Paracas Candelabra
A colossal, ancient geoglyph etched into Peru's coast, its origins shrouded in mystery and visible from miles at sea.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for viewing
Paracas Candelabra
Best Time
Best light for viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal, ancient geoglyph etched into Peru's coast, its origins shrouded in mystery and visible from miles at sea.
"The Candelabro is absolutely gorgeous! It is so tall and so visible from far away."
🚢 Book a Boat Tour
Most tours to Ballestas Islands include a stop at the Candelabra. Book in advance!
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
The sun is intense on the water. Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Paracas Candelabra Geoglyph
Paracas Peninsula
A colossal geoglyph etched into the desert cliffs, visible from miles at sea. Its sheer scale and unknown origin are awe-inspiring.
Boat Tour to Ballestas Islands
Paracas Bay
Combine your Candelabra viewing with a trip to the 'Galapagos of Peru,' spotting sea lions, penguins, and diverse birdlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Candelabra
Understanding the Mystery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book a Boat Tour
Most tours to Ballestas Islands include a stop at the Candelabra. Book in advance!
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
The sun is intense on the water. Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must.
📸 Camera Ready!
The Candelabra is best viewed from the boat. Keep your camera handy for photos.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Tours can last 1.5-2 hours, including wildlife viewing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book a Boat Tour
Most tours to Ballestas Islands include a stop at the Candelabra. Book in advance!
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
The sun is intense on the water. Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must.
📸 Camera Ready!
The Candelabra is best viewed from the boat. Keep your camera handy for photos.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Tours can last 1.5-2 hours, including wildlife viewing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the sheer scale and mystery of the Paracas Candelabra, best viewed on boat tours from Paracas. While its origins remain debated, its impressive visibility from the sea and the accompanying wildlife on the Ballestas Islands make for a memorable experience. Some note the potential for rough seas and the need for sun protection.
"We saw the impressive picture during our boat tour to Ballestas Island. There seems no way to reach here by land. The symbol is similar to Nasca lines but the guide said they are not related."
yung-chin Chen
"Mysterious. Anyone who takes a boat trip to the Islas Ballestas will also pass one of the most mysterious sites on the Peruvian coast: the Candelabro de Paracas. This 180-meter geoglyph on the Paracas Peninsula is only visible from the sea (up to a distance of about 20 km!). The geoglyph, dug 60 cm deep in the salt-solidified sand, may be clearly visible, but the who, when and why remains a mystery. The famous German-Peruvian archaeologist Maria Reiche has done extensive research on the Candelabro and has found pottery that has been dated to 200 BCE and can thus be linked to the Paracas culture. The geoglyph is aligned to the south and therefore connected to the Southern Cross, the constellation that was used by many sailors to navigate. Whoever created the Candelabro, it is most impressive!"
Koen
"The Holland America Oosterdam stopped for a good long time so anyone who wanted to take photos could take them. The captain pointed the stern towards the candelabra and hung around there for almost an hour. They candelabra is absolutely gorgeous! It is so tall and so visible from far away."
Helen Edley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Paracas Candelabra is best viewed from a boat tour departing from Paracas. These tours typically visit the Ballestas Islands and include a stop to see the geoglyph. You can find tour operators at the Paracas pier.
No, the Paracas Candelabra is primarily visible from the sea. Access by land is restricted to protect the fragile geoglyph.
The most popular and recommended way is to take a boat tour from Paracas. This allows for excellent views and often includes a visit to the Ballestas Islands.
Paracas is approximately a 3 to 4-hour drive from Lima, making it a popular day trip or weekend destination.
Yes, many tours from Paracas combine the Candelabra viewing with visits to the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost is typically included in the price of a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands. Prices can range from S/25 to S/50, depending on the tour operator and inclusions. +1
It's highly recommended to book your boat tour in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot.
There are no separate entrance fees for the Candelabra itself, as it is viewed from the boat. However, there might be a small port tax or tourist contribution fee.
Boat tours typically run in the morning and afternoon. Morning tours are often preferred for better viewing conditions.
Morning light generally offers the best visibility and contrast for photographing the geoglyph.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Besides the Paracas Candelabra, you'll likely see abundant wildlife like sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various seabirds on the Ballestas Islands.
A boat tour to the Ballestas Islands and including the Candelabra usually lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours.
The sea can be choppy, especially in the open ocean. It's advisable to take precautions if you are prone to seasickness.
Wear comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A light jacket might be useful as it can be breezy.
Absolutely! Keep your camera ready as the boat approaches the peninsula for the best photo opportunities.
📸 📸 Photography
Photograph from the boat as it approaches the peninsula. Use a zoom lens to get a clearer shot of the geoglyph.
Morning light often provides good contrast and clarity for photographing the geoglyph.
The boat will maneuver to give you the best possible view. Try to capture the entire geoglyph in one frame if possible.
Drone usage is generally restricted in protected natural areas like the Paracas National Reserve to protect wildlife and the environment. Check local regulations.
Use a fast shutter speed to avoid blur from boat movement. Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance colors and reduce glare.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Morning tours often provide the best light for contrast and clarity. Be prepared for movement on the boat, so a fast shutter speed is recommended. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the sea and sky.🧐 History & Mystery Buffs
Dive into the theories surrounding its creation, from ancient navigation to religious significance, and ponder its connection to the Paracas culture. +1 The geoglyph's sheer scale and visibility from afar make it a truly awe-inspiring historical artifact. Combine your visit with learning about the Ballestas Islands' natural history for a well-rounded experience.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enduring Mystery of the Candelabra
+1 The sheer scale and visibility from miles out at sea only add to its mystique. Archaeological findings near the site, including pottery fragments, have been radiocarbon dated to around 200 BCE, linking it to the ancient Paracas culture. However, this dating doesn't fully explain the geoglyph's purpose or its creators' intentions. Some researchers, like Maria Reiche, who famously studied the Nazca Lines, also investigated the Candelabra, further fueling the intrigue.
+1 The geoglyph's design, resembling a trident or a candelabra, has also led to speculative connections with ancient myths and even extraterrestrial theories, though these lack concrete evidence. Despite the unanswered questions, the Paracas Candelabra remains a powerful testament to the ingenuity and artistry of ancient civilizations. Its enduring mystery continues to draw visitors and spark imagination, making it a must-see on any trip to the Peruvian coast.
+1 The fact that it was damaged by an individual entering the protected area highlights the need for preservation and respect for this historical marvel. Experiencing the Candelabra: Boat Tours and Wildlife
Beyond the geoglyph, these boat excursions offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Expect to see large colonies of sea lions basking on the rocks, playful penguins (Humboldt penguins are common), and a vast array of seabirds, including pelicans and cormorants.
The guides on these tours are usually knowledgeable and will point out the different species and share insights about the local ecosystem and the history of the area, including the Candelabra. When planning your boat tour, consider booking in the morning for potentially calmer seas and better lighting for photography. While the tours are generally safe, the ocean can be unpredictable, so if you're prone to seasickness, it's wise to take precautions.
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