South Coast - Peru - page 245

Offline map
A giant three-pronged figure etched into the sandy hills, which is more than 150m high
and 50m wide. No one knows exactly who made the glyph, or when, or what it signifies,
but theories abound. Some connect it to the Nazca Lines, while others propound that it
served as a navigational guide for sailors and was based on the constellation of the South-
ern Cross. Some even believe it to have been inspired by a local cactus species with hallu-
cinogenic properties.

TAMBO COLORADO
This early Inca lowland outpost (admission S8.50; dawn-dusk) , about 45km northeast
of Pisco, was named for the red paint that once completely covered its adobe walls. It's
one of the best-preserved sites on the south coast and is thought to have served as an ad-
ministrative base and control point for passing traffic, mostly conquered peoples.
From Pisco, it takes about an hour to get there by car. Hire a taxi for half a day (S50) or
take a tour from Pisco (S60, two-person minimum). A combi through the village of Hu-
may passes Tambo Colorado 20 minutes beyond the village; it leaves from the Pisco mar-
ket early in the morning (S8, three hours). Once there, ask the locals about when to expect
a return bus, but you could get really stuck out there, as transportation back to Pisco is in-
frequent and often full.

Tours & Guides
Prices and service for tours of Islas Ballestas and Reserva Nacional de Paracas are usually
very similar. The better tours are escorted by a qualified naturalist who speaks Spanish
and English. Most island boat tours leave daily around 8am and cost around S35 per per-
son, but do not include S6 in dock fees. The number of tours and departure times varies,
so it is recommended to reserve a day in advance. Less-than-interesting afternoon land
tours of the Península de Paracas (S25) briefly stop at the national reserve's visitor center,
breeze by coastal geological formations and spend a long time having lunch in a remote
fishing village. Tours of the reserve can be combined with an Islas Ballestas tour to make
a full-day excursion (S60).
Established tour operators:

Paracas Explorer
( 53-1487, 54-5089; www.pparacasexplorer.com ; Paracas 9) In the El Chaco village
of Paracas, this backpacker travel agency offers the usual island and reserve tours, as well
as multiday trips that take you to Ica and Nazca (US$48 to US$175 per person).

GUIDED TOURS