For another class grip we had the opportunity to travel south of Lima down the coast to a place called Ica and Paracas. We had another early departure time and met at the bus station to start our journey around 7 am. The bus was a huge two-floor liner, offering air conditioning, meal services, movies, and wifi. We definitely spent our trip through the desert sitting in luxury. Five hours later, we climbed out of the bus to be greeted by a wave of heat at our resort, Las Dunas. The resort was kind of in the middle of nowhere, but was all inclusive. We had access to restaurants, a spa, three different pools, an outdoor bar, and certain activities that were offered each day such as sand volleyball, water polo, and sandboarding. Compared to our trip to Cusco which was jam-packed with tours, in Ica and Paracas we had a fairly open schedule.
Our one pre-planned activity was a trip to the Islas Ballestas. We drove from the resort to Pisco Bay where we got on a boat to go out to the island. We even got to wear matching florescent orange life jackets, very cute J. The boat ride was so fun we were able to see so much marine life! Right away dolphins were swimming near us so our driver cut the motor so we could float and watch the magical creatures swim and jump in the water. Before we got to the island we stopped to view the Candelabra of the Andes. All of the shores are sand, and the Candelabra is believed to have been carved into the sand sometime around 200 BCE. It is almost 600 feet tall and has mysteriously remained unaltered over all these years. Eventually, we reached the Isla, which was absolutely beautiful filled with archways, huge rocks, and millions of birds and sea lions. Our driver took us through little caves and under arches, trying to get us close to the shores which was covered in sea lions. Their fat bodies were so cute and awkward when they tried to move on the land but once they hit the water they became sleek swimmers that would pop up right next to our boat. Some of the male sea lions were so huge and barked continuously, it was quite a sight to see. After driving all around the island we headed back to the bay where we had some time to shop at the local stands.
The rest of the weekend was spent with some much needed relaxation at the resort. Our rooms were beautiful and a few of us were lucky enough to even have our own porches or balconies. Even better luck, the resort spa offered us a deal for a 45 minute massage for 60 soles (20 US dollars). Many of us girls took advantage and its safe to say it might have been one of the best 60 soles I spent my entire time in Peru. Kenzie and I got our massages together, as a couples massage, haha! We walked into our evening appointment not knowing what to expect. The attendant lead us to a changing room and instructed us to remove our clothes and sit in a hot tub for 15 minutes to relax our muscles. We both couldn’t stop giggling at the fact of walking through this spa in our bra and underwear together. When that time was up, the attendant brought us big fluffy robes and lead us to another candlelight room for our massages. 45 minutes later we were both covered in oil and completely blessed out—it was definitely one of the best massages I have ever had!
Ica and Paracas was a great weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of Lima life and I wish we could have spent even more time there!
Our one pre-planned activity was a trip to the Islas Ballestas. We drove from the resort to Pisco Bay where we got on a boat to go out to the island. We even got to wear matching florescent orange life jackets, very cute J. The boat ride was so fun we were able to see so much marine life! Right away dolphins were swimming near us so our driver cut the motor so we could float and watch the magical creatures swim and jump in the water. Before we got to the island we stopped to view the Candelabra of the Andes. All of the shores are sand, and the Candelabra is believed to have been carved into the sand sometime around 200 BCE. It is almost 600 feet tall and has mysteriously remained unaltered over all these years. Eventually, we reached the Isla, which was absolutely beautiful filled with archways, huge rocks, and millions of birds and sea lions. Our driver took us through little caves and under arches, trying to get us close to the shores which was covered in sea lions. Their fat bodies were so cute and awkward when they tried to move on the land but once they hit the water they became sleek swimmers that would pop up right next to our boat. Some of the male sea lions were so huge and barked continuously, it was quite a sight to see. After driving all around the island we headed back to the bay where we had some time to shop at the local stands.
The rest of the weekend was spent with some much needed relaxation at the resort. Our rooms were beautiful and a few of us were lucky enough to even have our own porches or balconies. Even better luck, the resort spa offered us a deal for a 45 minute massage for 60 soles (20 US dollars). Many of us girls took advantage and its safe to say it might have been one of the best 60 soles I spent my entire time in Peru. Kenzie and I got our massages together, as a couples massage, haha! We walked into our evening appointment not knowing what to expect. The attendant lead us to a changing room and instructed us to remove our clothes and sit in a hot tub for 15 minutes to relax our muscles. We both couldn’t stop giggling at the fact of walking through this spa in our bra and underwear together. When that time was up, the attendant brought us big fluffy robes and lead us to another candlelight room for our massages. 45 minutes later we were both covered in oil and completely blessed out—it was definitely one of the best massages I have ever had!
Ica and Paracas was a great weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of Lima life and I wish we could have spent even more time there!