Paracas

Paracas provides access to the Paracas National Reserve, where enormous colonies of sea lions, sea birds, and innumerable ocean denizens gather to feast on the nutrient-rich waters off the Peruvian coast. Enjoy the wildlife on the Ballestas Islands and then chill out at a resort pool overlooking the beautiful Paracas bay.

If you’ve got extra time, consider a Nazca Lines flight. Planes depart from the nearby Pisco airport and you'll be back in Paracas with time to watch the sunset. Other options for thrill seekers include bike tours or quad tours in the Paracas reserve, dune buggy and sandboarding tours.

Paracas Bay

Ballestas Islands

Not far from Paracas town, this group of uninhabited islands is home to an astounding array of marine wildlife. Bird species include the guanay cormorant, Peruvian booby, and Peruvian pelican. They join lounging colonies of sea lion to blanket the rocky isles. Their barks compete with the sound of crashing waves and the squawks of birds. Sometimes, they launch into the water and swim along with boats.

Paracas National Reserve

The Paracas National Reserve is unique among Peru’s natural areas. Established in 1975, the reserve protects a rare marine ecosystem as well as a huge chunk of subtropical coast desert and the remnants of the Paracas culture which flourished from 900 BC to 200 AD.

The Paracas Peninsula forms the northern corner of the 335,000 hectare reserve. Attractions include the Museo de Paracas Julio C Tello, the adjacent Paracas Necropolis on Cerro Colorado (Red Mountain), and a handful of beautiful beaches, some with sand, others with rocky areas where marine wildlife congregates.

El Candelabro

The Paracas Candelabra, known as “El Candelabro” in Spanish, is a giant geoglyph etched into the hard sand and deeper rock surface of a hill on the desert coast of the Paracas Peninsula. It measures 180 meters (595 feet) tall and can be seen from 19 km (12 miles) out to sea.

Scientists have not been able to determine the exact age nor the purpose or meaning of the glyph. Pottery found nearby has been carbon dated to 200 BC, which is around the time the Paracas culture was active. But no conclusive evidence has been found to determine the builders.

Paracas Julio C Tello Museum

Located near the northern entrance of the national reserve, this museum displays the archaeological findings of Julio C. Tello, the first archaeologist to study the Paracas culture. Artifacts include textiles, ceramics, mummies, and skulls with deformations. Additional exhibits delve into the details of Paracas cultural practices, including fishing techniques, textile-making, and mummification. From the museum, a path goes to a lookout point on the coast where pink flamingos flock from July to November.

Pisco City & Airport

Whether you’re traveling onward to Paracas, to Ica/Huacachina, or to Nazca, Pisco is a requisite point of transit going south from Lima. Pisco also has a small airport convenient for travelers who want to take a Nazca Lines flight tour without traveling overland all the way to Nazca city. In terms of accommodation, Paracas has the better options for seaside relaxation.

Ballestas Islands Tour

Paracas Bay is the point of departure for boat tours to the Ballestas Islands. Tours typically depart in the morning, either at 8 or 10 o’clock. The outward journey passes by the El Candelabro geoglyph etched on the Paracas Peninsula. You’ll cruise past caves and arches and the rocky isles where giant colonies of seabirds and sea lions make their home. If you’re lucky, you might also spot dolphins, orcas, turtles, and other rare creatures. Keep in mind that boats are not covered. Expect cold and windy conditions and the occasional bird dropping from above. Dress accordingly — wind jacket, poncho, and/or hat recommended.

Explore Paracas Peninsula

Exploring this desert is a visual treat because the color of the sand dunes changes depending on position of the sun overhead. Grab a rental bicycle or book a tour and venture out to the coastal desert expanses of the Paracas Peninsula. Riding on two wheels (as opposed to a car) gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. The challenge, though, is that winds kick up in the afternoon and you might be in for some extra work in you find a strong headwind. Quads (ATVs) are another option; these tours take you to hidden spots on the peninsula.

Splurge & Relax Poolside

If you’ve got a packed itinerary, your Paracas hotel is a great place to relax and renew your energy before tackling your next adventure. Paracas boasts a wide choice of reasonably priced beach resorts with gorgeous swimming pools overlooking Paracas Bay. Enjoy the beauty of the landscape, sip on a pisco cocktail, and bask in the warmth of the sun arching its course overhead.

Play in the Water

Paracas Bay’s flat water and strong winds make it ideal grounds for the practice of a variety of water sports. If you’re game, check with your Paracas resort to borrow the equipment you need to kayak, windsurf, and kitesurf. Paragliding tours are also available.

Ride the Dunes

If the sight of sand dunes tempts you to hurl yourself down a slippery slope with a board strapped to your feet, take a dune tour from Paracas or Pisco. Dune buggy drivers take passengers out into the Ica Desert. Stops include low dunes where beginners can learn basic skills and safety techniques, and then higher dunes where the brave of heart can gain more speed on steeper descents.

Huacachina Oasis

While nature lovers flock to Paracas, thrill seekers are drawn like bees to honey to Huacachina and its blue-green lagoon. Located about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Paracas, and just outside of Ica, the oasis town is surrounded by 100-foot sand dunes. You can take a 2-hour dune buggy/sand boarding tour and depart for your next destination, or stick around the enjoy the backpacker party scene by night.

Fish and seafood play a starring role on most restaurant menus in Chaco. Many seafront restaurants near the pier serve a menu del dia (set menu with starter, main, dessert) or a la carte. Grill stands by the pier are also a source of cheap eats.

Paracas enjoys a hot and pleasantly dry climate throughout the year.

Summer

From December to March
Daily Average: 80°F (27°C)

Winter

From June to September
Daily Average: 60°F (18°C)

“Paracas” derives from Quechua words meaning “rain of sand” and refers to the strong winds that regularly whip across the sandy coastline and peninsula. Wind speeds average between 25 to 60 km/h (15 to 37 mi/h).