TRAVEL GUIDE
Paracas, a hidden gem on Peru’s southern coast. This little town is your gateway to some seriously stunning sights, like the Paracas National Reserve, where the desert meets with the ocean, and the Ballestas Islands, known as Peru’s Galapagos due to all kinds of wildlife present. And let’s not forget the Paracas Candelabra, an ancient, mysterious symbol etched into the desert hillside that has puzzled visitors for centuries. Whether you’re looking to chill out on the beach, take a boat trip to see the wildlife, or dive into some local history, Paracas has something for everyone!
There are 2 ways to get to Paracas. You can travel by public bus, having to go to one of the many bus stations (usually far from tourist hotspots) and possibly stressing out with the language barrier and extra steps. A better option would be visiting Paracas with Escape from Lima’s Day Trip! Make your day a relaxing and enjoyable adventure, with like-minded travelers. Check out our Day Trip from Lima for much more info.
Playa Roja is located between Playa Lagunillas and Punta Santa Maria. The uncommon colour of the reddish shore, although unusual along the Peruvian Coast, makes it one of the most beautiful beaches in the Paracas National Reserve. Thered colour of the sand is caused by the nearby massif of Punta Santa Maria, formed by a sort of igneous rock known as pink granodiorite, which contains solidified magma inside. When breaking against the cliffs of Punta Santa Maria, the waves carry fragments of the reddish rocks that then settle on the shore. This then creates a beautiful contrast with the yellow and other colours found on the cliffs.
The protecction and conservation of the ecosystems is not the only thing that makes the reserve unique as it also serves as protection to the cultural and historical patrimony left by the pre-Inca Paracas culture centuries ago.
D
