Pictures from PERU, July 2002

Lima-Pisco-Paracas(Islas Ballestas)-Ica(Huacachina)-Nazca

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From Lima to the small fishing village of Pisco (4 hours drive) and next day to the Paracas Peninsula to visit the greatest natural reserve on the Peruvian coast. We boarded a 20 seat boat to visit Las Islas Ballestas. The islands are known as the Peruvian Galapagos due to the huge colonies of sealions and birds, also the centre of the once lucrative Peruvian guano industry. Picture shows a sealion colony in the background, with 'Beachmaster' present

In 1820, when cries for Peruvian independence could be heard throughout the entire continent, it was on the coast of Ica that General Jose de San Martin chose to land his expedition of liberation. In this desert area of Peru we can find traces of the Paracas (700 - 200 BC) and Nazca (200 BC - 800 AD) cultures, Inca ruins and Spanish architecture as well as the desolate beauty of the desert running into the sea.

On a West facing slope on Las Islas Ballestas we see this enigmatic large candelabra carved deep into the rock of the hillside. Explanations as to its origins vary from a sign for Alien Spaceships flying in from orbit to line up on for landing, to an exercise in training for the liberation troops of General Jose de San Martin after their boat trip - No-one knows the origin, but it is a work of some magnitude and magnificance.

Another view of the Candelabra

From Pisco and the Paracas Peninsula we travelled by minibus to Ica, a small colonial town and oasis set within the arid coastal desert. Ica is known as the birthplace of 'Pisco', the typical Peruvian grape brandy, with a pleasant aromatic grape bouquet, used in the making of the popular 'Pisco Sour'. Ica, land of cotton, wine and pisco is full of history relating to the rise and fall of peoples who persevered against the hostility of the desert. This photo shows the Moon over Huacachina oasis, definately not to be missed

The road from Ica to Huacachina Oasis. The town of Ica is surrounded by immense sand dunes, palm fields and vineyards, principally manufacturing pisco. Huacachina Oasis offers a shady, relaxing retreat, swimming in 'supposedly' invigorating waters, restaurants, small boat hire and the sport of sand-surfing

My first attempt at sandsurfing was as exhausting as my first attempt at wave surfing. The views from the top of the sand dunes and the experience of the climb were well worth the effort, rewarded also by riding the dune back down.

'Riding the dune' Haucachina is a green oasis in the middle of huge rolling sand dunes along a desert coast

Comtemplating the sea of sand dunes rolling into the distance

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