Hey, Peru travelers – let me make a bold proposition to you. Are you ready to get off the “Gringo Trail” and explore some lesser-visited Southern Peru destinations? This region is much more than barren deserts! You can visit historic towns and ancient indigenous ruins, relax at cool beaches and hot springs, and partake of great local cuisine, pisco, and wine. Wildlife is abundant, as are more active outdoor pursuits like hiking and wild water sports. Indeed, Southern Peru has a bit of everything for both laid-back and adventure travelers!
If you’ve enjoyed a visit to Paracas, or visited Ica’s pisco wineries and flew over the Nazca Lines, you’ve just gotten to the edge and it’s time to plunge deeper into the amazing sights further south.
Adventures that Await
Southern Peru offers even the casual traveler an astounding array of high-octane adventures. Get ready for hiking and trekking, sandboarding, and rock climbing. Water sports include scuba diving, surfing, sea kayaking and white-water rafting.
Hiking and Trekking
The south Peru coast is beaded with beaches, making it easy to walk kilometers from one to another. You can pack a lunch and your swim gear, and spend the day awash in the sound of the sea and multitudes of birds. Just be sure to wear good sun protection as the wide open spaces with little shade make sunburn a real possibility.
Some of the nature reserves have hiking trails that give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature.
A great challenge for hard-core trekkers is Qhapaq Ñan. This extensive Andean road system, which reached its height during the Inca Empire, wended across 30,000 kilometers from northern Argentina and Chile to Southern Colombia. As Peru was the Inca homeland, the network is quite extensive in this country. In southern Peru, it is especially so in the Arequipa Department, connecting Lake Titicaca and Cusco with the coast. Another major leg runs through the desert between Moquegua and Tacna. Along the coast north of Mollendo, some of the road network still exists. Since UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site, extensive mapping of the roads has been underway and local tour agencies are offering treks in their neck of the woods, similar to the Appalachian Trail (USA) or the Camino de Santiago (Spain).
If you are planning to do a walking excursion without a guide, be sure to ask locally about any safety concerns of your planned route.
Wild Water Sports
Not much is written about water sports in southern Peru, which makes this the perfect off-the-beaten track destination to get your gear out. But be forewarned and don’t let the hot sun fool you. Thanks to the Humboldt Current, the waters here are frigid, and so a wetsuit is necessary.
Peru is well known in general for its surfing and its world-class surfers. Southern Peru, however, isn’t what newbies think of for this wild water sport, when almost two dozen beaches that stretch from Playa de Huagin to Boca del Río will prove to be uncrowded and give you more waves to enjoy for yourself. Check Magic Sea Weed for surf reports and forecasts.
Southern Peru’s coast provides countless snorkeling nooks and crannies. But this is also virgin territory of scuba diving (buceo), especially at Caravelí, Camaná and Islay. You can scope out these hidden spots and more at Buceo en la Costa Sur del Peru.
Sea kayaking is another way to see Peru’s southern coast and get close to wildlife. In some communities you may be able to rent a kayak, and some agencies offer multi-day tours from Matarani to Caleta de Quilca and other routes. White-water rafting is offered in the Camaná and Majes regions.
Sandboarding
Peru’s coastal desert has massive dunes – the perfect venue for sandboarding, especially near Tanaka, Acarí and Camaná.
Rock climbing in Chala and Ilo is another activity to add to your bucket list.
National Parks and Reserves
If you’re focused on observing birds and other fauna, Peru’s national parks and reserves in this region won’t disappoint. Most of these have limited services. Some are accessible by land and others by boat tour.
Reserva Nacional de Islas, Islotes y Puntas Guaneras makes our list of the best Peruvian national parks to visit. This chain of reserves extends the entire length of Peru’s Pacific coast, and includes Punta Lomas, Punta Atico, Punta La Chira, Punta Hornillos and Punta Coles. They guarantee ample opportunities to observe Humboldt penguin, Peruvian diving petrel, Inca tern, and several species of cormorant and boobie. Large colonies of South American sea lion, South American fur seal, and marine otter are common. Offshore you can spot whales and dolphins.
Other parks to add to your itinerary are Humedales de Chaviña (north of Yauca), Lagunas de Mejía National Sanctuary (near Islay), Lomas de Atiquipa (north of Chala), and Humedales de Ite (Ite).
Archaeological Sites
The entire length of Peru’s southern coast is dotted with archaeological sites. Some are ruins of homes, others of tombs.
The landscape is decorated with scores of petroglyphs (rock carvings). Many ancient cultures, like Inka, Tiwanaku, Curibaya, Wari and Chinchorro (which is famous for having the oldest mummies in the world) are represented in this region.
Culinary Delights
Southern Peru’s seas offer a rich smorgasbord of delightful mariscos (seafood). Nearer the Andes, you’ll be served up region delights like cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca. Moquegua is renowned for its impressive collection of savory and sweet recipes – locals claim there are over 400 varieties of desserts to partake!
Add time to your southern Peru itinerary to visit the region’s many pisco and wine vineyards. The country’s best pisco is said to be from the Moquegua region. And, without a doubt, Peru’s best wines are from the Majes Valley. But there are many other types of liquor to imbibe here, like leche de monja (whole eggs dissolved in lemon juice, then diluted with pisco) and macerados (fruits soaked in grain alcohol or in pisco).
Hot Springs
After a day of adventures, a soaking in aguas calientes is always a welcome respite. The volcanic heart of the Andes provides plenty of hot springs to soak in. Add to your itinerary the termales near Tacna.
When to Visit Southern Peru
Any time of the year is great in southern Peru. Daytime highs range from 19º to 26ºC, with it being coolest in July and August. The climate is normally dry year-round. Nonetheless, avoid times when the rains are heavy in the mountains further inland. These can cause the dry riverbed huacos to come roaring to life with raging waters, cutting across the highways along the coast. These dry rivers so rarely flow across the desert that no bridges have ever been built go over them. Keep an eye on the news, and make sure you pack road snacks and have your necessary medicines, etc. in case you find your trip huaco-impeded.
Like other Latin Americans, Peruvians love heading to the beach during holidays, including their Fiestas Patrias at the end of July, and between December and March. Any beach (including the more laid-back ones) will be packed.
Planning Your Itinerary
I have chosen nine “base camps” from which you can launch your southern Peru Adventure. Find the places that offer the activities you’d like to do and add them to your itinerary. Each has local sites and day trips for you to consider.
You can also opt to stay in one of the day trip destinations, many of which have camping options, and make the “base camp” a day trip.
Even though local and national quarantines are easing, some communities still have COVID-19 restrictions. Keep yourself constantly updated with regional reports, like LatinBus.
YAUCA
- Archaeology
- Beaches
- Nature Reserves
- Sandboarding
Our first stop on the PanAm Highway is Yauca, a small town surrounded by olive groves. Contact Almazara Fundo Verde to arrange a visit to their olive oil facilities, between April and the end of June. The town itself has no museums or the like – but it is a very convenient base from which to visit a variety of other attractions nearby.
Day Trips - North
At the mouth of the Río Acarí are the Humedales de Chaviña. This estuary wetland covers 200 hectares and is home to over 70 resident and migratory bird species, including Chilean flamingo and the rare roseate spoonbill. After exploring these marshlands, relax at Playa de las Peñuelas.
The road to Chaviña village continues to Acarí. On the Plaza de Armas (main town square) is Museo Riddell (a.k.a. Museo Acarí), an archaeological museum displaying textiles and ceramics of the Wari culture. Also on exhibit are a number of decapitated corpses dating from pre-Columbian times. Near Acarí are the highest sand dunes in Perú like Toromata, a perfect place for sandboarding.
Over 10 million years ago, a massive bay extended from Pisco to Yauca. Its former denizens can be viewed at the paleontological museum Sacaco. On display are the fossilized remains of giant oysters, sharks, giant sloths and other prehistoric critters. The star of the show is the whale Roque. Sacaco can be added to an outing to the Humedales de Chaviña. There is lodging in the nearest town, Bella Unión.
Punta Lomas National Reserve is part of the Reserva Nacional Sistema Isla, Islotes y Puntas Guaneras, a network of protected areas that stretch the entire length of Peru’s coast. This reserve, located at the tip of Punta Lomas peninsula, protects both land (16 hectares) and sea (over 2,300 hectares). Dolphins, sea otters, sea lions and other mammals can be observed, as well as various species of gannets, cormorants, boobies – and the Humboldt penguin! The fishing village Puerto Lomas has restaurants, camping and fine beaches.
Day Trips - South
Tanaka is the favorite beach destination for Yauca locals. The turquoise-colored ocean is edged by sandy stretches. Occasional rock outcroppings form tranquil, aquarium-like pools (pozos) – like Aprendiz, Choral and Corrales – that are perfect for soaking or snorkeling.
The backdrop of this scene are dunes you can sandboard! Other sports are windsurfing and kayaking. Several inexpensive inns (hospedajes) provide lodging.
CHALA
- Archaeology
- Beaches
- Birdwatching
- Rock Climbing
- Sea Kayaking
Chala is a great destination for those travelers looking for sun, sea and sand! It’s also the perfect base for exploring nature and archaeological ruins – and hiking part of the Qhapaq Ñan Inca road system. Other activities include taking a boat tour of the coast and sea kayaking.
Day Trips
Santa Rosa de Atiquipa is the starting point for exploring the 42,000-hectare Lomas de Atiquipa. These mounds are places in the desert where moisture collects – and bloom to life between July and November. Atiquipa is one of the largest extant lomas ecosystems in Peru. Over 350 flora species thrive, among which is the nearly extinct arrayán tree. Calling this home are mammals like South American white-tailed deer, grey fox, and guanaco, as well as over 80 bird species.
The Qhapaq Ñan runs through the reserve and therefore there are several archaeological sites that are embedded there.
Bordering the reserve is Playa Jihuay, a tranquil place to walk the beach or fish (don’t forget your permit!), seek out archaeological sites, observe wildlife, or climb rocks!
Basic eateries and camping are available. In Atiquipa, you’ll find basic hotels.
Puerto Inka (a.ka. Quebrada de la Waca) (20 km northwest) is rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in southern Peru – and one of the most important archaeological sites on the country’s coast.
The tranquil bay is habitat for sea lions, dolphins, and multitudes of birds. Also on these shores are the ruins of multiple buildings and tombs from the Inca Empire (13th-15th centuries). You can even hike part of the Inca road, Qhapaq Ñan, that goes all the way to Cuzco.
Other activities in Puerto Inka include sea kayaking and boat tours.
There is a hotel, and its website has a lot of local information and camping suggestions.
ATICO
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- Archaeology
- Beaches
- Hiking
- Nature Reserves
- Pisco
Like many seaside villages, Atico has plenty of beaches. Head out for a day or more by the sea in La Florida, Los Colorados, Leonardos, Poza Verde, Puyenca or Los Cajellones. A ten-minute boat journey will bring you to Punta Blanca with large colonies of sea lions and guano-producing birds; this is also a prime scuba diving spot.
Museo Municipal Aticus (on the Plaza de Armas) displays items from Nasca, La Ramada, Wari and other ancient cultures. You can hike to the archaeological site Terrazas de Atico (5 km, on road to Caravelí). Other ruins line the Panamerican Highway: Oscuyo (Km 725-726 Panamericana Sur) and Quebrada Convento (Km 724 Panamericana Sur), among others.
Day Trips
Reserva Punta Atico is another one of the protected areas of the Sistema de Islas, Islotes y Puntas Guaneras National Reserves. Located on a ragged-edged peninsula, it protects 75 hectares on land and almost 3,400 hectare at sea. Guanay cormorant, Peruvian gull, Peruvian pelican and Peruvian boobie, among others, are marine birds seen here. Large colonies of fur seals and sea lions call Punta Atico home. Also present is marine otter.
Caravelí (77 km northeast) offers a feast of laid-back adventures, encompassing nature, archaeology, religion – and pisco!
Los Altos de Caravelí Reserve and Conservation Zone near Cahuacho (56 km north) is a 15,000-hectare park designed to protect one of Peru’s largest guanaco populations. It also is habitat for 44 fauna species and 32 threatened flora species, over half of which are endemic. Also near Cahuacho is Incawasi, the ruins of a Wari ceremonial site.
Other archaeological sites near Caravelí are Complejo Arqueológico la Huarca (35 km south), a large, poorly preserved site of the Cabana y Collagua nations, and Ananta (5 km east by road + 5 km hike), a ceremonial site with buildings and many petroglyphs.
Since colonial times, Caravelí has been a major pisco and wine producing area. Many vineyards are within 10 kilometers of the city: Chirisco, el Buen Paso, la Huarca, Caspaza, Ananta, Huaspicha, Acapana, among others. Some agencies in Caravelí offer pisco tours. The best time to arrange a visit to a bodega (wine cellar) is during the vindemia (grape harvest), March-April.
Caravelí fêtes its patron saint, the Virgen del Buen Paso, 1-6 February. Caravelí has hotels of various classes, if you want to spend more time here.
CAMANÁ
- Archaeology
- Beaches
- Nature Reserves
- Pisco
- Sea Kayaking
- Scuba Diving
Camaná has plenty of in-town and day trip adventures to undertake! Beaches provide snorkeling and surfing, nature reserves offer birdwatching and hiking. There are archaeological ruins to explore and pisco to savor.
One in-town activity is La Inmaculada archaeological museum which provides a good primer to the ancient sites around Camaná with displays of ceramics and textiles (Av. Samuel Pastor 1201, La Pampa).
Take a pre-booked tour (with an agency or on your own) of Bodega Pisco Camaná is an opportunity to learn more about pisco distilling and to try this liquor.
El Chiflón (3 km from town) offers birdwatching, hiking and sea kayaking. Two kilometers from town are the Playas de Samuel Pastor, a string of sandy strands including El Chorro, La Punta, Cerrillos and Las Cuevas These beaches offer a variety of activities by themselves, including hiking, cycling, boating excursions, birdwatching, sandboarding and surfing. Hotel and camping options in Playas de Samuel Pastor are limited in the low season.
Other activities are rafting on the Río Camaná, hiking through the verdant countryside and fly fishing. Near the mouth of the river are Laguna de Tilimaco and Laguna la Culeca, home to dozens of species of native and migratory birds.
Day Trips - Northwest
La Chira is comprised of a beach (playa) and a national reserve. This out-of-the-way bay is a perfect place to take hikes and observe wildlife. Punta La Chira National Reserve, part of the Reserva Nacional de Islas, Islotes y Puntas Guaneras, protects a small peninsula and offshore islands that are home for guano-producing birds like pelicans and cormorants. Local legend says pirate treasure is buried here. It is possible to camp at La Chira.
The rocky shore of the Caleta del Inca cove conceal crystal-clear, warm waters in a horseshoe-shaped beach with a small fishing village. If you have your own gear, you can fish or scuba dive here. It is possible to camp.
The Ocoña River flows 60 kilometers, through a broad valley with verdant farmlands to the sea. Its wonderful landscape makes for good hiking, birdwatching, fly fishing and rafting. There are several campgrounds. The second week of November is the Shrimp Festival (Festival de Camarón).
Conjunto Arqueológico Monte Pucor has three archaeological cemetery groupings, ruins of buildings, and 30 incredible petroglyphs depicting Father Sun, fox, serpents, and camelids. The site shows Wari and Collagua influences. Pucor was abandoned about 1600 CE due to the eruption of Huaynaputina Volcano.
Day Trips - North
Valle de Majes (100-125 km north)
Before it is the Río Camaná, this river is known as the Río Majes, which flows through the Valle de Majes. These fertile lands produce some of Peru’s best wines and pisco. Majes town, located 83 km east of the river valley, is not to be confused with the delights that await you. And even though guidebooks talk of the Majes River Valley as a day trip from Arequipa, it is actually closer to Camaná. The two principal towns, Corire and Aploa, have lodging.
The Majes Valley is Arequipa Department’s prime wine and pisco producing region and celebrates its Festival de Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival) between February and April.
Corire (105 km from Camaná) is the first town of note going upriver. Several vineyards operate here that you can visit by appointment or on tour, the most famous being Bodega Majes Tradición (3 km east). (Tip: Behind the bodega are petroglyphs!)
Toro Muerto is 5 km west of Corire and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprising more than 5,000 carvings covering 50 square kilometers. Allow at least two hours to hike around this site, and bring sun protection and water.
Parque Jurásico de Querulpa (9 km north of Corire) protects 150-million-year-old dinosaur tracks. Further up the road is Aploa, known for its Class II-IV white water rafting rapids.
Day Trips - South
In colonial times, Quilca was a major port. During the War of the Pacific, occupying Chilean forces torched the villages. Today, it is more laid-back and has some of the region’s most stunning beaches.
On the 1st of February every year, pilgrims honoring the Virgen de Candelaria make a procession from Camaná to Quilca.
Several lodging options exist, as well as camping at Caleta de Quilca and other beaches.
The Museo Municipal de Quilca in the town’s main square displays ceramics, textiles, mummies and other archaeological finds. Parts of the Chaviña-Islay leg of the Qhapaq Ñan still exist here.
Petroglyphs are visible alongside the highway between Camaná and Quilca.
At the cove, Caleta de Quilca, you can hike, birdwatch or take a boat tour with local fishermen to observe sea lions and marine birds. Following the coast northward are other beaches, like Playa la Miel, which offers scuba diving, sea kayaking, birdwatching and camping; and Caleta la Sorda, with scuba, rafting, hiking, birdwatching and other activities. To the south the Playas de Islay begin (see Mollendo below), including Caleta de Arantas and Caleta de Honoratos, which are only accessible by boat from Quilca.
MOLLENDO
- Beaches
- Birdwatching
- Hiking
- Nature Reserves
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Mollendo was an exclusive beach resort, but now anyone is welcome to come! This was also the terminus of the passenger train to Arequipa and Puno, but the only thing that remains is the Estación Ferroviaria de Mollendo, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and now a museum and cultural center complete with an 1871 steam locomotive.
Along the Malecón Ratty, the seafront promenade, are several beaches and Castillo Forga, a 100-year-old fantasy castle built by one of the city’s industrial giants. A few kilometers from Plaza Bolognesi (the main plaza) is Mirador el Fuerte, which up until the mid-19th century was an important defense lookout point – views are impressive from these heights.
Matarani (14 km west) is southern Peru’s main port– and like any major port, it has hotels, restaurants and services. It is possible to hire a boat to the less accessible coves (caletas) and beaches along this stretch of the coast, collectively called the Playas of Islay.
Day Trips
Mollendo is the capital of Islay Province. The Playas de Islay stretch 35 kilometers, from Calahuani in the far north to Agualima in the south. These broad, attractive beaches and isolated coves are rated the best of southern Peru, and draw national and foreign tourists alike in summer (December-March). The majority embrace the coast north of Mollendo. Agencies in Mollendo, Matarani and Quilca offer tours to the more remote beaches.
The closest to town, and thus the most visited, are Playas 1, 2 and 3. Also within the city limits is Balneario la Aguadita, a thermal spring (temperature: 26ºC) on the edge of the sea.
Moving north, the next beaches are Albatros, and Caleta de Catarindo. Catarindo was a favorite pirate haunt in the 16th century and has a beach with fine, white sand and calm waters. It also has a variety of activities, including scuba diving, hiking and boating excursions, and restaurants.
Past Matarani port are two coves accesible only by boat: Caleta Mollendito and Caleta Quebrada Honda. Caleta Centeno de Islay, however, is accessible by road, as is Punta Hornillos National Reserve (see below) with abundant wildlife.
Continuing northward, encounter Caleta de Honoratos, a beautiful landscape of white- and red-colored beaches with opportunities for diving, birdwatching, and camping. You can view there the resident sea lions, penguins and dolphins.
The orange beach of Caleta Huata has a hotel and snorkeling.
South from Mollendo are more of the Playas de Islay: Las Rocas, Sombrero Grande (so named for a giant rock formation), Mejía (see below) and Punta de Bombón (see below).
Day Trips – North
Lomas de Matarani protects an ecosystem unique to the Peruvian coastal desert. These hills trap the moisture of the garúa (sea mist) which nourishes verdant pockets of green in the midst of barrenness. Over 70 species of birds have been recorded in Lomas de Matarani and almost two dozen mammals. A refreshing hike through these lomas afford great views of the sea.
Punta Hornillos is another part of the nation-wide Reserva Nacional de Islas, Islotes y Puntas Guaneras. This reserve protects a small peninsula and large island (54 hectares total) and a 2,630-hectare marine zone. Resident species include large colonies of guano-producing birds including several varieties of cormorants, and Peruvian boobie, Humboldt penguins, sea lions and dolphins. It is accessible only by boat, from either Matarani or Quilca (see above).
Day Trips - South
Mejía is a popular each destination for families, especially in summer. Stroll through the streets lined with colonial mansions to the broad beach washed by calm sea. All services (hotels, camping, restaurants) are available here, as well as a variety of recreational activities.
The Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejia includes the Lagunas de Mejía, an internationally recognized Ramsar Site that protects 690 hectares of brackish lagoons, saline marshes, reed beds, riverine forest and sandy shores in the midst of Peru’s coastal desert. An astounding 211 species of avifauna have been recorded here, of which 79 are resident and those who nest here. Migrant birds from North America and the Arctic number 80 species. The nature sanctuary has a visitor center and offers guided hikes.
Punta de Bombón offers you a major chill, with 25 kilometers of wide, fine beaches and tranquil sea. Since the time of Inca ruler Manco Cápac, this has been a favorite place for rest and relaxation. During February, locals invite visitors to join in with the Fiesta Hawayana. Punta Bombón has lodging (hotels, basic inns, camping), restaurants and other services.
MOQUEGUA
- Archaeology
- Colonial Architecture
- Cycling
- Gastronomy
- Hiking
Moquegua’s shady Plaza de Armas has an Eiffel-designed fountain in the center. On one side of this park is the Museo Contisuyo, an impressive archaeological museum. The city’s narrow streets are lined with colorful colonial-era casonas (mansions).
From the main plaza, head south on Calle Tacna to reach Mirador de Cerro Cristo Blanco, where a huge Christ statue looms over terraced gardens on a hilltop, and Cerro Chen Chen with geoglyph drawings dating to the Tiwanaku era (500-950 AD).
Day Trips
Some say the best pisco comes from Moquegua region, and a jaunt along the Pisco Route here will prove that to be true. The half-dozen vintners near Moquegua make more than just pisco – they also produce wines and macerados (fruit liqueurs). Bodegas (wine cellars) that are open to the public are Atencio and Rayito de Sol. The wine harvest (vendimia) is in April.
Estuquiña is 8 km north of Moquegua and is a small village tucked in the midst of the verdant river valley. It has many adventures to enjoin, like hiking and cycling through the countryside. Or, you can visit Bodega El Mocho or another vineyard to try their pisco and wines. The archaeological site at Estuquiña has the ruins of houses and three cemeteries. Camping is available in the village.
Heading 18 kilometers northeast from Moquegua, you’ll come across Cerro Baúl, a mesa that has Wari archaeological ruins at the summit (the climb up is not recommended for those with a fear of heights). The road continues to Yakango, and then a few kilometers west of there is the 150-meter high Catarata de Mollesaja waterfall. Another four kilometers northeast of Yakango is Torata, a town known for its beautiful countryside, 18th-century stone grist mills and bakeries. Camata (10 km north) is an archaeological site with ruins from the Estaquiña culture and an Inca tambo (a military outpost).
Sabaya, San Antonio and Torata Alta are other archaeological sites near Torata town.
ILO
- Archaeology
- Beaches
- Birdwatching
- Nature Reserves
- Scuba diving
- Surfing
Ilo is a small fishing town with elegant 19th century architecture. Along the sea front is the malecón (boardwalk) with the Glorieta José Gálvez pier, a perfect venue from which to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Also on the malecón is Ilo’s Museo Naval which recounts War of the Pacific battles. Northeast 10 km in the community of El Algarrobal is Museo Chiribaya, displaying archaeological finds like textiles, ceramics and mummies. Boat excursions may be arranged at the Antiguo Muelle (old pier).
Day Trips
Reserva Natural Punta Coles is the southernmost reserve in Peru’s extensive Reserva Nacional Sistema Isla, Islotes, y Puntas Guaneras. The reserve is home to sea lions (mating season: October-February), sea otters and the country’s largest fur seal population. Over 40 species of avifauna can be spotted, including Humboldt penguin, pelican, Peruvian boobie, and several varieties of gulls and cormorants. Punta Coles is accessed by land or boat tours. To go on your own, permission must be obtained from the SERNANP office at least three days in advance (Urb. Costa Azul Mz. B Lte. 12, Ilo; Tel: (01) 2262300)
The entire coast around Ilo is dotted with sandy beaches and warm pools nestled in the rocky shoreline. Most of these, however, do not have lodging, and so they are best visited on day trips from Ilo during the summer months (December-March). A plethora of activities await you here, form nature hikes and birdwatching to surfing and scuba diving.
The playas (beaches) north of Ilo include Pocoma (hiking and camping); Piedras Negras (surfing, lodging, and camping); Wawakiki (scuba diving, bird & wildlife watching, hiking, surfing); and Platanal (scuba diving, birdwatching, rock climbing, hiking, petroglyphs).
Some of the beaches south of Ilo are close enough to walk to, including Caleta Puerto Inglés (scuba diving, hiking, wildlife). The English corsair Sir Francis Drake anchored here in 1579. Other beaches are Corralitos (birdwatching); Pozo de Lisas (bird & wildlife watching, hiking, lodging & camping, restaurants); and Tronco de Oro (birdwatching and swimming).
ITE
- Archaeology
- Beaches
- Birdwatching
- Pisco
This small village is perfect for a deep breath of nature far away from the tourist crowds, while also close enough to Tacna to visit on a tour. Eleven kilometers south of town is the fantastic Humedales de Ite, the second-largest wetlands in South America. This 1,360-hectare reserve has four types of ecosystems that create a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to 85 species of resident birds and 60 migratory species, including the Chilean flamingo (best seen in September).
Near the humedales is the Museo del Desierto y Mar, with six galleries explain the natural history, geology and archaeology of the region.
Along the coast are tranquil-water beaches with lots of ancient sites to explore. Punta Picata has petroglyphs. Quebrada de Burros (29 km south of Ité) is home with a number of endemic and endangered bird species and 6000 to 9800-year-old archaeological remnants.
Day Trips
Inland, nestled in the Andes, is Locumba where you can get lodging to visit the several nearby archaeological sites with vestiges of the Inka, Tiwanaku and Curibaya cultures. For example, the tombs at Restos arqueológicos de Sagollo and the petroglyphs at Sitio Arqueológico San Antonio.
The Locumba Valley is also known for its piscos and wines. On the 14th of September, the Señor de Locumba (also known as the Lord of Burnt Feet) is honored.
TACNA
- Archaeology
- Beaches
- Hiking
- Hot Springs
- Pisco
Tacna, just north of the border with Chile, is nicknamed “The Heroic City” for its role in the War of the Pacific (1879-1883) which pitted Peru and Bolivia against Chile. The citizens not only defended the city against the Chilean invaders at Campo de la Alianza, but also voted to return to Peru after Chile’s 50-year occupation.
On the Paseo Civico is the Arca de los Héroes, another monument dedicated to the memory of the war. On the opposite end of this plaza is the Catedral, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Tacna has over a half-dozen museums, many dealing with the War. Train aficionados should check out the Museo Ferroviario.
Day Trips
Valle Viejo is the region heading northeast from Tacna. For the next 23 kilometers, especially in Calana, Pachía and Pocollay, you will find many pisco wineries to stop into. You can check out Bodega Don Miguel (Pocollay) and Bodega Spirit (Piedra Blanca).
On this same day outing, you can also visit two interesting archaeological sites. Museo de Sitio Las Peañas (Av. Jorge Basadre Grohmann s/n, Pocollay), which displays tombs dating from 1000-1445 C.E. The other sight is the San Francisco de Miculla Petroglyphs (25 km northeast of Tacna), which has one of South America’s largest fields of rock paintings, covering 16 square kilometers.
Finish off the day by soaking in the Baños Termales de Calientes with pools reaching 39ºC.
Tarata is a small village 2 hours northeast of Tacna and has an 18th-century church with a carved stone façade and a museum. The big draw here, though, is hiking along a stretch of the Incan road Qapaq Ñan. The road begins three blocks from the main plaza and leads to the archaeological sites Santa María and Qala Qala funerary caves. Along the way you’ll see pre-Incan terraced fields that are still used today. At the end of this trek, head to the Fuentes Termales de Ticaco hot springs, with nine individual pools (up to 51ºC), which is 15 minutes north of Tarata.
In summer and at holiday times, Taqueños (residents of Tacna) head to the beach. The sea breeze is refreshing in summer, but the sea is brisk all year long. In the low seasons, the scene is laid back and services may be limited. Tacna’s beaches are reached by paved road from the city and by a coastal road.
Boca del Río is 52 km from Tacna and is the most popular sea resort, with simple hotels and restaurants. Stroll along the beach and soak in the shallow pools. The beach at Los Palos 41 km south of Tacna is edged with fruit orchards and olive groves, and washed by gentle waves. Services are limited to bungalows for rent and restaurants. More isolated beaches along this coast are Vila Vila, Llostay and La Yarada.
Conclusion
Now you can continue on over the border to Chile. Or, head inland to Arequipa, Puno, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and on to the Bolivian border.