Currently planning your trip to Peru, and are wondering what the best things to do in Paracas are?
Located just a few hours south of Lima, this Pacific coastal town is most famous for its wildlife sanctuary of the Ballestas Islands – which are home to thousands of Sea Birds, colonies of Sea Lions and the endemic Humboldt Penguin. However this is only scratching the surface, where travellers can also enjoy many other activities such as visiting scenic beaches and exploring ancient pre-Inca ruins.
In this guide, we’ll explore the very best things to do in Paracas. As well as seeing how you can best enjoy them and easily add them to your own itinerary here, we’ll also answer some of your most asked questions in our FAQ section.
Table of Contents
6 Best Things To Do In Paracas
Below we’ll now take a look at the very best things to do in Paracas.
Explore The Ballestas Islands
Often referred to as the “Poor Man’s Galápagos”, the Ballestas Islands are without a doubt the star attraction in Paracas. During a boat tour we’ll spot playful Sea Lions, endemic Humboldt Penguins and thousands of seabirds that nest along the rocky cliffs. Tours also pass by the ancient Candelabra geoglyph which is carved into a desert hillside, allowing tourists to enjoy both wildlife and crumbling ruins.
Visit The Paracas National Reserve
Stretching across both the arid desert and windy Pacific regions, the famous Paracas National Reserve is one of Peru’s most spectacular protected landscapes. Here we can admire colourful cliffs that tower above the ocean, beautiful white sand beaches, and even the famous red beach which is often the biggest draw for tourists. You can either visit the reserve with a guided tour, or rent a bicycle and explore as you please.
Go Kayaking Along The Coast
Kayaking is one of the most adventurous ways to experience Paracas, where calm water of the bay makes it a pleasant trip as you enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding desert coastline. Along the way it’s common to see flocks of seabirds overhead, Sea Lions either swimming or resting on rocks nearby, and even Dolphins with a bit of luck. Early morning kayaking is best as visibility is clearest with calmer conditions.
Dive Into The Ancient History Of Paracas
While other nearby cultures such as the Nazca civilization are more renowned and famous, the Paracas culture also has several thousands of years of deep history. The Candelabra geoglyph is perhaps the most famous (which can be seen during the Ballestas Islands tour), while Tambo Colorado is a set of ruins just outside Paracas which remains in great condition.
Relax On The Beautiful Beaches Of The Region
While most visit Paracas for its wildlife, its array of beaches are perfect for spending the late morning or early afternoon relaxing by the Pacific Ocean. Playa La Mina is the most famous and best beach of the Ica region of Peru, while Playa Roja is known for its dramatic cliffs and ideal conditions for swimming. Given the desert climate, this means the beaches are warm and great to visit year-round during the day.
Sample Fresh Seafood Specialities
By far one of the most quickly-growing cuisines on the planet in terms of popularity, Peruvian food comes in all kinds of tasty variations. Thanks to its location on the Pacific coast, Paracas is one of the very best places to enjoy freshly caught seafood. Local restaurants here serve Ceviche and Chupe de Camarones, while regional favourites like Jalea Mixta and Arroz con Mariscos are also worth digging into.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Things To Do In Paracas
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about the best things to do in Paracas, as well as anything else you need to know.
How Much Time Do You Need In Paracas?
In the majority of cases, one full day is usually enough to experience the highlights of Paracas – and especially when arriving early in the morning. This is because the main destination of The Ballestas Islands are best visited early when sea conditions are at their calmest, when you can then either enjoy a seafood lunch in town or make your way to the desert oasis town of Huacachina which is just a couple of hours away.
Can You Swim In The Sea In Paracas?
It’s possible to swim in the sea near Paracas, however only in designated safe spots. The actual waters right next to the town are possible to swim in as they are calm, however we have to be mindful as many boats pass around here (both for fishing and tourism). Meanwhile, areas such as the Ballestas Islands and certain beaches within the famous Paracas National Reserve are not suitable at all for swimming.
Is Paracas Safe At Night?
Yes, Paracas is a very safe town to either stay at or visit during the night. While the main activities and destinations here can be visited only during the day – when the town is at its busiest – the evening sees Paracas return to its natural state of a sleepy fishing village. It’s safe to walk around or stay at a hotel here, where there are also some restaurants to either enjoy traditional coastal seafood or other Peruvian classics.
Overview Of The Best Things To Do In Paracas
And that’s all for this guide on the very best things to do in Paracas.
Famous for its nearby incredible Ballestas Islands, Paracas is both a popular and easy day trip to do from Lima. While there’s not a tonne of things to do in the region (hence why a day trip is usually sufficient), tourists can still enjoy lots of endemic wildlife, ancient ruins and some spectacular coastal scenery when making the three hour journey down here from the Peruvian capital.
Looking to explore the very best highlights of Paracas and the Ica region in one easy day trip from Lima? Here at TravelBuddiesPeru we offer a Comfortable Paracas And Huacachina Day Tour From Lima, which includes private transport, expert tour guides and all activities included.
