By Brittah Springer, Southwind Senior Marketing Specialist
Nestled along Peru’s southern Pacific coast, Paracas offers a unique blend of natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and luxurious relaxation. This seaside paradise is the perfect addition to your Peruvian journey, especially after exploring the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu and Cusco. Whether you’re traveling with family, as a couple, or with a group of friends, Paracas promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you delighted.A UNESCO World Heritage Site Like No Other
Paracas National Reserve, established as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1975, is a biological wonderland where desert meets sea. This protected coastal-marine eco-system is teeming with life, hosting 36 species of marine and land mammals. The reserve spans 3,350 square kilometers, with 65% marine area and 35% land area.
At the small visitor center, you can follow a trail to observe flamingoes in the bay. The reserve is also of significant archaeological importance, with over 100 sites from the ancient Paracas culture. The Paracas Peninsula, part of the reserve, features stunning red sand beaches formed from eroded nearby cliffs.
Ballestas Islands: The Galápagos of PeruEmbark on an exhilarating speedboat journey to the Ballestas Islands. In this area, you’ll witness nature’s spectacle as 216 bird species, including Inca terns, Humboldt penguins, Guanay Cormorants and Peruvian boobies, create a cacophony of life against the backdrop of islets and rugged cliffs. The sight of dolphins along the coast or playful sea lions basking on rocky outcrops will surely melt your heart.
Adrenaline-Pumping Desert Adventures
Feel your pulse quicken as you traverse the nearby desert dunes in a dune buggy. For the adventurous souls, try your hand at sandboarding – an experience that will have you laughing and cheering as you glide down the golden slopes. It’s an unforgettable rush that both kids and adults will love!
Luxurious Coastal LivingAfter a day of exploration, retreat to the comfort of your oceanfront resort, we recommend:
- The Hacienda Bahia Paracas Hotel, which offers a perfect blend of comfort and local charm. Unwind by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply soak in the breathtaking ocean views. The hotel boasts a private archaeological museum, small but impressive, showcasing artifacts and textiles from the ancient Paracas culture. Guests can also enjoy stargazing sessions on the hotel’s rooftop observatory, offering a unique perspective on the southern night sky.
- Aranwa Paracas Resort & Spa features modern and exclusive facilities specially designed for both social and organized events. The resort offers 115 rooms with sea, pool, or internal views, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests. For families, the hotel counts with Family Suites and provides special spaces and activities for children, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all ages.
- 5-star Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort offers unparalleled luxury experiences in the area. This top-tier hotel boasts two outdoor infinity pools overlooking the bay, providing a stunning setting for relaxation. Their state-of-the-art Aqu Spa offers a range of treatments, including a sauna and jacuzzi for ultimate pampering. For active guests, there’s a fully-equipped fitness center and a dedicated water sports center offering activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. The hotel has a private yacht for exclusive sea excursions, allowing guests to explore the coastline in style. They can arrange romantic candlelit dinners atop a sand dune, providing a truly magical desert dining experience under the stars. Their Ballestas Restaurant serves exquisite Peruvian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood, while the Zarcillo Bar offers craft cocktails inspired by local ingredients. For families, there’s a kids’ club with supervised activities, ensuring entertainment for guests of all ages.
Culinary Delights and Cultural ImmersionSavor the flavors of Peru with fresh seafood and local delicacies like ceviche and tiradito. Ica’s unique desert microclimate produces exceptional grapes for Pisco production. Visit nearby vineyards to taste this national spirit, distilled since the 1540s. Immerse yourself in pre-Columbian history at the Regional Museum, showcasing 2,000-year-old Paracas textiles preserved by the arid climate. Enjoy lunch at a patio restaurant overlooking Huacachina Lagoon, a desert oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes, where you can try local specialties infused with native fruits like lucuma.
The mysterious Nazca Lines
Not far from Paracas, visitors can take an overflight of the famous Nazca Lines from Pisco airport, offering a unique perspective on these ancient geoglyphs. These flights, lasting approximately 90 minutes, provide views of 12 world-famous Nazca figures. The Pisco airport departure point has become increasingly popular as it saves travelers up to 6 hours of ground travel compared to driving and flying from Nazca itself.
The Nazca Lines, created between 500 BC and 500 AD, cover an area of about 200 square miles (518 square kilometers) in the Nazca Desert. These enigmatic designs include over 300 figures, ranging from simple lines to complex zoomorphic images like the hummingbird, monkey, and spider.
Interestingly, the lines were created by removing the top layer of reddish pebbles to expose the lighter-colored ground beneath. The dry, windless climate of the Nazca Desert has preserved these geoglyphs for over 2,000 years.Recent discoveries have expanded our understanding of the Nazca culture. In 2020, archaeologists identified over 140 new geoglyphs using AI technology, including depictions of humans, cats, and orcas. Additionally, the nearby Palpa Lines, lesser-known but equally intriguing, feature human-like figures and are believed to be older than the Nazca Lines.
A Tailor-Made AdventureSouthwind Adventures offers a perfectly crafted 4-day/3-night extension that showcases the best of Paracas. From private guides to carefully selected accommodations, every detail is taken care of, allowing you to focus on creating lasting memories. This hidden gem offers a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and natural highlights that will captivate travelers of all ages.
Paracas is a destination that truly shines with its tailor-made adventures for guests. Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, historical insights, or simply a luxurious coastal retreat, Paracas delivers. The best time to visit is from April to December, when the weather is most favorable and wildlife viewing opportunities are at their peak.
For families or small groups looking to maximize their time and enjoy breathtaking aerial views, we recommend chartering a Beechcraft King Air E90. This pressurized twin-engine turboprop aircraft offers a swift and comfortable 45-minute flight from Lima airport to Pisco, allowing you to start your Paracas adventure in style.What it’s like to visit Paracas, Peru
Complete your visit to Peru by experiencing its coastal magic in Paracas. From the mysterious Nazca Lines to the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands, and from sun-soaked beaches to first-class resorts, Paracas offers a diverse array of experiences that perfectly complement your Peruvian itinerary.
Begin planning your Paracas adventure with Southwind and prepare for a journey that will touch your soul and ignite your sense of wonder.
Brittah Springer
Senior Marketing SpecialistSouthwind Adventures