The south of Peru has incredible destinations, as well as amazing places hidden within them. Probably the names you have heard the most are the Huacachina in Ica, the Nasca Lines or the Colca Canyon, but did you know that southern Peru has much more to offer you?
Here we detail 5 amazing unknown places that you should add to your tour of southern Peru:
San Fernando National Reserve in Nasca
A beautiful national reserve located at one hour from the city of San Juan de Marcona in the province of Nasca, Ica region. This place is the perfect combination between the mountains and the coast, since apparently you can see a beautiful bay surrounded by dunes, but in winter, Andean condors appear in the skies, giving visitors an unforgettable show. In addition, in this reserve you will also observe great marine diversity such as Humboldt penguins, sea otters, sea lions and tendrils. An incredible place hidden in the province of Nasca.
Salar de Huito in Arequipa
Located in the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve at 3,500 meters above sea level, is the incredible Salar de Huito. Many visitors have named this place the “Peruvian Uyuni” referring to the Bolivian salt flat; and of course it may have a certain resemblance, since the reflection of the water of its lagoon together with the reflection of the clouds above it, make this a place with an incredible view from which creative photographs can be obtained.
Panahua Waterfall, Arequipa
Arequipa continues to surprise us. In the province of Castilla, Arequipa region, is the Panahua Waterfall. The difference between this water source and others is that most of the time its waters are totally frozen. To reach this attraction, you will cross a 600-meter path full of caves and ritual scenes of the apus that will transport you to the past. An incredible place that you cannot miss on your tour of the south of the country.
Geoglyphs of Chen Chen in Moquegua
Moquegua also has mystical places, the Chen Chen geoglyphs are a clear representation of this. These geoglyphs are representations of animals similar to those found in Nazca. His figures are made up of two groups of silhouettes of camelids located in a chain of hills. According to the investigations, these geoglyphs would belong to the Tiwanaku culture that developed on the southern Andean coast of Peru. This amazing archaeological zone was declared an Archaeological Cultural Heritage in 2002. Although it is not well known, like the Nazca lines, it is undoubtedly a place that you should include in your tour of Moquegua.
Hot Water Geysers in Candarave
This is one of the most incredible and remote natural attractions of Tacna. The geysers, located at 4,500 meters above sea level, are a particular type of hot spring where every so often a column of hot water and steam rises into the air that can vary from 37° to 80” degrees.
During the 4-hour tour to reach the geysers you will be able to appreciate the diversity of flora in the region. When you arrive at this natural enclosure you can experience a relaxing bath in its hot springs that are considered medicinal.