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Wedged
in the middle of the coastal desert in the department of Ica,
covering an area of 335,000 hectares, Paracas is the only
national reserve that protects part of the Peruvian sea which
is chilled by the cold Humboldt current. This unique area
is home to some of the world's richest fishing grounds, which
has been made possible by marine upswells which bring to the
surface vast masses of plankton, a vital food supply for hundreds
of fish species.
Paracas is also home to guano-producing bird species and large
colonies of sea lions, and is a haven for dozens of visiting
migratory bird species and endangered species such as the
marine wildcat or chingungo, the Humboldt penguin and pink
flamingoes. The area also saw the rise of the Paracas culture,
a major pre-Colombian civilization who left a legacy of superb
textiles and items of pottery whose quality continues to astound
visitors.
Climate: Typical desert climate,
where temperatures can top 30°C. Days are sunny during
summer (December to March) and part of winter, when temperatures
can dip at night to 10°C. In the afternoon, the area is
often swept by gusting winds -known locally as paracas.
Access to Paracas: From Pisco
(240 km from Lima) visitors need to take the paved road that
leads to the reserve, which is connected to a network of branch
roads that lead down to the beaches and main attractions.
Visitors are advised to spend two to three days at the reserve
and camp on the beach for true contact with nature. |
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