Paracas Travel Guide

Central Coast, 16.4 feet (5 m) above sea level by the Pacific Ocean
Population: 1,200

Located approximately 150 mi (245km), Paracas is spa, a peninsula, a bay, a pre-Inca Culture and a National Reserve. It's a haven for birdwatchers and hikers alike. It is also considered to be the point at which the liberation of Peru began and the colors of the flag were decided.

Surrounded by natural beauty, the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands is an area teeming with life. Millions of birds that live here year-round, and thousands of others migrate from north to south along this corridor, ranging from guano birds to Humboldt penguins. Boats depart from El Chaco Port to Islas Ballestas (Ballesta Islands), allowing visitors a chance to marvel at the sea lion colonies, birds and the famous three-pronged Candelabro (Candelabrum) carved into the sand with a similar technique to the Nazca Lines.

By car, or buggies, you can visit the land portion of the Paracas National Reserve and enjoy the desert dunes. Back on the traditional circuit, roads made of salt lead to the on-site museum (currently closed for renovation after the earthquake of 2007) and the necropolis and ruins of the burial grounds of the Paracas culture (700 BC), whose weaving skills have been admired the world over. A trail leads down to a protected bay, the natural habitat of flamingoes, the scarlet-and-white birds that inspired the colors of the Peruvian flag. Further south lie the striking natural rock formations of the Catedral (Cathedral).

Located on the south central desert coastal area and surrounded by dunes on one side and sea on the other, the city enjoys a very warm and pleasantly dry climate throughout the year. The average temperature is about 24°C (75°F).

Paracas National Reserve
Nature and ecology lovers will find the only marine reservation of Peru in this place. This reserve is dedicated to the protection and the conservation of marine ecosystems as well as for the protection of the cultural and historical patrimony of the pre-Inca Paracas culture. It is considered to be one of the richest and most uncommon ecosystems in the world; declared "Natural World Heritage Site" by UNESCO. Dunes of salt and sand surround you, but at each stop, something marvellous and interesting awaits you. There are piles of shells and sea fossils from millions of years ago, stranded now in the desert; beautiful views of the ocean, its coastline and the famous Cathedral Rock, now damaged from the 2007 earthquake; and the only red sand beach in Peru, created from tiny volcanic pebbles. In the delightful fishing village of Lagunillas you may have a fresh, delicious ceviche or cangrejo and then take a dip in the tepid waters as a nice break. Or, if you're not prepared to swim, walk around 6 kilometers further to the west to a cliff-top lookout that provides spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, usually with a colony of friendly sea-lions lounging on the rocks below.

Ballestas Islands
Often called the 'Poor Man's Galapagos', the area is anything but. A rich treasure of ecological beauty and fauna, over 150 species of birdlife alone can be found here. Numerous caves and arches have formed along the shoreline of Paracas, providing homes to the Humboldt penguin, boobies, pelicans, cormorants and sometimes even condors which visitors will see on the 1 ½ hour boat journey. A large number of sea-lions can be seen lazing on the shores of the islands, and if you're extremely lucky, you might be able to catch dolphins or whales trailing the waters of this area. Visitors are not allowed onto the islands themselves. However, views of the marine life from the boat are always likely to be excellent. Aside from the spectacular opportunity to view wildlife, you will also pass alongside the shore where you can see the famous El Candelabro geoglyph located on the sandy hills overlooking the sea. The lines depicting the three-pronged candle-holder measure 150m high, 50 m wide and 60 cm deep and remain a mystery to this day as to why it was created.

Doubletree Guest Suites by Hilton 4 Star

Welcome to the beautiful Paracas Beach and the Doubletree Guest Suites by Hilton. With one of the most interesting and richest ecosystems in the world, the desert peninsula of Paracas on the south coast of Peru encompasses Paracas National Reserve, two-thirds of which is water. This natural wonder contains many diverse species of fish, birds and marine mammals, while Paracas Bay hosts all sorts of watersports. Experience the Paracas attractions and Peruvian national treasures from the comfort of your suite. In addition to South Pacific waters, spectacular flora and fauna and historic Paracas culture, guests enjoy all the comforts and conveniences of a modern resort hotel.








Hotel Libertador Paracas Resort & Spa 4 Star

Strategically located in the bay, in front of the Nature Reserve of Paracas, this hotel will soon be the most luxurious resort spa on the Peruvian coast and the ideal starting point for excursions to the Ballestas Islands from our own private deck. This hotel is one of the most important five-star hotels in the south of Peru with a total area of 34,136m2, 120 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a bar lounge, a luxury spa, a conference room that seats up to 500 people and a wide variety of activities available for guests. After the 2007 earthquake and two years of reconstruction and remodeling, the hotel is back with all the comfort and warm hospitality of its highly trained staff, a trait that after years of experience has become a hallmark. Let yourself be surprised by the warmth and authenticity of our luxury accommodation in Paracas, in a world in which you will be the main character. All you need to do is leave everything in our hands and enjoy your stay.








Refugio del Pirata B&B

In the Refugio del Pirata, you will find rooms with private bathrooms and hot water 24 hours a day. Stay in Paracas in a clean and tranquil environment, located just a block from the sea with beach views. There are many quality restaurants and tourist shops just a short walk away. "Recommended" - South American Handbook 2004.

As usual when traveling, tourists are advised to take caution when guarding their personal belongings. The national reserve stretches far out into the desert peninsula. Therefore, it is always recommended that visitors travel in groups and during daylight hours as people have gotten lost or worse, robbed. In general, while traveling in the desert, you want to be sure to travel in groups and take plenty of food and water with you.

Drinking only bottled water is a good idea. There are two types of water you can buy: sin gas meaning un-carbonated, "normal" water, and con gas which is carbonated. Make sure to eat in good restaurants and buy fruits from quality supermarkets. If you buy fruit from a street market, take extra care to wash it very thoroughly before eating it. Important note: Peruvian tap water is not potable. It is fine to use for teeth-brushing and cooking (provided it is boiled) but should not be ingested directly from the tap.