Ballestas Islands, a wildlife haven in Paracas, Peru – Photo courtesy of PIKSEL / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
About four hours south of Lima along Peru’s Pacific coastline, you’ll find a small fishing town in the midst of the desert. This unique juxtaposition of topography is precisely the reason that wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and savvy travelers flock to Paracas, perhaps one of the most underrated destinations in Peru.
The small port town has seen a boom in tourism with the emergence of several world-class hotels. Paracas means “strong winds” in Spanish, or in the indigenous Quechua tongue, “rain of sand,” which gives rise to the unique coastal dunes formed over millennia. Thousands of years ago, the area was home to the Paracas culture, a pre-Columbian civilization that made its mark on the region with its advanced irrigation techniques, beautiful ceramics, and stunning textiles.
Much of this ancient civilization remains protected in what is today known as the Paracas National Reserve, a sprawling 827,800 acres of coastal desert whose arid environment stands in stark contrast to the roaring sea just beyond its cliffs. The protected beaches are home to some of the most diverse wildlife found on the continent.
How to get to Paracas
From Lima, the easiest way to get to Paracas is by car or bus. The town is located about a 3.5 to 4-hour drive south of the city, whose international airport offers many direct flights to destinations around the world. Once you’re in Paracas, you won’t need a car. The Paracas National Reserve is accessible by bike, buggy, or ATV, while other popular attractions (like the Ballestas Islands) are accessible by boat.
Best time of year to visit Paracas
Passing Candelabra, a prehistoric geoglyph in Paracas – Photo courtesy of Oleh_Slobodeniuk / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
One of the best things about Paracas is its relatively temperate climate, which means you can visit just about any time of year. High season for the region tends to be the Peruvian summer, from December to March. During this time, high temperatures reach around the mid-80s. If you’re looking to make the most of wildlife viewing — in particular the Humboldt penguins — April to November are the best months to visit Paracas.
How much time should you budget for a trip to Paracas? While region is relatively small, there are many things to do in Paracas. You’ll certainly need at least a full day to explore Paracas National Reserve (and likely more if you want to do all the activities available. We recommend three days minimum to enjoy the area and all it has to offer.
Fun things to do in Paracas
Whether you’re interested in sand-boarding on the dunes of Paracas National Reserve, marveling at the Humboldt penguins on the Ballestas Islands, or simply soaking up the sun in this seaside village, you can scratch every vacation itch.
Visit Paracas National Reserve
Cathedral Rock Formation at Paracas National Reserve – Photo courtesy of xeni4ka / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Paracas National Reserve alone is reason to visit Paracas. As the country’s oldest marine reserve, this natural wonder serves as home to more than 1,500 animal species, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, dolphins, turtles, and hundreds of species of birds. You’ll also find stunning red sand beaches, which get their unique coloring from the erosion of pink granodiorite. Perhaps the most popular way to explore the reserve is by ATV or dune buggy (which also allows you to do some pretty amazing off-roading). However, if you’re looking for a solid workout, a standard bicycle will do the trick.
Go sand-boarding
For the true thrill-seekers, there’s little that compares to sand-boarding down one of the many impressive dunes in Paracas National Reserve. A number of tour companies offer a range of sand-boarding experiences, complete with lessons.
Check out the Ballestas Islands
Known as the “poor man’s Galápagaos,” the Ballestas Islands (or Islas Ballestas) is the premiere destination for seeing dolphins, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds. To get to the island, you’ll take a 30- to 40-minute boat ride that’ll pass by the Paracas Candelabra, an enormous geoglyph whose origins remain a debatable mystery to this day.
Go wildlife-viewing and bird-watching
You don’t have to visit Paracas National Reserve or the Ballestas Islands to see incredible wildlife. Simply sit along the beach or drive out to any one of Paracas’ many overlooks to enjoy the stunning array of fauna (and flora) the region has to offer.
Try out some water sports
Given the strong winds that gave Paracas its name, it’s no wonder that wind-based water sports are a big thing here. Kitesurfing and paragliding are available for the most adventurous, while sailing on catamarans, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are also widely available.
Relax on Paracas’ best beaches
While Paracas isn’t your typical beach resort in that temperatures tend to be too cool and winds too strong for a ton of beach swimming, the protected nature of many of the town’s beaches make for some of the most beautiful vistas for beach strolls and lounging.
Where to eat and drink in Paracas
The freshest seafood in Paracas, Peru – Photo courtesy of Lulu Chang
You simply can’t go wrong with the abundance of fresh seafood in Paracas, which is — at its heart — a fishing village. You’ll have some of the freshest ceviche that money can buy in this town.
Chalana Restaurant
Not only is the ceviche incredible at Chalana Restaurant, but so too is the view. Part of Hotel Paracas and located at the end of a pier, this restaurant offers beautiful regional dishes and unbeatable waterfront views.
Nautilus Seafood & Pastas
The waterfront promenade of Paracas is home to several great restaurants. Nautilus Seafood & Pastas, however, is a local favorite, bringing together Peruvian, Italian, and other international cuisines.
Waiki Pizza Bar
You might not expect great pizza in Paracas, but you’d be wrong. Several restaurants in town sling pies, yet none are as delightful as the ones at Waiki Pizza Bar.
Where to stay in Paracas
Incredible sunsets at Hotel Paracas – Photo courtesy of Lulu Chang
Hotel Paracas
Hotel Paracas is an excellent jumping-off point for any and all Paracas adventures. The hotel offers complimentary off-road bike rentals that can be used to head straight into the Paracas National Reserve (about a 15-minute bike ride away). You can also book a tour of the Ballestas Islands with the hotel. When you’re done, relax by one of two beautiful pools before grabbing a gourmet meal.
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Aranwa Paracas Resort & Spa
Aranwa Paracas Resort & Spa, which offers expansive guest rooms and common spaces, is perhaps best known for its fabulous spa. While you’ll certainly have access to all the adventure activities that Paracas is known for, Aranwa also seeks to pamper its guests with customized spa treatments and attentive staff.
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The Legend Paracas Resort
One of the newer properties in Paracas, The Legend Paracas Resort offers 124 two-room suites, each with a private balcony or terrace. The hotel also offers a range of adventure activities, including kitesurfing, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, sand-boarding, and buggy excursions. Two on-site restaurants will ensure you won’t go hungry.
