Southern Coast Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Peru's Southern Coast with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Southern Coast

Peru’s Southern Coast is a treasure trove of outdoor and cultural experiences, ranging from ancient ruins to charming fishing villages. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, history buff, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, the Southern Coast has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Coast

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Nazca Lines: These ancient geoglyphs, located near the town of Nazca, are an enigma to archaeologists and visitors alike. The best way to view these massive designs is from a scenic plane ride.
  • Paracas National Reserve: A unique and diverse ecosystem with distinctive coastal habitats, such as the Ballestas Islands and red sand beaches.
  • Chan Chan: Once the largest city in the Americas, Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimu Empire, a pre-Inca civilization.
  • Huaca de la Luna: A stunning Mochica temple complex, featuring colorful murals and ceremonial spaces.
  • Museum of the Lord of Sipan: The site displays the discoveries of the pre-Columbian Moche civilization tombs located near the northwestern city of Chiclayo.

Natural Attractions of Southern Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Huacachina: A natural oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes, perfect for sandboarding or enjoying a sunset over the desert.
  • Colca Canyon: One of the deepest canyons in the world, with stunning views and opportunities to spot soaring Andean condors.
  • Islas Ballestas: Often referred to as the “poor man’s Galapagos,” these islands are a great place to see sea lions, penguins, and a variety of shorebirds.
  • Paracas Bay: A vast coastal bay with incredible sunrises and sunsets, and an excellent place to kayak or paddleboard.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Coast

  • Inca Trail: Though it is more famous as a pathway to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail offers excellent hiking through the rugged Andes Mountains.
  • Colca Canyon Trek: This trek to Colca Canyon involves an exploration of one of the deepest canyons in the world and is a great way to spot vibrant La Calera hot springs.
  • Biking Cabo Blanco: The stunning views of the ocean and landscapes that travelers get to enjoy while biking over Cabo Blanco ensure that it is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Peru.

Best Things to Do in Southern Coast: Activities and Tours

  • Pisco Tasting: Pisco is a Peruvian national drink, and a tour of the best wineries is a must for any visitor.
  • Sandboarding in Huacachina: For an adrenaline-fueled experience, try sandboarding down towering sand dunes in this natural oasis.
  • Surfing in Mancora: With world-class waves, the picturesque little beach town of Mancora is a surfer’s paradise.
  • Boat Tours of Islas Ballestas: Experience the abundant marine life and peaceful bays of these small islands.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Coast

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Lima, Peru’s capital city
Day 2 Catch a flight to Nazca and take a scenic Nazca Lines flight before arriving at Paracas Bay
Day 3 Explore Paracas National Reserve in the morning before driving to Huacachina for some sand-boarding and desert adventure
Day 4 Take an early morning bus to Arequipa and explore the city and nearby Santa Catalina Monastery
Day 5 Enjoy the epic scenery of Colca Canyon on a guided day trek before returning to Arequipa
Day 6 Take a morning flight to Chiclayo and visit some museums and local artisan markets
Day 7 Visit the ancient ruins of Chan Chan and Huaca de la Luna before flying back to Lima to catch your flight home

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Coast

Must-Try Dishes

Peruvian cuisine is world-renowned, and the Southern Coast is no exception. Here are some must-try dishes:

  • Ceviche: A refreshing cold fish dish marinated in lime juice, chili pepper, onions, and cilantro.
  • Lomo Saltado: A stir fry of beef, onions, tomatoes and Peruvian chili peppers and soy sauce, served over rice.
  • Arroz con Mariscos: A hearty rice-based dish with seafood, onion, chili pepper, and garlic.

Local Beverages

  • Pisco Sour: Peru’s signature cocktail made with pisco, lime juice, egg whites, and simple syrup.
  • Chicha Morada: A refreshing drink made from purple corn, pineapple, and spices.

Where to Stay in Southern Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort: This resort is the epitome of luxury, with fantastic views of the ocean and with excellent service, guests can be assured of a comfortable stay.
  • Casa Andina Standard Nasca Hotel: This hotel strikes a great balance between quality and price and is located conveniently near Nasca airport.
  • El Cortijo Hacienda Hotel: A converted 17th-century hacienda with antique furniture and scenic views of the Andes Mountains.

What to Buy in Southern Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handicrafts: From alpaca wool clothing to intricate woven textiles, Southern Coast markets are a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs.
  • Pisco: An authentic bottle of pisco is an excellent memento of your trip, often found at quality wineries.

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Coast

  • Language: Spanish is the official language of Peru, but the indigenous language Quechua is still spoken in some areas.
  • Festivals: The Southern Coast has a wealth of traditional festivals throughout the year, particularly Semana Santa (Easter Week) celebrations.
  • Etiquette: Show respect by dressing modestly at cultural sites, and try to avoid discussing politics with locals.

Best Time to Visit Southern Coast

The best time to visit Southern Coast is from December to March when the weather is comfortably warm and sunny, with low precipitation. It is recommended to avoid the region during the rainy season between May to September, as heavy showers can hinder travel plans.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Coast

Do:

  • Plan ahead to ensure you get to visit the destinations of your choice
  • Bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and other necessary items for outdoor activities
  • Try the local dishes and beverages

Don’t:

  • Get involved in illegal drugs: drug trafficking carries steep penalties in Peru, including imprisonment or even death
  • Visit unsafe areas or travel alone after dark in unfamiliar areas

Safety and Health in Southern Coast

Safety in Southern Coast

Peru is generally considered safe for travelers, but pickpocketing and other petty crimes are not uncommon. It is always advisable to keep an eye on your personal belongings and avoid walking alone in deserted areas at night.

Health in Southern Coast

Travelers should ensure that they’re up-to-date with their routine vaccinations and Hepatitis A/B vaccinations before embarking on their trip. It is also important to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever and keep a sufficient amount of insect repellent on hand.

Getting to Southern Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southern Coast

  • Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM): Lima is the largest city in Peru, and the main international gateway into the country.

Bus Stations Near Southern Coast

  • Cruz del Sur (Lima): With luxurious seats and amenities, this is the ideal bus company for long journeys across the country and to neighboring towns.
  • Perú Bus (Arequipa): For those travelling to Arequipa, Perú Bus offers great comfort and punctuality.

Other Options

  • Train: Train travel is an option in some parts of the Southern Coast, most notably in the Cusco region.

How to Get Around in Southern Coast

Taxis and buses are the main modes of transport for travelers in the Southern Coast. Local guides can help arrange tours and excursions to popular attractions.

Where to Go Next from Southern Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Lima: Peru’s capital city is home to world-renowned museums, impressive architecture, and a bustling food scene.
  • Cusco and Machu Picchu: A visit to this historic city and the nearby ancient ruins of Machu Picchu is a must for any traveler to Peru.
  • Titicaca Lake: This is the highest navigable lake in the world and offers stunning scenery, traditional art, and culture.

Conclusion

The Southern Coast of Peru is a diverse and fascinating part of this South American country, offering history, adventure, and culture. Plan ahead, take necessary precautions, and enjoy all that this stunning region has to offer.



    Ballestas Islands
    Paracas
    Tacna