Paredones Inca Site
Explore ancient Inca stone and adobe ruins in a rocky desert setting, offering a glimpse into coastal administration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Avoid midday heat
Paredones Inca Site
Best Time
Avoid midday heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Inca stone and adobe ruins in a rocky desert setting, offering a glimpse into coastal administration.
"Interesting stop, but not a must-see. It can't compete with the other attractions in the area."
Bring Your Own Water 💧
There are no facilities on-site. Carry ample water to stay hydrated in the desert heat.
Sun Protection Essential ☀️
Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are a must. The sun is strong and there's no natural shade.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Stone Ruins
Main excavation site
Explore the remnants of stone and adobe structures, offering a glimpse into Inca architecture.
Views of Nazca Town
Higher vantage points
Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape and Nazca town from elevated areas.
Archaeological Excavation
Designated dig areas
Witness ongoing or past excavation efforts that reveal the historical significance of the site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sun Protection is Key
Understand the Scope
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Water 💧
There are no facilities on-site. Carry ample water to stay hydrated in the desert heat.
Sun Protection Essential ☀️
Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are a must. The sun is strong and there's no natural shade.
Ticket Information 🎟️
Admission is around 10 Soles for multiple sites. Look for a ticket office, though it may not always be obvious.
Manage Expectations 🤔
It's an open, archaeological area. If you're not deeply into history, it might be a brief visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Water 💧
There are no facilities on-site. Carry ample water to stay hydrated in the desert heat.
Sun Protection Essential ☀️
Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are a must. The sun is strong and there's no natural shade.
Ticket Information 🎟️
Admission is around 10 Soles for multiple sites. Look for a ticket office, though it may not always be obvious.
Manage Expectations 🤔
It's an open, archaeological area. If you're not deeply into history, it might be a brief visit.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be walking on uneven terrain and sand, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Paredones Inca Site is an interesting historical stop, offering a glimpse into Inca coastal administration. Visitors appreciate the chance to see ancient ruins and enjoy views of Nazca town. However, many note the lack of information and signage, suggesting it's best for those with a keen interest in archaeology or with a guide.
"Is ok.
You can see the Nazca town from here .
Actually you can access from many part of Nazca . It is open area .
Make sure you bring enough water and put on suncream and a hat.
10 soles for the ticket but I didn't see the ticket office."
Temsiri Tem.
"Interesting stop, but not a must-see. It can't compete with the other attractions in the area."
Eric Scott
"10 Soles admission to three locations is not expensive. We were impressed by the excavation site and the old walls. If you have a day in Nasca, you should definitely visit this place.
But we thought it was a shame that there were no information boards. There was only a small brochure with little information. The garbage around should be removed!"
Lisa Schwarz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Paredones Inca Site is accessible from various points around Nazca. You can often reach it by a short taxi ride or by arranging transport with a local tour operator. Some visitors mention it's an open area, implying it might be reachable on foot from certain parts of town if you're adventurous.
The site is an open area, so there isn't a single, clearly marked main entrance like a traditional museum. You can access it from multiple points around Nazca.
Yes, you can visit independently. Many visitors report accessing the site without a guided tour, though having a guide can enhance the experience by providing historical context.
Taxis are a convenient option from Nazca town. For a more comprehensive experience, consider a tour that includes Paredones along with other Nazca attractions.
Public transport directly to the site is limited. It's best to rely on taxis or organized tours for ease of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is typically around 10 Soles, which often covers access to multiple sites in the Nazca area.
Ticket offices may not always be clearly visible. It's advisable to inquire locally or with your tour provider about the best place to purchase tickets.
Yes, a single ticket often grants access to several archaeological locations in the Nazca region, including Paredones.
Booking in advance is generally not necessary for independent visits, as it's an open site. However, if you're joining a tour, your guide will handle the ticketing.
As an open archaeological site, there are no strict opening or closing hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore ancient stone and adobe ruins, remnants of Inca construction. The site offers views of Nazca town and the surrounding desert landscape.
Unfortunately, many visitors report a lack of information boards or signage at the site, making it difficult to understand the historical context without a guide or prior research.
Most visitors spend about 10-30 minutes exploring the ruins, depending on their interest in archaeology.
While children can visit, the site's open nature and lack of interpretive signage might make it less engaging for younger visitors unless accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.
The terrain is rocky and uneven, typical of a desert environment. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the textures of the ancient stone and adobe walls, the vast desert landscape, and panoramic views of Nazca town. The ruins against the stark desert backdrop make for dramatic shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Paredones Inca Site. Be respectful of the historical structures.
Early morning or late afternoon light offers softer shadows and a more atmospheric glow, ideal for photography.
Information on drone usage is not readily available. It's best to check local regulations or inquire with authorities before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert views and ruins. A telephoto lens can be useful for details within the structures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Enthusiasts & Archaeologists
Be prepared for an unmanicured experience. The lack of interpretive signage means you'll need to do some prior research or rely on expert commentary to fully appreciate the nuances of the ruins. This is a place for thoughtful exploration rather than a quick photo stop.
Budget Travelers
To save money, consider arranging transport with a local taxi driver who can take you to multiple sites, including Paredones, for a negotiated price. Pack your own water and snacks, as there are no vendors on-site, which further helps keep costs down.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Historical Significance of Paredones
Unlike the more famous Nazca Lines, Paredones offers a tangible connection to the daily life and governance of the Inca civilization. Visitors can walk among the remnants of these ancient buildings, imagining the bustling activity that once took place here. The site's proximity to Nazca town makes it an accessible glimpse into Peru's rich pre-Columbian history, though many visitors note the lack of interpretive signage, which can make understanding its full significance a challenge without a guide.
Understanding the context of Paredones is key to appreciating its value. It represents the Inca's expansion and consolidation of power in the region, showcasing their architectural prowess and administrative capabilities. While it may not have the immediate visual impact of the Nazca Lines, its historical depth provides a different, yet equally compelling, perspective on this ancient civilization.
Visiting Paredones: Practicalities and Expectations
Many travelers find the site interesting but note that it doesn't quite measure up to the grandeur of other Peruvian archaeological wonders. The lack of information boards is a recurring point of feedback, with visitors suggesting that bringing a guidebook or hiring a local guide would greatly enhance the experience. The admission fee, though modest, is often for a package of sites, making Paredones just one part of a larger historical exploration in the Nazca region.
Practical advice from visitors emphasizes preparedness: carry plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven ground, and use strong sun protection. The site is best visited during the cooler parts of the day, typically early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the harsh midday sun.
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