Paracas Reserve
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Lima
Season: Year-round
A visit to Paracas is a journey to one of South America’s most important protected coastal-marine systems. As a biologically productive sea area, it acts as a major food source for fish, birds and marine mammals. Whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions and sea otters are just a few the 36 species of marine and land mammals found in the reserve.
Here, families and discerning travelers of all kinds can enjoy the friendly vibe of coastal towns and traditional seaside villages. Using a comfortable waterfront resort as a base, travelers can partake in speedboat rides, venture across desert sands in a dune buggy, test their skill at sandboarding, explore secluded beaches and relax as the abundant wildlife and salty air stimulate the senses.
Day-by-Day Itinerary:
DAY 01: CUSCO or LIMA / PARACAS
Arrive in Lima in the early afternoon. You’ll be greeted by your Southwind guide. Drive along the Pacific coast by private vehicle to Paracas National Reserve, an important marine and terrestrial protected area and a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Make stops en route at the secluded Cerro Azul surfing beach and to visit the Cañete or Chincha towns. A welcome dinner is included this evening at the Ocean front Hacienda Bahia Paracas Hotel. (D) Driving distance: 160 miles or 3.5-4 hours.
DAYS 02: PARACAS
This morning, join other travelers on a 20-passenger open-air speedboat for an ocean journey to the Ballestas Islands, home to several marine species like sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, dusky dolphins and some of the 216 species of birds found in this region. Species include pelicans, gray gulls, tendrils, Peruvian boobies, cormorants, Humboldt penguins and Inca terns. You’ll also see the iconic “Chandelier”, a petroglyph measuring about 590ft tall, carved some 2500 years ago in a sand hill that sits on the bay. Back on shore, enjoy lunch at the hotel. This afternoon your private guide will lead you to the nearby California desert and sand dunes. We traverse the desert on a dune buggy. To top it off, swerve down a dune on a sandboard! Boards are provided, as well as safety instructions. Return to the Hacienda Bahia Paracas Hotel for the evening and dinner on your own. (B,L)
DAY 03: PARACAS
Travel by private vehicle into the Paracas National Reserve, exploring the land area that extends over 290,000 acres of desert. Visit the small fishing village of Lagunillas and the isolated Raspon and La Mina beaches with cool waters and stunning Pacific Ocean views. On the way back, stop for a brief visit of the Reserve Visitor Center. An optional short walk leads to a lookout point on the Pacific where flocks of flamingos wade along the shores. Return to the resort in time for a late lunch. The afternoon is available for optional water sports from the hotel on your own. Or simply enjoy the hotel’s amenities: a large pool, tennis court, gym, children’s playground and lovely gardens. The Ocean Spa is the perfect complement to a active day and offers a peaceful combination of treatments designed exclusively for your rejuvenation. (B,L)
DAY 04: PARACAS / LIMA / USA
Morning at leisure. Try some of the waterfront activities offered by the resort such as a peaceful pedal boat ride, or experience the rush of kite and wind surfing, or a bike ride along the nearby Chaco village and beaches. Lunch is included at the hotel’s El Coral restaurant, offering a privileged view of the bay. Don’t miss a visit of the hotel’s impressive private Archaeological Museum depicting ceramics, textiles and other artifacts from the ancient cultures of this region. By early afternoon begin driving 3.5 – 4 hours back north up the coast to Lima airport stopping en route, as time permits, to visit a local vineyard for which this region is known, or one of the typical villages. Once in Lima, check-in for your overnight flight back home. Dinner is on your own. (B,L)
Prices from:
$3,400 p.p.d. for 2 participants.
p.p.d.=per person based on double or triple occupancy.
Notes on the Itinerary: Prices include a private guide/escort from Lima, hotel accommodations based on double or triple occupancy at the facility listed or similar, meals as indicated, entrance fees and mostly private tours and transportation/driver as described above. Paracas Bay’s rich waters harbor stingrays and jelly fish, so open-water swimming is not recommended, but kayaking, paddling or sailing are safe and popular alternatives. Beaches at Raspon and La Mina are safe for swimming. Hotel upgrade is available for 5-star Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort.
Inclusions/exclusions and how to sign up