After thoroughly exploring Lima, we were eager to dive deeper into Peru’s diverse landscapes. Our next destination was Paracas, a coastal town popular among locals for holidays. While small, Paracas offers a variety of activities that can be enjoyed over 1-2 days.
What To Do In Paracas?
Islas Ballestas Tour
The highlight of our visit to Paracas was the Islas Ballestas tour, an unforgettable 2-hour boat excursion that departs from the town’s harbor. Also known as the “poor man’s Galápagos,” these rocky islands are home to an incredible variety of wildlife, making this a must-do activity.
What to Bring? Prepare for the trip by bringing sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun. Despite the sunshine, the boat ride can be chilly due to the wind, so wearing long pants and long sleeves is advisable. We noticed some fellow travelers shivering in shorts and t-shirts, so consider yourself warned!
Early in the tour, the boat approaches the Paracas Candelabro, a massive geoglyph etched into the hillside of the Paracas Peninsula. Measuring over 150 meters tall, this ancient figure is visible from as far as 12 miles at sea. Its exact purpose remains a mystery, some theories suggest it was a navigation marker for sailors, while others claim connections to the Nazca Lines or even Aliens.
As we neared the Ballestas Islands, we were welcomed by a bustling ecosystem straight out of a wildlife documentary. Playful sea lions sprawled across the rocks, some barking at each other like dramatic soap opera characters, while others slept peacefully, completely unbothered by our presence. Meanwhile, Humboldt penguins took daring leaps from the cliffs into the water—it felt like a scene straight out of Happy Feet. Yes, penguins… in Peru!
Bird lovers, get ready and bring your binoculars—these islands are home to thousands of seabirds, including cormorants, pelicans, and the hilariously named Peruvian boobies (yes, we giggled too). Since the islands are protected, visitors aren’t allowed to set foot on them, but researchers periodically visit to study this lively and ever-changing environment.
Paracas Buggy Tour: Buckle Up for An Adrenaline Rush!
If adventure is your middle name (or even if it’s not), we highly recommend the mini buggy ride through Paracas National Reserve. This wasn’t just a scenic drive—it was a full-on thrill ride! We hopped into a two-seater mini buggy, strapped on our sunglasses and face masks (because trust us, the sand will come for you), and took off, racing toward the vast, otherworldly landscapes of the reserve.
Flying over dunes, bouncing through sandy trails, and feeling the wind whip past our faces was an absolute blast. The guides took us to some jaw-dropping scenic spots where we could admire the views, snap epic photos, and collect some unforgettable stories. The main sights are La Catedral, Yumaque, Playa Roja and Playa Las Minas.
Explore Paracas National Reserve By Bike
If you’re up for an active sightseeing workout, biking through the Paracas National Reserve is an awesome way to explore it! The route is easy to follow, with plenty of signs guiding you to the best beaches and viewpoints. The trail stretches about 30 kilometers, offering spectacular desert-meets-ocean scenery at every turn. If cycling isn’t your thing, don’t worry—you can also explore the reserve by mini tour bus, ATV, or even with the mini buggy tour we raved about earlier. No matter how you choose to visit, this stunning reserve is an absolute must.
Water Sports
With its warm desert climate, almost no rain, and a steady breeze year-round, Paracas is a paradise for water sports. Whether you’re into kayaking, windsurfing, wakeboarding, or wingfoiling, there are plenty of schools along the beach where you can take lessons or rent gear.
Diving In Paracas
Paracas’ waters are teeming with life, making it a fantastic diving spot. You might find yourself swimming alongside sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and countless other marine species. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to dive here (which we deeply regret!), but if we return, we’ll update this post with all the best tips for an unforgettable underwater adventure.
Spotting Flamingos At Sunrise
One of our favorite moments in Paracas was waking up early to watch the elegant Andean flamingos wading through shallow waters. Fun fact: the word flamenco (as in the famous Spanish dance) and flamingo share the same origin! Some theories suggest the dance was named after the bird, inspired by its graceful movements and striking pink color.
Where To Stay?
We stayed at Viajero Paracas (previously known as Viajero Kokopelli Paracas), a beachfront hostel with both private rooms and shared dorms. It had everything we needed—an outdoor pool, a restaurant, a lively bar, and daily activities like karaoke nights, beach volleyball, beer pong tournaments, and free salsa classes. There were also live DJs, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and even a weekly beach clean-up to give back to the community.
Where To Eat?
For a delicious taste of Paracas, we recommend:
Milla Cero – Fresh seafood with ocean views
Karamba Resto-Bar – Great local flavors and a fun vibe
El Galeón – A classic spot for Peruvian seafood specialties
