The coastal town of Paracas offers luxury beach hotels, the incredible Paracas National Reserve and the famous Ballestas Islands, also known as the “Peruvian Galapagos.”
The Paracas National Reserve lies in the Ica Province, 155 miles (250km) South of Lima and is the first Marine Reserve of the Peruvian Coast. Astonishing cliffs and sweeping deserts make up the majority of this iconic destination. However, it is the Ballestas Islands, or the “Peruvian Galapagos”, which tend to catch people’s attention the most. After a short boat ride from the mainland, thousands of birds, seals and penguins can be viewed congregating on the offshore islands.
Paracas was home to the early Paracas civilization, which is known for its advanced medicinal knowledge and techniques, most notably the skull trepanning surgery. Evidence of early settlers is prevalent in Paracas National Park, none more so than the iconic Candelabra of the Andes, which can be viewed from the sea. Paracas’ textiles are considered to be some of the finest examples of Pre-Columbian textiles in the country.
Three Reasons To Visit Paracas:
Paracas National Park
Take in the incredible history of the early settlers, the towering coastal cliffs and quaint beaches which the local communities have occupied for generations.
Best Seafood in Peru
Paracas is well known as one of the best places to try one of Peru’s favorite dishes, Ceviche. The town is small and perfect for strolling around to browse what is on offer.
Peruvian Galapagos
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the congregation of a wide variety of animal species on the Ballestas Islands.
Recommended Things To Do or Visit
Ballestas Islands Tour
The Ballestas Islands are a group of rocky islands located off the Pacific coast near the town of Paracas. They are famous for their abundant wildlife and are a must-see for all wildlife lovers. They are home to thousands of birds and mammals including penguins, sea lions and pelicans. The islands are protected meaning you cannot swim with the animals or walk on the islands themselves, but the boat will get close enough to nearly touch them. A unique experience for those that love nature.
Duration: About 2 Hours
Paracas National Reserve Tour
This is a huge protected area located Southwest of the city of Pisco. The name of this beautiful place is derived from a Quechua word meaning “sand rain”, probably due to the strong winds that can occur in the evenings. The Paracas National Reserve is protected as its waters contain abundant quantities of the extremely important zooplankton and phytoplankton.
The Paracas National Reserve covers an area of 335,000 hectares and is considered one of the most important ecosystems on the planet. During our visit we will see the beautiful cliffs and beaches such as the red beach, beach Yumaque and Lagunilla. Afterwards, we will visit the interpretation center of the reserve, where we learn all about the flora and fauna of the Paracas Reserve.
Duration: About 3 Hours
