El Candelabro (El Candelabro de Paracas & The Giant Prehistoric Geoglyph of the Pacific) stands as one of the most enigmatic, colossal, and mystifying prehistoric archaeological earthworks in the Americas, **carved into the sloping northern desert hills of the Paracas Peninsula, overlooking Paracas Bay and the Pacific Ocean, 7 kilometers northwest of El Chaco port**. Dating **back over 2,200 years to circa 200 BC (associated with the ancient Paracas and Nazca cultures), measuring an immense 180 meters (595 feet) in height and 70 meters in width, carved to a depth of nearly 1 meter into solid calcified desert sand and rock**, this monumental geoglyph has baffled archaeologists for centuries. Visible **exclusively from the sea, boat cruises to the Ballestas Islands pause directly in front of the geoglyph, allowing travelers to marvel at its trident-like design, learn theories linking it to the Southern Cross constellation or Freemason sailors, and capture iconic photographs**.
Good to Know
The Walk: Easy; viewed from the seated comfort of a speedboat during the Islas Ballestas marine tour
Time Needed: 15 to 20 minutes (as part of the 2-hour Islas Ballestas boat cruise departure)
What to Wear & Bring: Windbreaker jacket (breezy on the speedboat), sunglasses, sun hat (securely tied), camera/phone with zoom lens
At a Glance: Colossal 180m prehistoric geoglyph etched into desert dunes (200 BC); viewed by boat
Operating Hours: Viewed during morning boat tours daily 08:00 to 11:30 (Speedboats operate in calm morning waters)
Tickets & Entry: View included with all Islas Ballestas boat tours (~S/. 35.00–50.00 PEN / ~$10–$14 USD)
How to Plan: Board the standard morning 08:00 or 10:00 AM Islas Ballestas tour from Marina Turística
What's Worth Your Time
180m trident geoglyph from the boat bow, desert dune contrast, and astronomical theories.
Must-See Highlight: Gazing up from the boat as it cuts its engines **100 meters off the coast**, marveling at the sheer 180-meter scale of the ancient desert trident!
Local Tip: Sit on **the left (port) side of the speedboat** when leaving Paracas marina for the closest direct photographic angle of the geoglyph.
Skip If Rushed: Attempting to walk on land to the geoglyph; **walking on the geoglyph is strictly prohibited and illegal** to preserve the fragile ancient lines.
Getting There
Located on the northern cliffs of Paracas Peninsula. Accessible exclusively by boat during the standard 2-hour Islas Ballestas tour departing from Marina Turística in Paracas town.
Included in Ballestas Tour · 15 min by boat from Port
El Candelabro (2026)
El Candelabro Geoglyph Viewing (Included in Ballestas Cruise): S/. 35.00–50.00 PEN (~$10.00–$14.00 USD)
: Walking on or near the geoglyph is strictly prohibited and punished by severe federal fines to prevent erosion.
: All passengers must wear lifejackets throughout the boat cruise to the Candelabra and Ballestas.
Depart Paracas Marina Turística on a guided Islas Ballestas speedboat (08:00) → Cruise northwest across the calm morning waters of Paracas Bay (08:15) → Slow down and pause 100 meters offshore from **the colossal 180-meter El Candelabro geoglyph** (08:25) → Listen to the guide explain **astronomical, Paracas textile, and pirate navigation theories** (08:30) → Capture **stunning photographs of the trident carved in golden sand** (08:35) → Continue cruising westward toward the wildlife-rich Islas Ballestas (08:45–10:00)
View the ancient 180m geoglyph from the boat during the Islas Ballestas cruise.
How has a sand carving survived 2,200 years without being blown away by desert winds? The Paracas Peninsula experiences a unique microclimate—the famous *Paracas* winds blow salty sea air across the hillside, depositing moisture and microscopic salt crystals that react with the soil to form a hardened, rock-like crust that permanently cements the grooves in place!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is El Candelabro in Paracas?
It is a massive prehistoric geoglyph measuring 180 meters tall carved into a desert hill on the Paracas Peninsula around 200 BC, resembling a three-pronged candelabra or trident.
How do you visit El Candelabro?
It can only be viewed from the sea; all standard 2-hour boat tours to the Ballestas Islands stop directly in front of the geoglyph for photos.
Who created the geoglyph?
Archaeologists attribute it to the ancient Paracas Culture (circa 200 BC) due to identical trident and cactus motifs found on Paracas pottery and textiles.
Why hasn't the wind erased it?
Salty ocean moisture carried by the wind reacts with the desert soil minerals, forming a hard natural crust that preserves the grooves in the sand.
How much does it cost to see?
Viewing is included in the standard Islas Ballestas boat tour (~S/. 35.00–50.00 PEN + S/. 16.00 reserve/port fees).
💡 Local Wisdom & Traveler Tips
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