Coastal town known for its national reserve, ancient cultures, and marine life. Home to the Paracas Candelabra geoglyph and red sand beaches.
Paracas, a coastal town in Peru, sits along the Pacific Ocean about 4 hours south of Lima. This small fishing village has a rich marine ecosystem, unique desert landscapes, and significant archaeological sites. You can take a boat tour to see sea lions and birds on the Ballestas Islands, drive through the red sand beaches of Paracas National Reserve, or enjoy fresh ceviche at a local restaurant.
Ballestas Islands
The Ballestas Islands are a group of small rocky islands off the coast of Paracas. A 2-hour boat tour takes you around these protected islands where you'll see large colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various seabirds. The tour also passes by the Paracas Candelabra, a 150-meter high geoglyph etched into a hillside, visible only from the sea. Boats depart daily at 8 AM and 10 AM from the Paracas pier, with tours costing around 25-35 soles.
Paracas National Reserve
The Paracas National Reserve covers 335,000 hectares of coastal desert and tropical dry forest. You can explore the reserve by car, bike, or guided tour. Visit the red sand beach Playa Roja, see the remains of the former sea arch La Catedral, and enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants in Lagunillas Bay. The reserve is home to flamingos, pelicans, and other bird species. Entry to the reserve costs 11 soles for adults.
Beaches and Water Activities
Paracas Bay has calm waters ideal for swimming and water sports. You can try kitesurfing or windsurfing, with several schools offering lessons and equipment rental. For swimming and sunbathing, head to Playa Roja or Playa de la Mina within the national reserve. Snorkeling and diving tours are available to explore the marine life in the bay.
Seafood in Paracas
Paracas has many restaurants serving fresh seafood. Try ceviche, a dish of raw fish cured in citrus juices, or tiradito, a similar dish with thinly sliced fish. Many restaurants along the waterfront in El Chaco, the main part of town, serve these local specialties. For a unique dining experience, visit one of the seaside restaurants in Lagunillas Bay within the national reserve.
Getting to Paracas
Most visitors reach Paracas by bus from Lima. The journey takes about 4 hours and costs around 45-70 soles, depending on the company and level of service. Several bus companies, including Cruz del Sur and Peru Hop, operate this route. If you're driving, take the Panamericana Sur highway south from Lima.
When to Visit
Paracas has a desert climate with mild temperatures year-round. The period from December to April has average temperatures around 22°C (72°F). However, this is also the busiest tourist season. If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-November.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Paracas range from budget hostels to luxury resorts. The Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, offers ocean views and a large infinity pool. Budget travelers might prefer Kokopelli Hostel Paracas, which has a pool and organizes social activities. Mid-range options include La Hacienda Bahia Paracas, located near the national reserve.
