Enjoy the national park and the beaches of Paracas

The Paracas National Park is located about 250 kilometers south of Lima and can be reached in about three to four hours by car. With approximately 335,000 hectares, it is the only nature reserve in this size Peru, which includes a marine ecosystem. The place is a refuge for sea lions, Humboldt penguins, flamingos and many other bird species.

The reserve can be explored by car or by sea. A maritime tour includes a trip to the Ialas Ballestas, home to sea lions and other species of marine life. During the tour with one of the speedboats you will also get to archaeological sites, such as the candelabra or other impressive works of nature, or even in the middle.

The candelabrum in the northwest of Paracas Bay, is a geoglyph of more than 120 meters in length and is also called Tres Cruces, Trident or even cactus. Undoubtedly, the best way to see it is with one of the speed boat tours across the Pacific.

Until the great earthquake on august 15th, 2007, one could still admire the cathedral between Yumaque and Supay on the beach. So we had once again been lucky with one of our tours in January 2007 and were able to experience the natural structure in all its glory.

With its extensive gastronomic offerings and the opportunity for relaxed bathing on one of the most beautiful beaches such as La Mina, Mendieta and Lagunillas, the National Park still attracts numerous visitors from all over the world. The park-side beach El Chaco offers sufficient accommodation in a wide variety of categories, including 5-star hotels.

The national park also offers very good conditions for bird watching. Extensive walks and, above all, many impressions of nature will certainly remain in your memory for a long time to come. The reserve also has a visitor center that provides information on biodiversity, ecosystems and the conservation of endangered species in the area.

How to get to Paracas

The first part of the trip is by land, which includes the land route from Lima to Paracas (Ica):

From Lima you can travel by bus, through transport companies that head to the south of the country:

• The most practical thing is to get directly to the same District of Paracas.
• You can also reach the cities of Ica or Pisco, then go to the District of Paracas.
• In El Chaco, in the resort of Paracas, there is a bus terminal where the main bus companies that transport tourists arrive.

The second part of the trip is by sea, which includes the sea route from Paracas to the Ballestas Islands:

• The port of El Chaco is the place to board the motor boats or sliders.
• With the boats or sliders we sail towards the Ballestas Islands.

What you can do

See one of the most famous geoglyphs “El Candelabro”: On the way to the Ballestas Islands, it is possible to see this enigmatic figure from the water, which is on the side of a small hill and is best seen from the sea.
Take a speedboat on the Pacific Ocean out to the Ballestas Islands archipelago: The paradisiacal Ballestas Ineln, are a beautiful series of small islands that you can experience during a speedboat tour. It is important to note that landing is prohibited to protect the islands.
Get acquainted with the marine fauna of the Peruvian coast: on the Ballestas Islands you can see thousands of shorebirds in small caves as well as mammals such as sea lion colonies and Humboldt penguins. An impressive experience that will be remembered for a long time to come.