My fiance and I are planning a three-week wedding trip to Peru this comming May (2002). We would like some recommendations (Hotels, highlights and hype)on sites(Paracas, Ica, Nazca etc)in and around the southern coast. Aside from the Nazca Lines- I am finding little to no information on this region.

Also, I would like to know your thoughts/experiences on renting a car in this area. Thanks!

The Nazca lines are the most intereting attraction near the southern coast of Peru. Unfortunately, the lines are hard to decipher up close, since they are most magnificant from an overheard view. You can easily find lodging once you arrive since there are not many tourists coming through.

There are loads to do but not sure whether or not is what you are after for a honeymoon, but here goes;

Huacachina: (Ica) Big oasis in the middle of a desert. Can go sand boarding there and generally relax (best for return leg)

Nazca: flights and desert mummies $40

Arequipa: surrounded by volcanoes and the Colca Canyon where you can trek. See Condors too at the Cruz del Condor.

Puno: Lake Titicaca, stay on the Islands where it is tranquil and pretty (mostly with a family though)

Cuzco: Inca trail, and various other historical sites. Rafting too as well as horse treks.

Hope this helps.

I recommend visiting at least one of the vineyards that are close to Ica. A taxi driver should be able to take you to one of them where you will be given guided tours of the vineyards and get a chance to sample some of the wine and the local spirit, Pisco (named after the town nearby). The wine is actually rather good (perceptions of Peruvian wine are not always that good), I highly recommend visiting the Bodega Tacama although this is one of the larger, more industrial vineyards. They have a webpage at www.tacama.com which is quite useful.
Ica itself hasnt got that much to offer tourists, but is a good base for exploring the coastal area including the Nasca Lines, Paracas Coastal Park, and the vineyards. Just outside the town is the oasis of Huacachina that is set in the middle of huge sand dunes. You can take a boat out onto the lake (the water is rather murky and said to be heavily polluted so swimming is not wise) or hire some boards and do some sand dune surfing. This is great fun and anyone can do it as long as you are fit enough to climb up the dunes in the high temperatures!

Hi friend.
>
This is Axel Tippe (Axel's Tours) from Lima Peru,we have been operating
tours for 10 years. Many tourists visit us to see places like
Lima,Pisco Ballestas Island,Nazca Nazca Lineas,Arequipa Colca Canyon,Puno
Titicaca Lake,La Paz Bolivia,Cuzco Machupicchu,Inco Trail,Jungle Expedition
and much more. Our staff speak English, German,Italian and Japanese.

We are trying now to promote our country more by e-mails such as this.
I'd apreciate it if you could give this e-mail to a friend or any
travel agency interested in having contact with us. Thank you very much.

If some time you are planning to visit us here is my e-mail address:
axel_tippe@yahoo.es or arifashton@hotmail.com
>Sinceraly
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