Pan-American Highway, Peru
Peru
Peru's stretch of the Pan-American Highway takes in everything from pre-Inca history to world-renowned wineries, the road winds through coastal desert, tiny fishing villages, the Islas Ballestas wildlife islands, the mysterious Nazca Lines, colonial-era towns, and the Atacama at Tacna. Drive only during daylight hours; fuel up wherever you can.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Lima
South America's gastronomic capital on the Pacific cliffs. The Larco Museum holds pre-Columbian gold, and Miraflores clifftop restaurants are where the ceviche revolution reshaped world cuisine.
- Paracas National Reserve
A desert peninsula of rust-red cliffs, sea lions, flamingos, and Andean condors within a coastal reserve. The Paracas culture left the world's finest pre-Columbian textiles here 2,000 years ago.
- Islas Ballestas
Three rocky Pacific islands teeming with Humboldt penguins, sea lions, boobies, and pelicans. The enigmatic Candelabra geoglyph is etched into the coastal cliff and visible from the boat.
- Ica Wineries
Peru's oldest pisco and wine region, producing the grape spirit that defines the pisco sour. The Tacama and El Catador bodegas have been fermenting grapes in this desert oasis since the 1540s.
- Nazca Lines
Seventy animal figures and 800 straight lines etched into the desert between 200 BCE and 700 CE, visible only from the air. A 30-minute flight over the hummingbird, monkey, and spider is unmissable.
- Arequipa
The White City built from pale sillar volcanic stone beneath the 5,822 m cone of El Misti. The Santa Catalina Convent is a walled city-within-a-city inhabited by nuns for over 400 years.
- Moquegua
A tranquil colonial town in a narrow river valley producing Peru's finest pisco from Quebranta grapes. The cobblestoned Plaza de Armas retains its original colonial ironwood trees and tilework.
- Tacna
Peru's southernmost city on the Chilean border, occupied by Chile from 1880 to 1929 and still showing it in its architecture. The Basilica Mayor was designed by Gustave Eiffel's studio.
Where to Eat
- El Candelabro RestaurantSeafood
Offers fresh seafood dishes with panoramic ocean views, highlighting local flavors in a relaxed setting.
- La Olla de JuanitaPeruvian
Serves traditional Peruvian cuisine, renowned for its ceviche and friendly atmosphere.
- NanáFusion
Combines Peruvian ingredients with international techniques, offering a unique dining experience.
- El TablónBarbecue
Specializes in grilled meats and local dishes, popular among both locals and tourists.
- La GlorietaInternational
Offers a diverse menu with international and Peruvian dishes in a cozy environment.
Things to Do
- Paracas Candelabra GeoglyphHistoric Site
A massive prehistoric geoglyph etched into the hillside, visible from the sea.
- Huacachina OasisScenic Viewpoint
A picturesque desert oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes, ideal for sandboarding and dune buggy rides.
- Santa Catalina MonasteryHistoric Site
A sprawling 16th-century convent with vibrant colors and intricate architecture, offering a glimpse into colonial history.
- Torata Colonial BridgeLandmark
An ancient stone bridge offering scenic views of the surrounding valley and a testament to colonial engineering.
- Pachía Hot SpringsNature
Natural thermal baths located in a serene setting, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Travel advisory
The route is mostly well-paved but expect occasional fog near coastal towns and slow truck traffic through desert sections. Road conditions can deteriorate near Piura during El Nino seasons. Fill fuel in larger towns as stations are sparse in remote coastal stretches.