If you’ve ever dreamed of a place where golden desert dunes meet turquoise ocean waters, Paracas, Peru is it. Just 3.5 hours south of Lima, this coastal gem is often overlooked on a Peru Itinerary but if you have the time – it is a must-visit! With dramatic landscapes, incredible wildlife, and some of the best seafood in the country, Paracas definitely deserves a stop on your Peru itinerary.
Whether you’re here for a day trip from Lima, weekend getaway or adding it to a longer Peru trip, here are some epic things to do in Paracas that will make you fall in love with a different side of Peru.
1. Hike the Golden Shadows Trek
Paracas is famous for its sunsets, and the Golden Shadows Trek is pure magic and was hands down one of the highlights of my Peru trip. As the sun dips low, the cliffs and dunes turn brilliant shades of amber, copper, and gold – it’s like walking through a live painting.
The hike is moderately easy, but sandy paths and gentle inclines mean sturdy shoes are a must. The tour starts in the late afternoon so be sure to bring water, a jacket (when the sun goes down it gets very cold) and get ready for some of the most surreal desert-meets-ocean views you’ll ever see.
Check out my full post on the Golden Shadows Trek here!
2. Visit the Paracas National Reserve
If you only have time for one adventure, make it the Paracas National Reserve. Spanning over 335,000 hectares of desert, ocean, and islands, this protected area is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Don’t miss:
- Playa Roja – a dramatic red-sand beach framed by golden cliffs
- La Catedral – a natural rock formation shaped by wind and waves
- Endless desert viewpoints where the coastline drops into deep blue
You can explore by buggy or guided tour (if you are travelling with Peru Hop, a free morning tour is included!) No matter how you go, bring your camera—the landscapes are jaw-dropping.
3. Take an Islas Ballestas Boat Tour
Nicknamed the “Poor Man’s Galapagos”, the Islas Ballestas are a wildlife wonderland. Morning boat tours take you past:
- Humboldt penguins (yes, penguins in Peru!)
- Sea lions lounging on the rocks
- Thousands of seabirds soaring overhead
- The mysterious Candelabra geoglyph etched into the hillside
Tours last about two hours, and mornings are best for calmer waters and active wildlife. Check out my full post about the Ballestas Islands tour here!
4. Kayak at Sunrise or Sunset
Start your day peacefully or wind it down with a golden-hour paddle along Paracas Bay. At sunrise, the light is soft and the town is still sleepy and there’s a chance to see flamingos! At sunset, the water shimmers with pink and gold while pelicans glide overhead.
Local tour operators offer guided sunset and sunrise kayaking trips. You can also rent gear and explore at your own pace when conditions are good.
5. Stroll Through the Town of Paracas
Paracas may be small, but it’s big on charm. Spend an afternoon wandering the malecón (waterfront promenade), browsing souvenir shops, and watching fishing boats bob in the harbor.
It’s also the perfect spot to grab a drink, find a shady bench, and enjoy the slow coastal vibes.
6. Eat Your Way Through Paracas’s Food Scene
Seafood lovers – this is your paradise. With the ocean right at its doorstep, Paracas dishes up some of the freshest fish and ceviche in Peru.
Must-try spots:
- Pisco & Nazca – traditional ceviche and tiradito with a modern twist
- Restaurant Paracas – buffet by day, a la carte by night with ocean views
- Waiki Pizza Bar – best wood-fired pizza I think I’ve ever had in my life
And of course – order a Pisco Sour or two. Because when in Peru…
Tips for Visiting Paracas
- Getting there: Around 3.5–4 hours from Lima by bus. Peru Hop was my travel mode of choice. Cruz del Sur also offers comfortable rides.
- Best time to visit: Sunny year-round, but mornings are best for boat tours.
- Pack smart: Layers for cool mornings, warm afternoons, and breezy evenings.
- Combine it: Pair Paracas with a day trip to Huacachina (Peru’s famous desert oasis) or a winery tour in nearby Ica.
Where to Stay in ParacaS
Accommodation Recommendations:
Luxury: Casa Andina Select Paracas
Mid-Range: Hotel Residencial Los Frayles
Budget: Viajero Paracas Hostel
Why Paracas Belongs on Your Peru Itinerary
Paracas is where you can hike desert cliffs at sunset, kayak with pelicans at sunrise, and eat world-class seafood – all in one day. Compact, beautiful, and full of unforgettable experiences, it was one of my favorite places on my Peru itinerary!
So grab your sunglasses, your camera, and your sense of adventure – the desert-meets-ocean magic of Paracas is waiting.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you.
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Jess at Sea 
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