PARACAS, PERU
Paracas is a small town on Peru’s west coast that you probably would never have heard of if not for the Ballestas Islands. These islands (also known as the “Poor Man’s Galapagos Islands”) are home to Humboldt penguins, sea lions, pelicans, and much more! Taking a boat ride out to visit these islands and animals was easily one of my favorite parts of my trip to Peru!
Attractions:
Ballestas Islands: Coined as the “Poor Man’s Galapagos Islands”, this is a must do! In order to get here, you take a 30-45 minute boat ride from town. Once you get to the islands, you will sail around them for about an hour - you cannot get off the boat or step foot on the rocky islands. The islands are inhabited by sea lions, penguins, crabs, jellyfish, birds, etc. The nature and sounds (sea lions barking, birds wailing, etc.) are majestic! I loved this 3-hour round-trip excursion and would easily do it again; it only cost 40 PEN ($10 USD)! Note: There are no afternoon tours due to strong winds; you must do a morning tour (8:00am or 10:00am).
Natural Reserve: Paracas is home to a very unique ecosystem. It is in “the tropics” but there is a desert just minutes from town. You visit the desert on this tour and will feel cold! The winds sweeping off the ocean give the desert this effect; don’t let the wind fool you though, be sure to wear plenty of sunblock or cover up! On this tour, you will also see crystallized salt, fossils, sand dunes, and a red sand beach. This costs 35 PEN ($9 USD). If you can only do one activity in Paracas, definitely do the island tour but if you have the time, do this, too!
Visit Huacachina: This desert oasis is another popular travel destination from Paracas and can be done as a day trip. The most popular thing to do in Huacachina is sand boarding; you won’t be hard-pressed to find a tour! You’ll have to either get on the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus or take a 90-minute taxi to Huacachina since I don’t believe there is a public bus that will take you here.
Fruzion: I was very impressed with the food options here; inexpensive and accommodating of all diets!
Other things to check out: El Chaco, Juan Navarro Museum, and Museo del Pisco.
Accommodation:
Hotel - Solé Paracas Hotel: This simple, 3-star hotel is situated 15 minutes on foot from “downtown” Paracas, which will save you at least $100 USD/night. If walking isn’t your thing, you can rent motorbikes or scooters from the hotel as well! Amenities include parking and a pool.
Hostel - Kokopelli Hostel: If you are looking for a beachfront hostel to spend a few nights, Kokopelli is your place! With two other locations in Cusco and Lima, this chain knows how to make travelers feel at home with a pool, lockers, hammocks, kayaks for rent, and more!
Transportation:
Paracas’ main bus station is Cruz Del Sur Bus Station; all buses below leave from here. Private transportation options are available as well via Peru Adventure Tours.
Lima is 3 hours by bus from Paracas and costs 58 PEN ($15 USD).
Nazca is 4 hours by bus from Paracas and costs 40 PEN ($10 USD). Here, you can find the world famous Nazca Lines!
Arequipa is 14.5 hours by bus from Paracas and costs 89 PEN ($23 USD).
Cusco is 19 hours by bus from Paracas (indirect; via Ica) and costs 160 PEN ($42 USD). My recommendation is to take a bus to Lima and then fly to Cusco if you plan to make this journey; it is more efficient and less expensive.
If you want to take the bus though, I recommend the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus from Lima to Cusco for $199 USD. This bus leaves from Lima and stops at Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco along the way.
The closest major airport to Paracas is Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) outside of Lima, 260km (162 miles) away. A direct taxi transfer from LIM to Paracas is 3.5 hours and costs $170 USD.
The above picture of me was taken by Victoria - it was great spending the day with you and your college classmates!