Are you looking for a new travel destination? Paracas Peru is located on the coast, south of Lima. It’s home to some incredible wildlife and beautiful beaches that will make your trip unforgettable! The area also has an incredibly rich history and ancient sites you can explore by visiting the archaeological sites in Paracas or by taking one of the many tours you can find in town. If you want to experience something truly unique and unforgettable, then I highly recommend visiting Paracas. We’re excited to share our travel guide on visiting Paracas, Peru, so without further adiue, let’s get into it!
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About Paracas Peru
Paracas Peru is a small town located in the Pisco Province, on the south-central coast of Peru. It’s known for being one of the best places in all of Peru to see wildlife that you won’t be able to find anywhere else in Peru. It is home to endangered species, including Humboldt penguins and sea lions. Paracas, Peru is also home to about 7,000 people, and it’s full of beautiful scenic spots and a variety of fun things to do and see!
Top Things To Do in Paracas
Paracas Peru is well known for being one of the best places in all of Peru to see wildlife, but you will also be able to enjoy the scenic views, beautiful beaches, as well as do a variety of fun activities.
The water isn’t the only amazing thing here. There are plenty of things to do around Paracas that make this destination incredible. Here are some of our top recommendations for things to do in Paracas.
Visit the Ballestas Islands
The Ballestas Islands are close to Paracas and are home to one of Peru’s most popular tourist attractions, the Nazca lines. The islands have a ton of wildlife and spectacular views, making them well worth a visit. They are off-limits to humans, however, there are plenty of boat tours that can take you around the islands where you can see some incredible wildlife!
Go Scuba Diving With the Sea Lions at the Ballestas Islands
When you’re visiting the area around the Ballestas Islands, one of the most popular activities around Paracas is swimming with the South American pink sea lions that can be found on Isla de la Plata or at Punta Lobos. The water is freezing, but it’s an incredible experience that you won’t forget.
Take a Trip to the Archeological Sites
Paracas is also well-known for its rich history. There are many incredible archeological sites around Paracas, such as the Necropolis of the Arrieros and Cerro Colorado. You can easily visit all of these by car or by taking one of the many tours available.
Take a Trip to Pisco Porton
Pisco Porton is one of our favorite attractions in all of Peru. It’s a distillery located about 20 minutes outside of Paracas, so it’s easily accessible. You can try over 100 different types of Pisco here at the distillery, including some unique infusions that are not available anywhere else in Peru.
Enjoy a Pisco Sour on a Paracas Drink Tour
Another fun thing to do in Paracas is going out for drinks. The town is well known for its party scene, and there are plenty of bars and clubs. One of our favorite activities is joining one of the drinking tours so you can enjoy drinks while learning about Paracas history from a local.
Visit the National Reserve
You can see a lot of wildlife in Paracas, including some endangered species. You’ll see a variety of animals, such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, flamingos, and more. Visiting the National Reserve is one the best places to spot wildlife when visiting Paracas. The beach in the National Reserve is also a beautiful spot to relax after you’ve gone wildlife watching.
How to Get There
Paracas is only about a 3-hour drive south of Lima, so if you’re planning on visiting, it’s pretty easy to get to. You can rent a car and drive down or take the bus, taxi, or private car service.
If you’re planning on staying in Paracas for more than one day, I’d recommend renting a car so you can visit different parts of the peninsula.
Best Time of Year to Visit Paracas Peru
Paracas is warm and sunny all year round. You could go any month and would likely have great weather. The hottest months to visit Paracas are January through March.
What to Pack
Waterproof sunscreen is a good idea since you’ll be spending most of your time near water or on it. The sand gets very hot during the day, so flip-flops and sunglasses are also a must to have with you. If you’re planning on climbing Cerro Colorado or visiting the Necropolis of the Arrieros, a hat and hiking boots are also going to be good to have.
Where to Stay In Paracas, Peru
There are several great options for accommodations in Paracas. You can choose from a variety of hotels, such as all-inclusive resorts, and regular hotel lodging in town and on the coast all with a variety of price ranges. Here are a few of our favorites.
Aranwa Paracas Resort & Spa
The Aranwa Paracas Resort & Spa is located on the coast and has a large variety of amenities. Such as the space, free wifi, large pool, air conditioning, a bar, a gym, a resteraunt, breakfast included, and more!
La Hacienda Bahia Paracas
The La Hacienda Bahia Paracas is located on the beach near the Paracas Golf club and the Paracas Port. It is also right by El Chaco Beach and located right by the Paracas National Reserve. The La Hacienda Bahia Paracas has a large variety of amenities such as a spa, free wifi, a pool, air conditioning, a gym, a bar, a resteraunt, a breakfast included, and much more!
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel
The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel is located on a private beach in Paracas. This hotel comes with a large variety of amenities, along with the private beach, the hotel also has a spa, a gym, a pool, air conditioning, a bar and restaurant, free wifi, and more!
Hotel Las Dunas
The Hotel Las Dunas is a resort style hotel that has 3 restaurants, 5 outdoor pools, a golf course, air conditioning, free wifi, 2 bars/lounges, a poolside bar, coffee shops located on the property, and more!
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for a unique travel destination, then Paracas is the place to go. With its diverse landscape and abundance of wildlife, this small town has something for everyone. Whether you want to explore some ancient ruins or spend all day exploring the Ballestas Islands, there’s plenty to do when visiting Paracas! We hope you enjoyed our travel guide about visiting Paracas, Peru! Happy travels!