The giant figure
On a sandy slope.
FotosATP-Pe — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wojciech Kocot — CC BY-SA 4.0 · PsamatheM — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Dennis G. Jarvis — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Heiner Amado Cadillo — CC BY-SA 3.0
The Paracas Candelabra is a huge prehistoric figure cut into the sandy northern slope of the Paracas Peninsula, facing Pisco Bay on the southern coast of Peru, about 8 km in a straight line north-west of the resort town of Paracas. It looks like a giant three-branched candlestick, about 170 m tall and 60 m wide, and is large enough to be seen from about 19 km out at sea. No one knows for certain who made it or why. Pottery of the Paracas culture found nearby has been dated to around 200 BC, which suggests it may be that old, and it is often compared with the Nazca Lines further south. Its lines are cut about 60 cm into the ground, and the stones along its edges may have been placed later. In 2016 Peru declared it part of its national heritage. The figure is seen from the sea, on the boat trips that leave Paracas for the Ballestas Islands: the boats stop in front of the hillside so passengers can see it before continuing to the islands' sea lion and seabird colonies. It is protected, and the best view is from the water. Trips usually leave in the morning, and the tour of the Candelabra and the Ballestas Islands takes about two hours. The trip is paid, and the wind on the boat can be cool, so bring a light jacket.
On a sandy slope.
On the way to the Ballestas.
Water and cliffs.
Paracas Peninsula, Ica, Peru
From the Ballestas Islands boat trips that leave Paracas.
No one knows for certain.