Paddle a sea kayak along the base of the cliffs that bear the mighty Candelabro geoglyph — a 180-metre mystery figure carved into the hillside — as the desert light turns amber and the Pacific glows gold. A rare, active way to encounter one of Peru's most intriguing ancient enigmas.
What to expect
Your guide fits you with a buoyancy aid and delivers a 10-minute safety briefing at the El Chaco beach launch point. The paddle to the Candelabro cliff takes around 30–40 minutes on calm, sheltered water inside the bay. You drift beneath the enormous carved figure, dwarfed by its scale, as seabirds swoop overhead and sea lions occasionally surface nearby. The return paddle at dusk, with the Andes silhouetted to the east and the Pacific blazing orange to the west, is a moment that stays with you long after you reboard.
Good to know
No kayaking experience necessary — the bay is calm and sheltered. Afternoon departures (3–4 pm) give the best light on the geoglyph face. Wear quick-dry clothing and bring a waterproof bag for camera/phone. All-aboard is typically early evening so confirm exact ship departure; the tour runs approximately 2.5 hours door-to-door from port.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at General San Martin — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.