Tourism» Near Lima
If you have time after the event, you may want to visit one or many of the tourist attractions around Lima. For a close encounter with the Peruvian coast and to enjoy our exquisite dishes, do not hesitate to visit Hacienda Mamacona. It is also possible to visit the Archaeological Complex of Pachacamac, where you will find the Inca legacy at its finest only one hour away from Lima. Further to the south, Paracas and its heavenly beaches, together with its wonderful National Reserve, will offer relaxing moments in touch with nature. Close to Paracas, the enigmatic Nasca lines (2000 b.C.) will take you to the moment when the first civilizations starting to inhabit our continent. Every option is really worth it.
1. Pachacámac Archaeological Complex
31 km South of Lima, along the Panamericana Sur (45minutes drive) Tel: (511) 430-0168. Site museum: visits: M-S from 09:00 to 17:00.
Pachacamac was the most important ceremonial center along the Peruvian Coast, even before the Inca civilization. The main construction material of this place was mud. Here, you will find palaces, squares and temples (some of them restored), such as the Temple of the Sun and the Acllawasi, both built during the Inca domination (1440-1533) and part of the well-preserved area. The Site Museum holds remains obtained during excavation work.
For more information, go to: http://www.peru.info/s_ftociudades.asp?ids=1457&ic=2&pdr=734&jrq=3.14.2
2. Hacienda Mamacona
20 minutes from Lima, km. 25 of the Panamericana Sur. Alameda Mamacona s/n Lurín · Lima · Perú · Tel. (51-1) 99814-1140, 99418-6995. Folklore show upon reservation: Tuesdays and Thursdays. E-mail: reserva@haciendamamacona.com.pe www.haciendamamacona.com.pe
On the way to Lurin, and very close to the Archaeological Complex of Pachacamac, we find the traditional Hacienda Mamacona (hacienda is sort of a ranch or estate). Its owners have been connected for years to the raising and breeding of Peruvian Paso Horses. This animal, unique in its breed, is known for the elegance of its gait, one that resembles a lateral dance. Twice a week, Mamacona offers a unique show where we can admire the characteristics of this Paso Horses, along with an early ‘criollo’ meal and a typical folk show.
For more information, go to:
http://www.peru.info/s_ftociudades.asp?ids=1457&ic=2&pdr=734&jrq=3.14.2
3. Paracas National Reserve
250 km South of Lima (3 hours)
With 335 thousand hectares, this is a unique refuge for sea-lions, Humboldt penguins, flamingos or parihuanas and many other birds. You may want to visit the reserve more than once, for it holds several natural attractions and archaeological remains.
One of these is the Candelabro (candelabra), a geoglyph of over 120 meters long, which can be well observed from the ocean. The interpretation center offers an interesting explanation on the biodiversity and dangers that threaten the area and the Site Museum Julio C. Tello has a permanent exhibit of the Paracas culture with remains found in surrounding cemeteries.
For more information, go to:
http://www.peru.info/s_ftociudades.asp?pdr=703&jrq=3.10.4&ic=2&ids=1394
http://www.areasprotegidasperu.com/RNP/RNP.htm
http://www.paracas.com/turismo/atractivos-turisticos/reserva-nacional-paracas/
4. Nasca Lines
San José plains, 25 km from Nasca (15 minutes), km 424 of the Panamericana Sur.
Vast group of lines and drawings of animals and plants said to have been done by the Nasca culture. They cover an extension of 350km2 approximately. Some of the best accomplished shapes are the hummingbird, the dog, the monkey and the chaucato. Nasca Lines were given this name upon their discovery in 1927 and are the most incredible vestige ever left by a culture forged 300 years before the Christian era: the result of its complex designs and layout, some of them of almost 300 meters long, may only be seen from the air, at 1.500 feet high. The Nascas, as one may imagine, couldn’t have known aeronautics; how did they design these drawings? What technology did they use? And even more important, why did they decide to make them?
For more information, go to:
http://www.peru.info/s_ftohistoria.asp?pdr=563&jrq=4.1.10&ic=2&ids=1114
5. Caral
Located on the left margin of the middle valley in Supe (45masl), province of Barranca (Lima); 206km north of Lima (4 hours approx.) Visits M-S from 09.00 to 17.00. Last group enters at 16.00. Tel. 495-1515, extension 517; telefax extension 504. Coordinator: Jesús Dulanto Vargas. E-Mail: viajeseducativos.caral@gmail.com / contactos@caralperu.gob.pe
http://www.caralperu.gob.pe/nueva/como_llegar.html
Caral is considered to be the oldest civilization in Peru and South America. This place, discovered not so long ago, is one of the 18 pre-Inca urban settlements that formed the nucleus of the State of Supe and is currently being studied by the archaeologist Ruth Shady. Due to its extension (66 hectares) and complexity, the sacred city of Caral is considered to be an archaeological gem. Its antiquity (3000-2000b.C), make it contemporary with Mesopotamia and the ancient cultures that developed in Egypt, India and China. Its edifications, built and remodeled in consecutive stages of the Late Archaic period, hold a nuclear zone, with monumental structures, two sunken circular squares, residences for the elite population, public employees and servants in several levels or floors. We will also observe remains of their workshops, spaces for massive public congregation and an outlying area with houses. In addition, archaeologists found 37 bugles made of camel and deer bones, as well as 32 flutes elaborated with pelican and condor bones, which evidence the link of music to public activities in the society of Supe.
For more information, go to:
http://www.peru.info/s_ftoespecialessc.asp?ids=5299&ic=1&pdr=1514&jrq=13.4.4.2