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Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima, Arequipa & Colca, Paracas
Paracas
Go to Paracas for sunny weather, desert dunes overlooking the sea, pisco and wine tours, and a rollicking community of marine fauna on the Ballestas Islands. If you’ve got a packed itinerary, Paracas is the perfect place to unwind. And you’ve got an excellent array of bayside resorts to choose from. Browse our guide below for essential facts, travel tips, and top attractions on a Paracas tour.
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Machu Picchu, Cusco, Titicaca, Amazon, Lima, Paracas, Arequipa & Colca
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Learn moreAt a Glance
Located on the coast 4 hours south of Lima, 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 — it's the reason why Paracas is jokingly called the “Poor Man’s Galapagos.” 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 plenty of 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 in the Pisco desert or Huacachina Oasis.
History
900 BC to 200 AD – The Paracas Peninsula is named after the Paracas culture. The people were fisherman and farmers who cultivated beans, maize, and red peppers. Their settlements were further north of the present-day Paracas Natural Reserve around Pisco, but they used Cerro Colorado as a burial site for centuries.
From excavations at the Paracas Necropolis, we know that the Paracas were exceptionally skilled craftsman. Obsidian knives, fine pottery, shell and bone necklaces, gold ornaments, and finely woven textiles have been found in subterranean tombs. The dry climate and the lack of light in the underground burial chambers ensured the preservation of these artifacts.
1820 AD – On September 8, the “Freedom Expedition” headed by the Argentine general Jose de San Martin landed on Paracas Bay with more than 4,000 soldiers. San Martin headquartered close to the Plaza de Armas for a few days. He is said to have drawn up ideas for the Peruvian flag during this stay and that the pink flamingo, a resident of the Paracas peninsula, inspired the flag’s red-and-white colors. The liberation force later marched to Lima in the effort to free the South American colonies from Spanish imperial rule.
1925 AD – A team of archaeologists led by Julio C. Tello begin excavating the Paracas Cavernas, a communal burial site dating to 300-200 BC.
1927-28 – Tello began to excavate Wari Kayan site. The team found mummy bundles wrapped in cloths, feathered costumes, fine jewelry, and food offerings. Textiles from Nazca culture were also found in Paracas site. The two sites together are known as Paracas Necropolis.
1975 – The Peruvian government creates the Paracas National Reserve.
2007 – A massive 8.0 magnitude earthquake rattles the central coast of Peru. Most of Pisco city was destroyed and more than 400 people died, including 148 who were inside the Pisco cathedral when it collapsed.
Geography
On the coast of Peru more than 200 km south of Lima, the hammerhead-shaped Paracas Peninsula juts out into the Pacific Ocean. The northern edge of the peninsula curves out and up to form the Paracas Bay. The coastal mainland is desert dry with an arid climate and little vegetation.
But it’s a different story in the ocean. Flowing up the coast of South America from Antarctica, the cold-water, nutrient-rich Humboldt Current sustains an incredible diversity of marine wildlife including the famous sea lions and guano birds of the Ballestas Islands.
The principal town of Paracas, called El Chaco, is surrounded by dry hills and the Ica Desert. Outside of the Paracas National Reserve, desert sand dunes provide a playground for adventure-seeking travelers.
Elevation
16.4 feet (5 meters) above sea level in front of the Pacific Ocean
Climate
Paracas has a desert climate with very little rainfall. The average temperature is about 24°C (75°F).
“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).
Attractions
El Chaco and Paracas Bay
El Chaco is the tiny town that receives most visitors to Paracas including foreign travelers and Lima residents seeking a beach getaway. The town’s pier is the point of departure for tours to the Islas Ballestas and the Paracas National Reserve. A pleasant climate, beautiful beaches, and seafood specialties make this a year round destination.
Restaurants are set up along the boardwalk, where souvenir vendors also congregate to sell their trinkets. Fishermen’s boats crowd the water in front of the beach, bringing fresh catches of fish for sale to nearby businesses. Some Paracas hotel resorts are located further south and face open water suited for utter relaxation and/or your choice of water sports.
Ballestas Islands
Not far from Paracas town, a group of uninhabited islands is home to an astounding array of marine wildlife. The number and diversity of birds and animals on the Islas Ballestas has resulted in their popular moniker: “Poor Man’s Galapagos.”
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.
Regardless of their worthiness as a substitute for the Galapagos, the Ballestas Islands are a definite must see on a Paracas tour. Read more in our comprehensive Ballestas Islands travel guide.
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.
Admission: S/.10 entry per person to the Paracas National Reserve (not including the Ballestas Islands)
See our comprehensive Paracas National Reserve travel guide for more information.
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.
Admission: S/.6
Hours: Daily, 9:00 to 18:00 hrs
Pisco city
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 Bay has the better options for seaside relaxation.
Admission: S/.6
Hours: Daily, 9:00 to 18:00 hrs
Huacachina Oasis
While nature lovers flock to Paracas, thrill seekers are drawn like bees to honey to Huacachina and its blue-green lagoon. Located just 8 km (5 miles) from Ica city, 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.
Activities
Tour the Ballestas Islands
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 and chill out 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.
Hotels
Tourism is on the rise in Paracas, and in its wake, a range of hotels that run the gamut from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses and backpacker hostels. Newer resorts spread north of the pier or south closer to the National Reserve, while most other hotels and restaurants are concentrated around Malecon El Chaco. In general, excellent value rates make Paracas an ideal destination to splurge on accommodation.
The following are our preferred Paracas hotels, selected by our staff for their outstanding service and excellent amenities.
Services:
Restaurant Internet Swimming Pool Room Service Parking Gym Bar
Restaurant Internet Swimming Pool Room Service Parking Gym Bar
Hotel Libertador Paracas
★★★★★
Avenida Paracas 173, Paracas
Soak up the luxury and splendor of the lavish Hotel Libertador in Paracas, one of the first “It” hotels on the glittering Peruvian coast. Leave your bags with the porter and your cares at the door. Inside the plush, aquatic-hued Libertador, a soothing, slowed-down world of total relaxation awaits. Ideally located on the Paracas Bay in front of the Natural Reserve of Paracas, Hotel Libertador Paracas is one of the Peruvian coast’s most spectacular deluxe hotels. Five-star amenities and highly personalized service are combined to make this resort-spa a blissful haven of sensual delight.
Services:
Restaurant Internet Swimming Pool Gift Shop Room Service Parking Gym Bar Spa
Restaurant Internet Swimming Pool Gift Shop Room Service Parking Gym Bar Spa
Hacienda Bahia Paracas
★★★★
Urbanizacion Santo Domingo Lote 25, Paracas
This understated hotel offers comfortable accommodations in the spectacular seaside setting of Paracas, a town just a few short hours from Lima and on the way to the Nazca Lines. Spacious guestrooms, suites, and bungalows are all tastefully decorated in a minimalist style combining the earthy tones of polished wood and brick tiling with white-washed walls and contemporary furniture. Each room has a bathtub and a private terrace, while the hotel’s grounds boast a luxurious spa, swimming pool, bar, and restaurant.
Services:
Restaurant Internet Swimming Pool Laundry Service Baby Sitter Room Service Parking Gym Bar
Restaurant Internet Swimming Pool Laundry Service Baby Sitter Room Service Parking Gym Bar
San Agustin Paracas
★★
Chaco de la Puntilla (no number), Paracas
Situated on the edge of the bay, Hotel San Agustin Paracas is the only hotel with ocean views from every one of its 123 rooms. The well-equipped rooms feature private bathroom, shower, hair dryer, 32” LCD TV with cable, telephone, safety box, minibar, and cooling fan. Make the most of your leisure time at the outdoor saltwater pool, beach volleyball court, football/basketball court, and games room. Additional facilities include a bar, restaurant, free wireless Internet in the lobby, computer room, gym, laundry service, luggage storage, and on-site ATM.
Where to Eat
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.
Il Covo
Av. San Martin s/n (in front of Hostal Brisas de la Bahia), Paracas
Tel: 056 530 324 | http://ilcovo.pe/menu-carta/
($-$$) Drinks $2USD, Pizzas $11USD
Dine on your choice of panini, pizza, pasta dishes, all with great views over the town.
Chalana Restaurant (Hotel Libertador Pier)
Av. Paracas s/n, El Chaco
Part of the Hotel Libertador, located on the pier, specializing in fresh seafood fished straight from the bay.
Restaurant Paracas
Av. Paracas (entrance to Chaco pier)
Tel: +51 56 535138 | http://www.restaurantparacas.com
Seafood and pasta with great views from the 4th floor.
Misk’i Restobar
Av. Alan Garcia s/n (one block from Chaco pier)
Enjoy live music, great food, and a friendly vibe at this restaurant-bar serving pizzas, burgers, and tacos.
Fruzion
Av. Alan Garcia Mz C (across from Artisan Market), El Chaco
http://fruzion.pe
Breakfast, fresh fruit smoothies, milkshakes, burgers, and a friendly staff serving happy hours drinks in the evening.
Restaurante El Che
Lagunillas Beach, Paracas National Reserve
Paradise for seafood lovers. Fish, prawns, octopus. Fresh from the sea.
Weather
Paracas enjoys a hot and pleasantly dry climate throughout the year. The average temperature is about 24°C (75°F). The winter months (July and August) can bring slightly cooler evening temperatures. On a Ballestas Islands tour, it’s always a good idea to bring protection against the wind and the sun.
Best time to visit Paracas
The best months are in the summer time from December to March, when the days are hot and the sky is clear. The Paracas seaside is especially busy during this time and attracts Peruvians on their summer holiday.
Travel Tips
Get in
By bus: The company Peru Hop provides door-to-door service from Lima to Paracas and is a great choice for backpackers on the tourist trail through southern Peru. There is regular first-class bus service from Lima to the Paracas region. Reputable companies are Excluciva, Cruz del Sur, and Oltursa; these also provide onward service to Arequipa and Cusco.
By road: El Chaco is located approximately 260 km (160 mi) south of Lima along the Panamericana Sur. The highway is well-paved.
Tour the Nazca Lines
The Pisco Airport is located at southern end of Pisco town, about 11 km from Paracas. It is not usually open for commercial flights, however charter aircraft do provide Nazca Lines flight overs.
Getting around El Chaco
Everything in El Chaco is within walking distance. Mototaxis are available to get you around quicker, while regular taxis cover longer distances to nearby towns.
Best time for seals or birds
Ballestas Island tours depart in the morning when winds are calmer and animals are more active. Depending on the season, you might see different species of birds or aquatic animals. For example, penguins are best seen from April to November. Sea lions are here all year round in the hundreds, so don’t worry about missing them.
Safety
As with many places in South America, tourists are advised to take caution with personal belongings. The national reserve stretches far out into the desert peninsula. It is recommended that visitors travel in groups during daylight hours to avoid getting lost, or worse, robbed.
The Paracas National Reserve covers an extensive part of the peninsula; therefore, it is not recommended that guests travel alone and should always come prepared with food and water to make it through the hot desert in good health.
FAQs
How far is Paracas from ___?
- Pisco: 22 km (14 mi) south
- Ica: 75 km (46 mi) northwest
- Lima: 260 km (160 mi) south
Is it possible to visit Ballestas Islands and Paracas Peninsula in one day and be back in Lima by the evening?
Yes. Ballestas boat tours are usually in the morning and last 2-3 hours. The peninsula is just next door, so with a private driver, you can visit the key sites in a few hours and still have time to return to El Chaco or Pisco for the return trip to Lima.
If there’s too much wind/bad weather in Paracas what else is there to do?
Head to the pisco distilleries in Ica or Pisco or try sandboarding or a sunset sand dune tour in Huacachina Oasis.
