 |
Paracas, Peru |
|
A few miles away from Huacachina is the town of Ica. Believe it or not, this is wine country and there are several vineyards in this area. We stopped at the El Catador Winery, a winery that holds to the old traditions of wine making this a visit into the past. The clay vats in the photos below are not kept as decorative reminders of the wine making a century or two ago. These clay vats are still used in the wine making process. Even the wine press is made of wood and is powered by men or mules adding force to its weight.
 |
 |
 |
 |
As we proceeded toward Paracas the winds continued to blow but we did not encounter any more sand storms like the one we experienced earlier but we could tell that the winds were quite strong that day. We settled into the Paracas Hotel which is a series of bungaloes situated along the seashore. We had a late lunch at the hotel restaurant and then settled on lounge chairs outside our bungalo. Since we were in the second tier of bungaloes we were protected from the strong winds coming off the shore. However when we roused ourselves an hour or two later we were stunned to find that we were covered in dust. I had dark baggy style trunks on and the tan dust was quite noticeable when I stood up.
Since the winds were still kicking up a fuss late into the afternoon we settled into one of the lounges with a deck of cards and some pisco sours. We passed the time as the sun sank slowly into the sea before repairing to the dining room for an excellent meal.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Other than the winds that first day the Paracas Hotel is a great place. We were quite relieved to find that the infamous Paracas Winds took the next day off. We were able to enjoy the pools and other amenities
This was also the morning that we were heading out to the Islas Ballestas so the absence of the strong winds was especially welcome. Today we were able to enjoy the pools, gym and other amenities offered by the hotel. Our time in Peru was almost at an end and Paracas provided the perfect place to relax and bask in the sun.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The Paracas Hotel Pier is the departure point for a visit to the Islas Ballestas. Soon after we launched we came upon the Candelabra of the Andes. This petroglyph is carved on the side of a mountain just off shore. It is over 500 feet high and can be seen up to 12 miles out to sea.
Nobody knows for sure what the significance of the "Candelabra" is or why it is there. All we know for sure is that is not related to the Nazca Lines. It is another fascinating and unusual facet of Peru.
 |
 |
 |
After our brief stop at the Candelabra we continued to the Islas Ballestas.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
