15 Extraordinary Paracas Peru Attractions That Will Totally Surprise You

Are you looking for an exhilarating adventure, incredible beaches, and beautiful skies? Make sure you don’t skip Paracas Peru, a place people call the “poor man’s Galapagos.”

Paracas, a part of the Ica coastal province, is a charming beach town by itself. 

It can serve as a convenient base for many of the nearby attractions and tours that Peru has to offer. Sightings of fascinating fauna like Peruvian boobies, penguins, sea lions, and dolphins, mesmerizing colors of the beach, desert, and skies, nature adventure activities, and delectable cuisine await smart travelers. 

Learn more about this wonderful destination where the sun shines all year round in this overview of the attractions of Paracas, Peru.

Best Things To Do in Paracas, Peru – Activities

1. Tour to Ballestas Islands

Paracas is most known for the Ballestas Islands, the “poor man’s Galapagos,” where visitors can witness one of the most amazing daily wildlife events on the planet. 

In these islands, you can witness nature at play: sea lions who hunt for fish cause them to come up to the sea’s surface, where droves of sea birds await, swooping into the water to get their meal.

The only way to reach the island is by boat. You can hire a travel agency or ask your hotel for the service. 

We recommend leaving for this place early in the morning. Most tours leave at 8 a.m. when the seas are calm and spotting wildlife is easier. 

2. Explore Nearby Towns

There are many towns near Paracas, such as Ica and Huacachina, Peru. Ica is quite popular for its wines. Its sand dunes are also a site for adventure activities, such as dune buggy tours, sandboarding, and sand skiing. 

Once you are done with Ica, take a taxi to Huacachina, only a 7-minute, 3.4 mi (5.4 km) drive away. This town has amazing dunes and the Huacachina Lagoon for you to experience. 

3. The Sand Buggy Ride 

One of the tourist’s favorite sand buggy rides is where things start getting interesting. The desert in Paracas is ideal for driving such vehicles. 

The sand hills and warm breeze make the whole scene pop. Imagine going at full speed in a wide-open desert on a buggy; it is an experience of a lifetime. 

4. Quad Biking

Quad biking is another great activity for desert lovers. However, it is much more open than a sand buggy, which means more breeze pulling you back. 

The best part about this ride is that you can drive the quad bike, unlike the sand buggy. 

5. Jet Ski

Paracas have a clear sky and seawater, which is ideal for water activities. The dunes are quite close to the sea, so it’s a good time to jump into the sea once you are done with the activities on land. 

One of the best things to do is to go jet skiing. They are extremely fast, so the ride can be bumpy. Learning to drive them before getting into the wide-open sea is even better. 

The service providers usually teach the people before letting them go on their own. If they don’t, insist that they do.

6. Kite Surfing 

Tired of being on the ground? Head to the kitesurfing area and fly like a bird in the sky. Experience the beauty of the sands and the sea from above and enjoy the winds guiding you toward your next stop. 

The elevation from the ground is around 100 feet (30 meters). If you need a kite surfing experience, you can easily learn it from the nearby kitesurfing school.

7. Paragliding

Paragliding is similar to kite surfing, but you won’t be attached to a surfboard, and the elevation would be much higher. 

Paracas paragliding starts from the top of the sand ravines close to the sea. The sea winds here are steady, which makes the spot ideal for such activities. 

8. Sandboarding

There is plenty to do in this small town, which is why it has a never-ending list of activities. Sandboarding is one of them.

Sandboards are similar to normal skateboards, but you slide down the dunes instead of moving above solid ground. 

Best Things To Do in Paracas, Peru – Sights

9. Paracas National Reserve

If you love wildlife and views, this 335,000-hectare (3,350 square kilometers) Paracas National Reserve is the place to be. To conserve this rare ecosystem, UNESCO has been protecting Paracas’ rich marine wildlife and aquatic ecosystem for the past 47 years. 

Cliffs, rock formations, deserts, and beaches will keep you busy here for quite a while. The view here is amazing, as you can watch the coast of Playa Mina as far as your eye can see. The waters and sand set the perfect contrast of colors, making it one of the best relaxing places in town.

10. Candelabra 

A giant figure etched into the sand of Paracas is located just near the sea. The whole figure is around 492 feet (150 meters) high in the shape of a cactus. 

The mystery of this glyph is still unsolved, but it is a great place to enjoy some time in Paracas. 

11. Museo de Sitio 

Museo de Sitio is a must-visit for people who love to know about the Paracas’ culture and traditions of the past. 

It is located inside Paracas National Reserve, established in honor of famous archeologist Julio C. Tello. There are many artifacts and Paracas textiles for you to experience. 

The details about them are available in Spanish and English.

12. The Nazca Lines

Moving further towards the south of Paracas will take you to the desert named Nazca. You can have an excursion to view the great Nazca lines spread over the whole dessert floor. The lines were first seen in the 1930s by pilots. 

Nowadays, it is one of the most famous tourist sites. You can get a flyover tour and experience the patterns from the sky by visiting the Pisco airport nearby.

Best Things To Do in Paracas, Peru – Food and Restaurants

13. Paracas Restaurant 

Paracas Restaurant has everything you need to satisfy your local cuisine cravings. The seafood is fresh, and the seating area has amazing views of the sea. The overall service and quality of food are top-notch. 

All vegetarian and non-veg options are available here, including the famous ceviche and other culinary delights. We recommend you try Lomo Saltado, a Peruvian dish made from vegetables, fries, steak, and rice. 

14. La Negra y El Blanco 

La Negra, known for its amazing seafood, is the second-best place on your list of restaurants in Paracas. The best here is fettuccine with lobster, a dish straight from the food heavens. 

All dishes are prepared fresh, and the Peruvian chefs never forget to leave their mark with a local touch of spices. 

Visit here at the happy hour that usually lasts from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

15. Il Covo

Suppose you want to step outside the local cuisines and try something different. Head to Il Covo restaurant and try an Italian dish from the menu. They are specialized in serving the most delicious and mouth-watering pizzas in town. 

An Italian Badinotti has been running the restaurant since the 1960s, and the taste and quality of food fairly reflect it.

How To Get to Paracas, Peru

Paracas is a small town in the Pisco province in Southern Peru. The town is only a four-hour drive away from Lima. The total distance is around 162.8 miles (262 km). Reaching this small town from other major cities of Peru is easy, which makes it a top spot for a short visit. 

Route to Paracas, Peru

There are many other options that you can choose to travel to Paracas. In this section, We have listed the two most convenient and affordable ways to travel to Paracas, Peru. 

Private Car 

You can book a private car to get to Paracas as it is only 4 hours away from Lima. The single seat would cost around 137 Peruvian Nuevo Sol (36 US dollars) for a 4-passenger car. It is a great way to travel if you want maximum comfort and a smooth transfer to avoid a lot of tourists traveling with you.

Bus 

Traveling by bus is the option that the majority of tourists go for. The bus service in Peru is great, with routes to almost all the famous spots. 

One of the best bus companies is Cruz Del Sur, which takes an average of 3 hours and 30 minutes to cross the 163 miles (262 km) from Lima to Paracas. The fare costs around 30 to 38 PEN ($8-$10) for a 1-way trip. 

You can visit Paracas anytime since its weather is pleasant throughout the year. The temperature is usually warm, especially between January and March. Even in the winter season, the temperatures never usually drop below 56°F (13.33°C). 

The only concern would be sandstorms, as the Paracas name derives itself from Quechua, which means sand rain. 

Where To Stay in Paracas Peru 

Paracas doesn’t have a lot of areas to stay in; however, it does have some amazing hotels for you to spend a night in. 3 of the best hotels in this town are:

Budget-Friendly: Paracas Backpackers House

This budget hostel is just 33 feet (10 meters) from the Paracas History Museum and 328 ft (100m) from El Chaco beach. 

With its hammocks, free WiFi, fully equipped kitchen, and basic amenities, it is highly rated by cost-conscious travelers. 

Mid-Range: Hostal El Amigo 

Hostal El Amigo is located near the El Chaco Boardwalk and the Paracas Golf Course, with the nearest airport, Capitán FAP Renán Elías Olivera Airport, 6.8 mi (11 km) away. 

Biking is a popular activity here, and bikes can be rented at the hostel.

Luxury: Viajero-Kokopelli Paracas Hostel 

With a beachfront location just 33 ft (10 m) from El Chaco beach, Kokopelli offers guests various amenities and activities, including a terrace bar, panoramic views, a shared lounge, a game room, and free use of kayaks. 

This pet-friendly hotel is rated highly by solo travelers.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Important Tips for Enjoying Paracas, Peru 

Here are some important tips for enjoying your trip to Paracas, Peru:

• Please make sure that you don’t harm the wildlife by any means. That means avoiding touching them and just admiring them from a distance.
• Keep sunscreen to protect yourself from harsh UV radiation in this area. 
• Always keep a water bottle with you to stay hydrated. 

Tips To Stay Safe In Paracas, Peru

When venturing through Paracas, Peru, prioritize safety by staying informed about local weather conditions, especially if engaging in water activities along the coast. Be cautious of strong currents and heed any warnings from lifeguards to avoid accidents while swimming or boating.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Paracas, Peru

Is Paracas, Peru, Worth Visiting?

Yes, Paracas is a dream place to visit for adventurers. The beach, rocks, and wildlife are a treat to watch. It is a small town located on the southern side of Peru. 

How Safe Is Paracas, Peru?

Paracas, Peru, is safe to visit, especially the tourist side of the town, which consists of bars, restaurants, and hotels. People are very used to tourism, which is their source of income, making the town safe to visit.

How Many Days Do You Need in Paracas, Peru?

A day or 2 would be enough to enjoy everything inside this small town. With an overnight stay, you can catch the Golden Shadows (Sombras Doradas) or the sunset at the National Reserves on your first day. 

Before you leave, do a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands for sightings of sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and various seabirds. 

Conclusion – Paracas, Peru 

Considered Peru’s “best-kept secret,” Paracas is a wondrous, low-key destination on Peru’s Pacific coast that you should not miss. 

Just 3-4 hours from the capital city of Lima, it is advisable to include this amazing town in your Peru itinerary to experience the wide range of Peruvian natural phenomena, from desert dunes in brown hues to calming blue waters to flocks of birds and marine life. 

Paracas beckons. Pack your bags now!

---

Your Ultimate Travel Guide & Booking Resources

Related reads:

• 10 Best Things To Do in Guayaquil Ecuador That You Should Try
• 10 Best Rosario Islands Hotels For Your Colombia Getaway