Best things to do in Paracas: wander the windswept Paracas National Reserve & meet the wildlife of the Islas Ballestas — your irresistible travel guide to the best of this coastal gem.

Peru is one of those countries that grabs your heart and refuses to let go. Wherever you go — along the windswept coast, up into the cloud-kissed Andes or deep into the humming green of the Amazon — there’s a new wonder around every bend.

The country’s geography reads like a travel wishlist: coastal deserts that gleam under a bright sun, dramatic mountain ranges that pierce the sky and a rainforest alive with the constant music of birds and insects. Peru’s biodiversity is astonishing; you can watch ocean life crash against rugged cliffs one day and hike through orchid-filled cloud forest the next.

People make the place. Peru’s multicultural population — where Spanish mixes with Quechua and other indigenous languages — offers warm, genuine hospitality. There’s a living connection to pre-Hispanic cultures, most famously the Inca, whose ancient sites are threaded through the landscape. But Peru’s vibrancy is current, too: colorful festivals, handcrafted textiles, thriving markets and a culinary scene that deserves every bit of its international praise.

Paracas is one of my favorite coastal escapes: a small beach town with a relaxed pace, salty air and a wildlife-rich edge. From here, you can take a short boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, an uninhabited archipelago teeming with pelicans, noisy sea lions and the charming little Humboldt penguins — wildlife viewing that feels intimate and raw.

Nearby, the Paracas National Reserve protects a remarkable zone where ocean meets desert. It’s a patchwork of marine and desert ecosystems, islands and peninsula, safeguarded by ongoing conservation work. One of its most mysterious features is the Paracas Candelabra, a prehistoric geoglyph carved into a hillside — nearly 600 feet tall and visible from miles out at sea. Standing on a boat and seeing that giant figure etched against the sand and sky is the kind of small, humbling moment that makes travel sing.

My Peruvian adventure was just beginning and I could hardly contain my excitement. First stop: 24 hours in Lima, where I met up with my Peruvian friend and we plotted the rest of our route over ceviche and coffee. From there, we set off for the otherworldly islands of Ballestas and the surprising beauty of Paracas’ coastal deserts — rocky islets rising like sentinels from a turquoise sea.

Next, came the adrenaline: dune buggy races across the wind-sculpted sands of Huacachina, followed by languid wine tastings as the sun dipped low over the oasis. We then wandered into Arequipa, Peru’s “White City,” its colonial facades gleaming in the mountain light. From there, I joined a solo day tour to Colca Canyon, staring down into one of the deepest chasms on Earth and marveling at condors drifting on thermal updrafts.

Our journey continued upward to Cusco, the heart of the Inca world. There, I flirted with disaster on Rainbow Mountain — an altitude-fueled, breath-stealing scramble that felt dangerously epic — then found calm touring the Sacred Valley and the highland villages that still hum with Andean traditions. The pinnacle, of course, was Machu Picchu: mist-swirled terraces, crumbling stonework and that ineffable sense of standing where history and landscape meet. Each stop wove a different color into the tapestry of Peru, leaving me both breathless and utterly in love.

What’s Inside | Roadmap

Arrive | Touchdown in Paracas for salt, sun & sea breezes; book bus rides with Peru Bus

Beach & Sip | Savor sunset moments & sip heaven-perfect smoothies

Cruise | Sail the Ballestas for sea lions, birds & coastal magic

Tour | Discover the wild beauty of Paracas National Reserve

Gaze | Chase one more unforgettable sunset

Charming Must‑Sees & Unmissable Experiences of Paracas

Wind-swept beaches meet dramatic desert cliffs in Paracas, where flamingos and sea lions bask under wide Pacific skies. Kayak through serene bays, spot ancient geoglyphs carved into red rock and taste fresh ceviche that tastes like the ocean itself. Evenings here slow to a golden hush, perfect for watching the horizon blur into quiet wonder.

Touchdown in Paracas for Salt, Sun & Sea Breezes

From Lima, drift south to the sleepy seaside village of Paracas. For us, we hopped an early-afternoon “luxury” coach from the Terminal de Cercanías de Lima for 40 soles ($11.50 USD). The station is a favorite with locals for its bargain fares and our bus was delightfully roomy — complete with snacks and air-conditioning for the whole trip, which felt like a little extravagance in Peru.

About four hours later, we rolled into Paracas. We made sure to double-check the stop — some buses barrel straight through town without pausing. With few lodging options showing up online, Esau and I took a chance and hunted for a place on arrival. Lugging our suitcases, we wandered into Backpackers House and snagged a double room for 55 soles (roughly $15 USD) a night — note: not to be confused with Backpackers House the Pacific.

Paracas Backpackers House was a lucky find; the hostel is tidy and the staff are warm and helpful — happy to arrange transportation and local tours for you. Guests can relax in one of two sunny courtyards or cook a meal in the shared kitchen. Showers have hot water and Wi-Fi is most reliable in the common areas. A small tip: bring a bit of tissue for the toilets (they often forget to restock), though they do hand you a roll at check-in. The location is perfect — right by a cluster of cozy cafés in the main square — and we left with very fond memories of our time in Paracas.

Savor Sunset Moments & Sip Heaven-Perfect Smoothies

Once we were settled, we booked tours for the next day. The first was a boat trip around the Ballestas Islands; in the afternoon we planned a visit to a National Reserve. As the sun began to fade, I grabbed my camera gear and we ran down to the beach a few blocks away. It was my first trip with a “real camera” and I was eager to practice. I would be trying out my brother’s Canon 7D with three lenses: an 18–50 mm, a 50 mm and a 24 mm.

The tucked-away cove in Paracas looks unassuming at first — a narrow strip of sand, fringed with dark seaweed and the bustle of day-trippers. Walk past the busiest cluster, follow the soft crunch underfoot as the shoreline curves and you’ll find a quietly beautiful stretch all to yourself. At sunset, the water turns molten gold, gulls wheel like small streamers against a sky brushed with coral and mauve and the seaweed glows with an unexpected bronze sheen. The air cools, the hum of the crowd fades and the only soundtrack is the steady, gentle sigh of waves — a humble, intimate kind of paradise that feels made for lingering.

At dusk, it’s time to find something to eat. Following a my local friend’s tip, just ask for “el menú” to enjoy a complete meal for only a few dollars. It’s usually a fixed menu: starter, main course, drink and dessert. Each restaurant does it its own way and there’s almost always a chalkboard at the door listing that night’s offerings.

This evening, I went for pork, rice, beans and a crisp salad — all for just 10 soles (about $3). Esau splurged on fried fish at twice the price. The meal was flavorful, though the service took its sweet time.

After dinner, we strolled along the beachfront, sampling a blissfully tangy starfruit smoothie and noticing that the tucked-away eateries off the sand offered sweeter prices than the flashy, tourist-packed spots right by the water.

Sail the Ballestas for Sea Lions, Birds & Coastal Magic

Tours kick off bright and early, around 7:30 a.m., so set your alarm and get ready for a full day. In the morning bustle, you’ll spot women pushing carts, selling a comforting local drink made from quinoa and fruit called quinua carretillera, along with tiny sandwiches filled with avocado, egg or chicken. If you polish off your first glass quickly, you might be rewarded with a complimentary refill. Traditionally simmered with pineapple, the drink comes in different flavors — it’s a must-try: filling, warming and delightfully wholesome.

Our guide met us with a few fellow travelers and we strolled the ten minutes to the bustling docks. The scene there was lively and a little overwhelming — a perfect prelude to the boat ride. The Islas Ballestas tour itself cost 30 soles (about $10 USD) and we also needed an entrance pass for the islands. Since we planned to visit the Paracas National Reserve too, we bought a combined pass; both permits together were 22 soles. Worth noting: locals in Peru and elsewhere in South America often receive discounted rates.

Tip | Pick your spot on the boat with care — the right seat will reward you with perfect views as you drift between the islands. Rear seats are best, in my opinion.

About thirty of us squeezed into a small speedboat and sped across the glittering water toward the islands. The Ballestas are low, rocky outcrops absolutely teeming with wildlife — a must-see if you’re in Paracas. Ten to fifteen minutes into the crossing, we arrived at the famous Candelabra, a mysterious 600-foot figure etched into the earth. Its origins remain debated, adding a hint of enigma to the already unforgettable landscape.

The Candelabra cuts a simple, mysterious silhouette against the Pacific sky. Its broad, graceful arms seem to point toward distant horizons and forgotten stories, inviting quiet wonder rather than loud explanation. Bathed in golden light at sunrise or etched in silver at dusk, the geoglyph feels less like a relic and more like a gentle, place-making gesture from the past.

The boat slips away toward the next island about 20 minutes off. Wind teases and a cool breeze bites, so a scarf and sunscreen feel perfectly sensible. Lucky seats at the stern frame the best photo opportunities as the boat threads between rocky islets. The guide points out the wildlife: hundreds of sea lions and a skyful of birds claim each island. The animals are protected, so visitors can’t swim with them or set foot ashore but the boat brings you magnificently close.

Tip | Even on warm days the breeze on the water can turn brisk — bring a light layer to wrap into, plus sunscreen and a bottle of water.

One of the boat’s most delightful surprises is spotting sea lions dozing and basking on the rocky shores. Males are often temporarily exiled after losing fights for dominance, left to live alone for weeks or even months until the group welcomes them back. There’s something quietly poignant — and oddly endearing — about these lone loungers soaking up the sun.

From the boat, the Paracas rock formations feel both ancient and intimate — a quiet reminder of nature’s patient artistry along the Peruvian coast. Jagged, wind-sculpted pillars rise from the sea like a congregation of weathered sentinels, each layer telling a story of time, tide and salt. Sunlight gilds their honeyed surfaces, casting long, dramatic shadows that shift as seabirds dive and call.

Many of the rock formations are truly spectacular — towering arches and shadowed caves carved slowly over millennia by relentless wind and pounding waves. Float close and you can feel the history in the stone: smooth hollows where swells once pushed through, delicate archways balancing like natural bridges and hidden grottos that echo with the crash of the sea.

On one island, expectant female sea lions gathered in a noisy, tender community; each mother and pup recognizes one another by a unique call and from our boat you could hear their moans and cries weaving through the air as they searched for each other. It was almost heartbreaking.

After an hour and a half wandering the tiny wonders of the “Poor Man’s Galapagos,” our little boat reluctantly turned toward shore. By about 10 a.m. we eased back into the dock, ready to step off with salty hair and satisfied smiles.

Starving, Esau and I stumbled upon a humble street cart hawking tamales. We ordered pork and chicken, smothered in a fiery yellow salsa and topped with sliced red onions — pure bliss in every bite. Esau urged us to sip chicha morada, the traditional sweet, deep-purple corn drink, which was the perfect companion. For both tamales and drinks, the whole feast came to 15 soles (about $5 USD).

Discover the Wild Beauty of Paracas National Reserve

In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of the Paracas National Reserve. First up is the Julio C. Tello Site Museum, named after the archaeologist who, in the 1920s, uncovered burials more than 2,000 years old in the area. Those discoveries bring to life the fascinating artifacts you’ll see in the museum.

Designed by Barclay & Crousse to rise where a previous building fell in the 2007 quake, this red-hued concrete museum greets visitors at the gateway to Paracas National Reserve. Nestled just steps from the Great Paracas Necropolis — the region’s oldest archaeological site — it feels like a vivid new guardian of ancient stories.

The museum’s exterior is quietly enchanting. Its clean geometric forms, warm natural materials and carefully chosen colors seem to melt into the landscape, as if the building had grown out of the earth itself. Angles and planes catch the light differently through the day, creating a subtle choreography of shadow and color that feels both modern and serenely rooted in place. Thoughtful details — from the textured stone walls to the slender, purposeful openings — invite curiosity, while low profiles and gentle slopes preserve the site’s natural contours, allowing the architecture to coexist with, rather than dominate, the surrounding scenery.

Stepping into the museum feels like slipping into an intimate archaeological storybook: glass cases cradle polished stone sculptures, delicate ceramics and intricately carved spindle whorls that whisper of daily life centuries ago. Dim, warm lighting highlights a central display of funerary masks and gold ornaments, while interpretive labels and modest dioramas gently piece together the rituals and worldview of the ancient cultures that once thrived here. Outside, the museum’s modest courtyard offers views of the surrounding Andean landscape, reminding visitors that these artifacts sprang from a vivid, lived terrain.

Paracas National Reserve sprawls across nearly 500,000 acres of stark, windswept desert and jagged coastline, making it one of the largest protected desert reserves in South America. Here, dramatic ochre cliffs plunge into turquoise waters, salt-washed plains ripple with wind-carved dunes and a surprising richness of life thrives against the arid backdrop. The reserve shelters a mosaic of habitats — desert, ocean and oasis — that support hardy coastal plants, sculptural cacti and scattered tamarisk groves.

Birdlife is spectacular and abundant: flocks of elegant Peruvian pelicans and cormorants wheel above the waves, while the striking Humboldt penguin nests on offshore islands. Marine mammals frequent the reserve’s waters too, with sea lions and occasional migrating whales adding to the area’s natural pageant. A place of dramatic contrasts, Paracas invites visitors to witness how resilient ecosystems flourish where land meets sea.

La Catedral is a viewpoint named for an impressive rock formation that stood for years like a stone cathedral facing the Pacific. Although that natural arch was heavily damaged by the 2007 earthquake and no longer retains its original shape, the site still feels almost sacred: eroded cliffs, solitary rock columns and natural platforms that gaze out over the sea. From the lookout, a dramatic scene unfolds — waves crashing against stone walls, seabirds tracing circles in the wind and on clear days the horizon seems to merge with the ocean’s shine. It’s an ideal place to linger, feel the power of nature and take photographs that capture both the fragility and enduring beauty of the Paracas National Reserve coastline.

Playa Roja nestles between the tranquil coves of Playa Lagunillas and the rugged promontory of Punta Santa María, a hidden gem in Paracas National Reserve. Its sands glow a deep, rusty red — an otherworldly color born from ancient rocks rich in volcanic minerals and magma that have been weathered over millennia.

From the cliffside viewpoint, you’ll find a sweeping panorama of the coastline: the dramatic contrast of crimson shore against turquoise sea is unforgettable. Be warned — the viewpoint is famously blustery; gusts whip in off the ocean, tossing sea spray and turning camera straps into flying scarves. Hold onto your hat, secure your gear and linger a little longer — the light at dawn and late afternoon makes the red sand shimmer like embers.

The final stop inside the reserve is the dreamy Playa Lagunilla. You’ll have about an hour to sink your toes into warm sand, swim in the calm bay and wander among wind-swept dunes and tide pools. The shore here feels hushed and slightly wild — perfect for a lazy picnic, a quick nap beneath a scrubby bush or a cliffside stroll to take in the light spilling across the Pacific.

As a special touch, your guide may welcome you with a refreshing mango Pisco sour upon arrival. Pisco is Peru’s proud spirit: a clear brandy distilled from fermented grape juice in the country’s coastal valleys. It’s aromatic, bright and versatile, lending itself beautifully to cocktails like the Pisco sour — and when paired with sweet local mango, it becomes a silky, tropical treat that captures a little of Peru’s sun and zest in a single sip.

Restaurants lining the shore can be noisy and pricey, so venture a little way off the sand. Tucked just out of sight is a tiny cart with a woman selling sandwiches and fried fish. Place your order and she slips around the corner, only to return moments later transforming simple ingredients into something truly wonderful. She presents a steaming plate: golden fried fish, fluffy rice and a bright, herby onion salad that makes the whole spot feel like a well-kept secret.

After your unforgettable meal, wander down to the shoreline, let your toes sink into the warm sand and breathe in the sunlit air. Nearby, swimmers drift in the crystal waters and fishing boats glide past, while seabirds and seals lounge, soaking up the golden light — perfectly peaceful, perfectly Paracas.

If you have a little extra time, wander to the far side of the bay. A sun-dusted path curves above the shore, offering sweeping views of the whole cove. From there the world quiets down — an endless hush stretching for miles.

From above, small fishing boats rest like wooden petals in the gentle cradle of Playa Lagunilla, their weathered hulls reflecting a hundred sunsets on the glassy water. Pelicans glide low, sketching slender shadows across the bay while distant cliffs keep a quiet watch. The air tastes of salt and seaweed, and every bob and ripple feels like a small, steady reminder that this pocket of Paracas is a place where time slows to the rhythm of the tides.

Playa Lagunilla feels like a little slice of paradise — serene, sun-dappled and utterly restorative.

Our tour was a delightful whirlwind; we packed so many sights into such a short time and came away smiling. My only tiny disappointment (dare I say) was the wildlife — I’d hoped to spot penguins, flamingos and other sea creatures but the ocean must have been keeping its secrets that day. Even without them, the day was enchanting.

Chase One More Unforgettable Sunset

As the late afternoon mellowed, our group drifted back toward town. Esau and I lingered a few hours to unwind, then slipped out together to savor another stunning sunset. These would be our final moments in Paracas.

The sky put on a show — soft ribbons of pink, peach and lavender melting into one another, each hue reflected like brushstrokes across the water. It was one of the most breathtaking sunsets I’ve ever seen. Below, the calm, warm waters of Paracas Bay shimmered, inviting and gentle; they held the colors like a mirror and made the whole moment feel impossibly close and endlessly serene.

Toward the southern tip of the beach we stumbled upon a cozy row of local eateries — how we'd missed them before was a mystery but finding something truly authentic felt like a little victory. Esau convinced the two neighboring restaurants to team up and serve us different set menus at the same table, so I picked El Galeón, while he chose the place next door. For 20 soles, I savored fried fish with rice, a zesty ceviche starter and a glass of purple chicha morada — simple, bright, and utterly satisfying.

By morning we’d head to Huacachina — a tiny oasis town tucked in the heart of the desert — our bus tickets snagged through the hostel for just 20 soles ($5.75 USD).