south of Lima. But in addition to the Nazca Lines, other wonders are in store, including the Paracas wildlife sanctuary and the home of Peru’s signature alcoholic beverage – pisco.

Paracas, 150 miles south of Lima, is home to Peru's largest coastal wildlife sanctuary. Within it are the Ballestas Islands, home to thousands of resident and migratory sea birds, including pelicans, boobies, cormorants, terns and penguins that share their habitat with herds of sea lions and fur seals. In the summer, condors and flamingoes are also frequent visitors to the bayshore. Paracas boasts a charming hotel that is ideal for a quick stopover or a weekend getaway.

An hour's drive along the Pan American highway takes the visitor south to Ica, a verdant oasis and home of Peru's famous pisco grape brandy. Ica also houses a fine archaeological museum and two of Peru’s finest resort hotels.

Further south lies Nazca, site of the world famous Nazca Lines. These giant animal and geometric figures were etched on the desert sands by Nazca people 1,500 years ago. While they can be seen from ground towers, the Nazca Lines are best viewed from the air. Airstrips in both Ica and Nazca permit aerial viewing of the Nazca Lines on short, comfortable flights.

Before leaving Nazca, the traveler may wish to opt for a half-day tour of the Cantalloc hacienda and its famous underground aqueducts.