Table of Contents
General Knowledge About Paracas
Where Is Paracas?
How to Get There
Getting to Paracas is hassle-free. Many buses connect Lima, Ica, and Nazca to Paracas daily. If you come from Lima, companies like Viajes de la Cruz offer big, comfy seats and a smooth three-and-a-half-hour ride with desert views along the way. As soon as the landscape opens up and the sea appears, you know you’ve arrived. There are also operators that offer Paracas tours from Lima, Ica or even from Huacachina.
Paracas Weather
High and Low Season
What Can You Do in Paracas?
Paracas has more to offer than you first think. Some must-dos:
- Take a tour to the Paracas National Reserve and enjoy the endless desert colors
- Book a Paracas tour to the Islas Ballestas to spot wildlife
- Relax at a local hotel, from simple backpacker places to top Paracas Peru hotels
- Try fresh seafood on the beach
- Take Paracas and Huacachina tours for a perfect desert and adventure combo
Paracas is the perfect stop to slow down, enjoy the wind, and plan your next moves.
Islas Ballestas Tour: Nature’s Show From the Ocean
My Experience on the Ballestas Tour
The ride is about two hours. For the best Ballestas experience, choose a seat on the left for close-up views and great photos of the cliffs, the candelabra geoglyph, and the best sea lion moments. Sometimes, the boat circles close to both sides, especially when sea lions or penguins are around.
Birds and Wildlife You Can See at Ballestas
Paracas National Reserve: A Desert of Colors and Secrets
What You Can See in the Paracas National Reserve
- Find prehistoric seashells embedded in rocks, proof that the sea once covered this desert.
- Stop at Mirador Playa Supay for paragliding or just for the view.
- Admire “La Catedral,” a striking rock formation shaped by wind and water.
- Pause at Playa Yumaque and its lookout, not the most dramatic stop but good for a quick break.
- Take in the wide view at Mirador Istmo II, where you can look over the red sand beach and down to Lagunillas village, which is the only spot in the reserve where you’ll find restaurants.
- Relax at Playa Las Minas, a quieter spot at the end of the road, and then visit the excellent Museo de Sitio Julio C. Tello de Paracas, which tells the story of the area.
Group Tours Into the Reserve
You can join a group tour by bus or car from Paracas, from Lima, or from Ica/Huacachina. Most group tours last two hours, which gives a good overview, but sometimes skips a stop or two. The guide’s stories and facts help bring the landscape to life.
By Quad or Buggy
Exploring by quad or buggy is pure fun, and you still follow marked paths to protect the desert. These tours last around two hours. You ride out with a group, feeling the wind and the thrill of open space. While you cannot go off-road onto every dune, the sensation of cruising through this wild place is incredible.
By Scooter (My Choice)
My favorite way is renting a scooter in Paracas (see here)—for about 100 soles, you get all day to go wherever you want and stay as long as you like at each site. You set the pace and catch your favorite moments, from sunlight on the dunes to quiet ocean views. The downside is you miss a guide, but there are information panels in most spots. Be ready for wind and chill, especially near the sea. The only places to eat are at Lagunillas, where you get simple but fresh fish dishes and chicken.
The Gem for Kitesurfers: Paracas, Wind, and Sea
If you want something calmer, try a catamaran tour on the bay. It’s a gentle ride on tranquil waters, with a chance to spot sea lions—a private way to enjoy Paracas. Note: catamarans do not reach Ballestas, which is too far out at sea.
Conclusion: Is Paracas Worth a Visit?
FAQ
Paracas is a coastal town in southern Peru, midway between Lima and Ica, set on the edge of the Paracas Peninsula and close to the Paracas National Reserve.
You can easily reach Paracas by bus from Lima, Ica, or Nazca. The journey from Lima takes about three and a half hours on comfortable buses with frequent departures.
Paracas weather is dry and sunny most of the year, with mild daytime temperatures and cooler, windy evenings. Rain is rare, but the wind from the ocean is a big part of the experience.
High season runs from June to September and in December and January during Peruvian holidays. If you prefer fewer crowds, aim for the shoulder or low season, especially mid-week.
Paracas is known for tours to the Paracas National Reserve and Islas Ballestas, where you can see dramatic desert landscapes and wildlife. You can also enjoy the beaches, fresh seafood, and try activities like kitesurfing or quad biking.
On an Islas Ballestas tour, you can spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, a range of seabirds like boobies and cormorants, and occasionally dolphins or whales during migration season.
Yes, you can explore the Paracas National Reserve independently by renting a scooter, car, or joining a quad tour. There are also group tours with guides which cover the main sites.
Absolutely. Steady winds and calm, sheltered waters thanks to the Paracas Peninsula make it one of the best kitesurfing spots in Peru, with dedicated areas and businesses for the sport.
The only restaurants inside the Paracas National Reserve are in Lagunillas village, where you’ll find several places focused on fresh fish and seafood dishes as well as chicken options.
Paracas is a worthwhile stop if you are traveling along the coast, especially between Lima and Cusco. The natural beauty, reserve, and Islas Ballestas can all be experienced in a relaxed one-day visit.
