#5 Capture Historical Peru
Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima, Arequipa & Colca, Paracas
11 Days / from $2699
Incredibly rich ecosystems and desolate beauty are found in Peru’s coastal desert destination of Paracas. Board a speedboat out to the Ballestas Islands, by far the most popular of all Paracas tours, and enhance your exploration of the region with an overnight at one of the premier accommodations and trip to the national reserve.
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Great hotels with superior attention
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Ballestas Islands
Take a boat tour to the protected Islas Ballestas and spot the rare marine life that inhabits this rocky archipelago. Look for Humboldt penguins, Peruvian pelicans, South American sea lions, and many other animals.
Desert Scenery
The Paracas National Reserve guards beautiful beaches, miles upon miles of open desert, and dunes. Sandboarding, ATV rides, and kayaking are just a few ways to experience the region.
El Candelabro
This glyph is an iconic Paracas landmark etched into a seaside cliff and can be spotted en route to the Ballestas Islands.
Bayfront Hotels
Luxury Paracas hotels feature bayfront locations, expansive properties with pools, and gourmet restaurant meals. Seeking rest and relaxation during your trip? This may be the spot!
Paracas is accessible by road from Lima and is a 4-hour bus ride. Driving in a rented car takes about 3 hours. From Cusco to Paracas you must first fly to Lima and then take a bus or drive.
Paracas is a great destination for an adrenaline boost, offering adventure sports like sandboarding giant desert dunes, kayaking and paddle boarding on Paracas Bay, and ATV rides in the Paracas National Reserve. You can also get your thrills by taking a flight over the Nazca Lines.
The best tour option for couples in Paracas is a romantic sunset picnic inside the Paracas National Reserve. A tent with a delicious spread is set up in the desert for you and your loved one to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime moment together in Peru.
Animal spotting on a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, exploring the Paracas National Reserve, and checking out the elongated skulls at the Paracas History Museum are all great tours for families visiting Paracas!
Spending at least 2 days in Paracas is best due to the 8-hour round-trip bus journey from Lima. This is enough time to do both a Nazca Lines overflight and a Ballestas Islands tour, as well as enjoy your hotel amenities. For a more leisurely pace, 3 days will give you more time to relax by the pool or take advantage of the sports equipment at your hotel, like paddleboards and kayaks.
Thanks to the nutrient rich Humboldt current off the coast, Paracas is rich in wildlife! 200+ bird species, 19 mammals, 52 fish species and 6 reptile species can all be found in Paracas. Animal highlights include:
Paracas is very touristic and has a large variety of hotels and hostels along the bay. Our Top Pick Paracas Hotels are:
