As the cradles of two of the most significant pre-Inca cultures in Peru – the fabric-weaving Paracas and the pottery-making Nazca – the valleys of Nazca, lea, Pisco and Chincha overflow with archaeological wealth.

Shrine of Our Lord of Luren – Nazca astronomical calendar – Ballestas Islands – Paracas national reserve – Huacachina lagoon.

The Paracas natural reserve is internationally protected. Its hugely varied fauna includes penguins living in a fully tropical climate and a large population of sea wolves on the Ballestas islands. Nearby, the Paracas desert offers spectacular sights. The Paracas Candelabrum and famous Nazca lines are among the region's archaeological treasures whose meaning still eludes the modern viewer.

Archaeological sites include Huaca La Centinela (Chincha), the fortress of Tambo Colorado (Pisco), Huaca Guadalupe, the lost city of Huayuri (Palpa), and the Cahuachi ceremonial centre (Nazca).