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Is Paracas Peru worth visiting? That’s a question many travelers have as they explore South America. In this article, I’ll help you decide if this calm beach town is the right addition to your Peru itinerary.
In my extensive travels to over 30 countries, my recent adventures through Peru took me to Paracas as part of my journey from Lima to Huacachina.
Paracas is a lovely coastal town with a calm and relaxing vibe, making it a great place to break up the long trip from the capital city of Lima to the desert oasis of Huacachina.
Paracas is situated in the Ica Region and offers a captivating blend of history, nature, and adventure.
The local food scene also adds another layer of flavor to make your experience even more memorable.
In this article, I’ll walk you through all the details to help you decide if Paracas is a place you’d like to explore, as well.
Is Paracas a must-visit spot all on its own? Keep reading to see how you might fit Paracas into your Peru travel plans.
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To reach Paracas, two main bus companies, PeruBus and Cruz del Sur offer convenient routes from major cities like Lima and nearby Ica.
I highly recommend reserving your bus tickets online before your journey, especially during peak travel times when they tend to sell out.
We bought our bus tickets directly from the bus station on the morning of our trip.
This was a risky decision, but luckily it ended up working out.
We arrived at the bus Cruz del Sur bus station way before the sun rose to try to snag a ticket, and our route was already fully booked.
Instead, we opted for PeruBus since they had availability for our preferred departure time.
The PeruBus tickets cost us $14 USD per person to travel from Lima to Paracas.
We didn’t have to worry about finding seats next to each other since upon booking, we were assigned seats, so this was a relief.
They also offered comfortable seating that reclined generously which allowed us to catch up on some much-needed sleep.
You may be wondering how far is Paracas from Lima?
Our bus ride from Lima to Paracas was 3.5 hours, but went by fast since we slept through the entire ride.
Keep in mind that if you leave later in the day, you’re more likely to hit more traffic.
Our bus was at 6:30 in the morning and we arrived in Paracas just before 10 am to enjoy the day.
I’m sure Cruz del Sur buses have a similar setup, but I can only speak from my firsthand positive experience riding with PeruBus.
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ARRIVING IN PARACAS
Once you arrive in Paracas, you’ll be greeted by numerous tour groups eager to offer you their services for exploring the famous Ballestas Islands.
The presence of many tour operators in town creates a competitive market, and this is excellent news for travelers because it means you can negotiate better prices.
My husband and I managed to secure a tour of the “poor man’s Galapagos” for about $15 USD per person.
This was a unique experience where we saw wildlife, sealife, and ancient mysteries.
I'd say it was a great value for the price. You can find more on that experience here.
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BEST TIME TO VISIT PARACAS
The best time to go to Paracas Peru is from December to March during their summertime if you’re looking for clear days and warm weather to visit.
This period offers beautiful weather and is perfect for exploring the region.
However, Paracas has relatively pleasant weather year-round, making it a viable destination anytime.
If you are going on a day trip from Lima to Paracas, consider catching a very early morning bus.
The earlier, the better, especially if you plan to visit Huacachina on the same day (like we did).
We took a 6:30 am bus from Lima to make the most of our full-day trip to Paracas and Huacachina.
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HOW LONG DO YOU NEED IN PARACAS PERU
The ideal duration of your stay in Paracas depends on your travel itinerary and interests.
Many travelers find that a two-day, one-night visit to Paracas provides a good balance of relaxation of sightseeing.
This timeframe allows you to explore Paracas’ main attractions like the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve.
In my experience, a full-day trip from Lima to Paracas was perfect.
It was definitely a long day, but I thought that was the perfect amount of time for my trip.
However, if you prefer to take things slower or engage in more activities, you can easily extend your stay, especially if you are planning to book a nice resort stay in Paracas.
The flexibility is one of Paracas’ many charms.
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TOP THINGS TO DO IN PARACAS PERU
Let’s get into some of the best experiences you can plan to have in Paracas.
Ballestas Islands (Islas Ballestas)
A boat tour of the Ballestas Islands is a must. It’s often compared to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.
I’ve been to both places and can see why this comparison comes up due to the rich marine life, including sea lions, penguins, and various bird species.
From Paracas, you'll embark on a boat tour that provides a close encounter with these magnificent islands.
The 40-minute boat ride itself is an experience to remember, with the salty breeze and the sounds of the ocean setting the perfect mood for what lies ahead.
Don’t forget your camera; you’ll have plenty of opportunities for incredible wildlife photos and unbelievable geoglyphs.
The Candelabra Geoglyph is massively etched into the desert sand of Paracas and has intrigued archaeologists and historians for centuries.
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Paracas Beach
One of the popular beaches to visit is Playa de Paracas or Paracas Beach.
You’ll find a lively atmosphere with families and tourists enjoying the sand and sea.
It’s not the most beautiful beach I’ve seen in Peru.
But there’s a giant inflatable park which adds to the fun. This is a fun experience, especially on sunny days.
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Paracas National Reserve
The Paracas National Reserve is a natural wonder, and one of its gems is Playa Roja, or Red Beach.
Playa Roja’s unique crimson sand and coastal landscapes make it an excellent spot for a day trip and some memorable photos.
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Huacachina
Usually you’ll either be coming from or going to Huacachina while in Paracas.
This desert oasis is famous for its iconic sand dunes where you can go sandboarding, ride dune buggies, or simply relax by the lagoon.
It’s also where you’ll find the nightlife of the region.
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Nazca Lines
If you're up for a unique experience, consider a scenic flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines.
These are believed to be centuries old and are various designs etched into the Nazca desert.
The best way to view these ancient geoglyphs is by taking a scenic flight in a small plane.
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Dining in Paracas
After a day of exploration, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite.
My husband and I dined at Marinera Restaurant Cevicheria, which offered delicious dishes at affordable prices.
We enjoyed chicken plates, seafood rice, and breaded cheese sticks with a guacamole sauce.
The restaurant accepted credit cards, which was convenient for us, as we couldn’t easily find an ATM with cash.
Our lunch came out to around $10 USD total for the two of us.
From fresh seafood straight from the Pacific to the traditional Peruvian dishes served in local eateries, your taste buds will be in for a treat.
Be sure to try ceviche, which is a delicious local specialty.
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Embrace Local Culture
One of the best aspects of travel is connecting with the local culture, and Paracas offers an opportunity to do just that.
As a responsible and sustainable traveler, consider booking your tours locally and supporting the communities in Paracas.
By doing so, you ensure that the benefits of tourism reach the people who call this place their home.
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WHERE TO STAY IN PARACAS
Paracas provides a variety of accommodations to suit all budgets.
Whether you prefer luxury resorts or cozy hostels, you'll find the perfect place to rest after your exciting explorations if you decide to stay overnight.
We recommend booking in advance to secure your ideal stay.
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Paracas Budget-Friendly Stay
Hospedaje Paracas Sur is a budget-friendly accommodation option in Paracas at around $30 USD per night.
This lodging provides a simple and comfortable stay, catering to travelers looking for affordability without compromising on basic amenities.
The rooms are clean and well-maintained, offering a cozy atmosphere for guests.
While it may not have luxurious features, Hospedaje Paracas Sur is a practical choice for those seeking a budget-friendly and convenient place to stay in Paracas.
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Paracas Mid-Priced Stay
Casa Paracas is a welcoming accommodation option in the coastal town of Paracas, Peru starting at around $100 USD per night.
This 3-star stay offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, providing guests with a comfortable retreat during their time in Paracas.
Breakfast is also included.
This mid-range hotel is an ideal choice for travelers who appreciate modern amenities and a good night's sleep.
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Paracas Luxury Stay
If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, Atoq Paracas Reserva may be the right choice for you for under $400 per night.
This high-end hotel offers a clean and comfortable stay, stunning ocean views, an outdoor pool, and beachfront views.
It even comes with breakfast included.
This is a great place to unwind in style after your adventures.
Atoq Paracas Reserva is known for its attention to detail, creating a welcoming experience for those who choose to stay here.
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Final Thoughts On Is Paracas Worth Visiting?
Paracas, Peru has a lot to offer, from the incredible Ballestas Islands to the inspiring Paracas National Reserve.
Its proximity to Huacachina, a bucket list destination known for its sand dunes that tower over the desert oasis, makes it an excellent addition to your Peru itinerary.
While you don’t need much time in Paracas, the unique experiences you can have here on your way to other destinations in Peru make it an attractive stop.
The convenient bus connections from Lima and the availability of affordable accommodations makes Paracas a budget-friendly and accessible destination.
As a traveler who has explored over 30 countries, I can say that Paracas is worth visiting as a stop in between your Lima to Huacachina journey.
I encourage you to consider Paracas for your Peru adventure and discover the natural wonders and cultural gems this charming town has to offer.
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Paracas Peru FAQS
Paracas is approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) from Lima.
You can get to Paracas, Peru from Lima by taking PeruBus or Cruz del Sur Bus. The journey is about 3.5 hours and offers a comfortable and affordable way to reach Paracas.
A typical stay in Paracas can range from one to two days. One full day is enough time to visit the Ballestas Islands and go to Huacachina from Lima.
Yes, Paracas National Reserve is worth it if you're interested in seeing stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Paracas is a safe destination for travelers, but as with any place, it's essential to be mindful of your belongings and surroundings.
Explore Peru With Our Travel Guide
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You’ll be fully equipped to “See the World & Save a Dollar!” in Peru.
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