When to go
The cold Pacific current keeps the rain away but a misty sun is out here most of the year round, and temperatures are mild. The wildlife is abundant all year round, flamingoes are present Jul-Nov.
Getting local currency
Peruvian Nuevo Sol. Notes in local currency can be withdrawn from the ATMs in the main square at Pisco, the small fishing port close to the Nature Reserve, using a UK credit or debit card; banks also exchange cash. Nazca has a bank which has an ATM and will give cash advances on cards.
Time difference
GMT -5 hours.
Getting there
From Lima by road to Paracas (3 hours) and Nazca (7 hours). From Arequipa 10 hours.
Combines with
The pre-Columbian ruins of a ceremonial centre at Pachacamac in the desert just 31 km south of Lima; Ica, an oasis resort between Paracas and Nazca, wine centre and sand
dune-boarding activities (70 km from Paracas, 140 km from Nazca); Arequipa, Peru’s second city and a colonial work of art in itself, 565 km from Nazca, 10hrs’ drive).
Key events
Virgen de la Guadelupe: Festival held in Nazca 29 Aug 10 Sep annually.