healthy sampling of the national drink, pisco, or Peruvian brandy, and the vineyards and monstrous sand dunes of Ica will appease anyone in search of breathtaking scenery.
