Top Places to See When Driving From Ate, Lima to General San Martín, Buenos Aires

Driving from Ate, Lima to General San Martín, Buenos Aires is an adventure in itself. The drive offers endless picturesque landscapes, small towns, and significant landmarks that you shouldn't miss. We've gathered some of the best stopovers in this blog post, showcasing the most popular landmarks and attractions to visit on your way to General San Martín, Buenos Aires.

If you're an adventurer at heart and ready to explore the beauty of the Andes and the Pampas, this trip could be your ultimate road-trip of a lifetime. Take a pause and indulge in the diverse culture, scenic beauty, food, and hospitality of Peru and Argentina.

Coastal beauty at Paracas National Reserve

Paracas National Reserve is a paradise on earth. It's an awe-inspiring place that every road-tripper should visit on his way to Buenos Aires. With its serene beaches, exotic bird-life, sea lions, and penguins, it's impossible not to fall in love with Paracas. The reserve also boasts of a surreal landscape that's a photographer's paradise, including vast salt flats, sand dunes, and ocean views.

A few hours from Ate, Lima, Paracas is a natural gem that should be on your route planner. Take a boat tour to the famous 'Candelabra' drawing, located on the face of a hill facing the sea. It was proclaimed a cultural heritage site by UNESCO and still has an inexplicable mystery of its origin to date.

Explore the rich history at Moquegua

Situated in the southern valley of Moquegua, Moquegua town, with a beautiful colonial architecture, and the San Francisco church and convent as its centerpiece, will transport you back to the 16th century. Moquegua was established in 1541 and has evolved as a colonial town with a rich cultural heritage.

Visit the historical Provincial de Ilo, a port city adorned by the beautiful Art Décor style architecture that dotted the city's landscape. It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy delicious seafood, and the warm beaches; or hike to the El Tororal's unique natural rock formation, depicted as the twelve apostles carved by natural wind erosion.

The luscious beauty of Arequipa's Colca Canyon

Arequipa's Colca Canyon is the place to experience the grandeur of the Andes, a hot spring, and exotic wildlife. This canyon is all about lush landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and the world's most significant flying bird, the Andean condor. You can't miss engaging with the friendly locals, who still wear traditional Andean clothing and sell their souvenirs and handicrafts.

In addition to being a picturesque stop on your way to Buenos Aires, Arequipa's rich history, art, and gastronomy are well-celebrated globally. The city's grandeur is breathtaking, and the Santa Catalina Monastery, considered one of the country's most exceptional architectural beauty, is a must-visit.

The Mysterious Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines are one of the world's most mysterious archaeological attractions. These geometrical lines are believed to be created by the Nazca civilization between 500 BCE and 500 CE. The best way to experience these "geoglyphs" is by small-planed flight-seeing. There are different theories about the Nazca people's purpose of etching these figures on the ground.

The Nazca Lines remain a significant point of interest because they are geometrically perfect and only visible from the air. Some figures resemble animals, while others look like plants or humans. It's a mystery that's yet to be unraveled on the purpose of their creation, adding to their allure. The Nazca Lines are a perfect example of human creativity and perseverance, making them a must-see stopover on your road trip to Buenos Aires.

The Beauty of Cordoba's Jesuit Block and Churches

Cordoba has been named the cultural capital of Argentina, and its Jesuit Block and Churches are a living testament to a majestic era. The Jesuits were an influential religious order that established the first Catholic university in the world here in Cordoba, Argentina. This UNESCO world heritage site includes several churches built in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the former Jesuit college and residence.

The Jesuit Block and Churches are a masterpiece of architecture that portrays the Jesuits' desired utopian society. The buildings were built to create self-sustaining communities and promote education through architectural ingenuity and communal living. The Jesuit Block is a perfect representation of the Baroque art and architecture in the Americas and has cemented its place as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Conclusion

The road trip from Ate, Lima to General San Martín, Buenos Aires offers something to everyone. From sandy beaches to deserts, mountains, and cultural landmarks, it's an unforgettable experience, and you're sure to have an adventure of a lifetime. While you may not have time to visit all the places we've mentioned, make a point to explore at least a few of them, and you'll be left with memories that you'll cherish forever. So plan skilfully, pack well, hit the road, and immerse yourself in the magic of South America.