Monday, January 18, 2016

Hidden Treasures, Culinary Highlights and Natural Wonders-The Splendor of Peru's Southern Coast






The Paracas, Ica and Nazca region is probably one of the most exciting regions in the south of Peru.
A remarkable geography, tons of sunshine, stunning history and an exciting fauna and flora are the highlights of a visit here. 
And of course not to forget the outstanding gastronomy, regional, fresh and with surprising creations.
Nature has been generous providing the area with permanent sunshine, fertile soil and a sea rich in fish and seafood.
Asparagus, grapes and avocados earned here are top quality, so are the wines and Piscos
(The original Peruvian Pisco is a colorless, very aromatic brandy, made from grapes and can be consumed pure or in cocktails such as Pisco sour or Chilcano).
The recipe for a delicious Pisco Sour cocktail you will find here : Delicious Pisco Sour And A Very Special Father's Day Celebration
The finest textiles, produced by the Paracas culture and the until now mysterious Nazca lines are the object of investigation by archeologists worldwide.
These lines were scratched on the dessert surface of the ground between 500B.C and A.D.500 and have the incredible extension of about 450km.
The geoglyphis picture animals, plants and imaginary beings and are, due to their quantity, nature and size among history's greatest enigmas.
Most of them are several kilometers long and can be appreciated in their full context only when seen from a plane. How to explain this?
All Indiana Jones like hobby archeologists are challenged!
After all the adventure we had a wonderful stay at the Hacienda Vinas Queirolo, beautifully designed and decorated and surrounded by sheer endless vineyards producing a huge variety of grapes transformed later to wines and Piscos.
On our way home we stopped at the most incredible eatery, located at a gas station, recommended by friends.
First I was really suspicious cause of the unimpressive look and unusual location of the restaurant.
But of course, adventurous foodies as we are wanted to try the food and it was - delicious.
Later I did a little research on the Internet and to my surprise the place was highly recommended by Trip Adviser!
Life is full of surprises.
On our way back we encountered a strike of cotton workers, several police checkpoints,and took a not yet opened part of the new highway to avoid the strike.
Of course there were gravel roads, unfinished bridges (we had to go underneath them, thank heavens this is the dry season so no problem) and enjoyed our undertaking enormously.

 Starting our journey enjoying the view at the summer resort of Pucusana



Trying to get a snapshot of the famous pink flamingos at the National Reserve Paracas.
Imposible to get closer than that, they are clever birds! 



Fisherman at sunset


A visit to an asparagus plantation in Ica. Did you know that there are male and female asparagus plants?  Here you can see a male plant (The female plants produce red berries) 


The spears start to show and grow incredibly fast. These are ready to be harvested.


A visit to a vineyard, growing table grapes.

A lonley Baobab tree (Remember the little prince?) ,originally from Africa, growing splendidly in Ica. How did it come to Peru? A mystery.
 

Paracas textiles on display at the National Museum of Archeology
 http://connuestroperu.com/images/stories/arte/arqueologia/peru/Paracas/detalle_tejido_paracas.jpg

One of the most famous pictures of the Nazca lines: The hummingbird
 http://www.cultura.gob.pe/sites/default/files/noticia/2015/09/nasca_0.png?slideshow=true&slideshowAuto=true&slideshowSpeed=4000&speed=350&transition=elastic

View from the hacienda's terrace over the vineyards


Rooms


Trying to identify the different fruit and spice flavors at the wine tasting


  So many flavors, so many wines, so little time


 
      
A special thanks to our very knowledgable guide and sommelier Fiorella

Enjoying sunset with a glass of sparkling wine

On the way home we stopped at the most incredible eatery, located at a gas station, recommended by friends.


Tacutacu (a kind of omlett made of beans, eggs and rice), fish and seafood salsa served with a purple corn refreshment

 Crisp fried potato balls filled with cheese

A national culinary treasure: Causa Limena, a kind of flavored, spicy mashed potatoe roll filled with chicken and mayonnaise

Cheers to you, my friends!
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26 comments:

  1. Oh I so want to return to Peru! Such a beautiful, and delicious, country!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Monica,
      just let me know in case you travel, would love to show you around a bit.

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  2. Love the fisherman at sunset. I like to see the asparagus shoots. If only we can grow them here.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Nancy,
      You know the most incredible about the asparagus plantation is that they can harvest during the whole year due to the climate and soil. Isn't that amazing?

      Delete
  3. How beautiful! I love that sunset shot..

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  4. Hi Angie,
    So happy to hear that. Cheers.

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  5. A new destination to add to my list, I am not familiar with that part of Peru but the pics all look so gorgeous!

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    Replies
    1. HI Evelyn,
      As far as I know you are a passionate traveler so may be you will discover this part of Peru soon.
      Cheers

      Delete
  6. oh what a lovely adventure! That asparagus farm makes our little patch seem sad - but I did know about the male and female plants - we had red berries! The grapes are absolutely gorgeous, the food amazing and the room perfect! Happy travels :)

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    1. HI Tricia,
      So happy to hear that you enjoyed our little adventure. How to you feel about knowing from now on the gender of your asparagus?
      Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  7. Gosh, what a fun time! Love the pictures -- so enjoyable. Really great post -- thanks so much.

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  8. The Paracas textile you showed is so beautiful! And the Nazca lines have fascinated me dingy childhood. Looks like a wonderful adventure, and I am glad you found the restaurant in the gas station! David

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    Replies
    1. Hi David,
      me too,,I was amazed by the beauty of the Paracas textile.
      And the discovery of the gas station restaurant was true fun.
      Cheers

      Delete
  9. What a fun adventure you had and I'm so glad that you shared it with us.

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  10. What a great place, what a fun adventure!

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  11. I have never been to Peru, therefore, thank you so much for the photos...I really enjoyed them all...awesome pictures.
    Enjoy your week Daniela :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your great feedback, Juliana. Hope you can discover this country one day too.

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  12. And cheers to you Daniela! What a beautiful trip. Thanks for taking us along.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Karen,
      Thank you for accompanying me on this trip.

      Delete
    2. Thank you for coming along with me on this trip, Karen!

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  13. What a wonderful time you are having, the food, the scenery, the animals......all sounds amazing!

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  14. wow! looks like you're having a wonderful time! Causa Limena intrigued me! Sounds fantastic!

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  15. It looks like you have such a great time! I would love to visit Peru and your photos are so inviting!

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