Before you go

Your trip to Paracas.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Paracas – Ica Destination Paracas, Ica and Nazca about 75 km from Ica

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional Capitán FAP Renán Elías Olivera (PIO) Pisco · 20 km
Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez (LIM) Callao · 260 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before buying. From Lima airport it's about 260 km via the Panamericana Sur, 4 to 5 hours by bus or car. Buses from Lima arrive at the companies' terminals in the village. Pisco airport, about 20 km away, has irregular flights. From Paracas to Ica is 75 km, about 1h15.

How many days

One and a half days: the Ilhas Ballestas in the morning, when the sea is usually calmer, and the Reserva Nacional in the afternoon. With one more day you can relax in the bay and take kayak or bicycle rides through the reserve.

When to go

All year round, with little rain. From December to April it is usually sunny and warm, and the village fills up during summer holidays. From June to October mornings tend to be grey with light drizzle, and the afternoon wind is strong. The sea can get rough and suspend boat trips at any time.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The village is explored on foot, and agency tours to the Ilhas Ballestas and the Reserva Nacional include transportation. Inside the reserve the roads are dirt and paved, and there are also bicycle and quad-bike rides. A car is useful for those continuing to Ica and Nazca with stops.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Paracas

Morning
Ilhas Ballestas
Take the 8:00 boat at the pier of El Chaco to the Ilhas Ballestas, passing by the Candelabro. Bring a jacket and a hat.
Afternoon
Reserva Nacional
Have fish for lunch in the village and visit the Reserva Nacional de Paracas: interpretation center, cliff viewpoints and Playa Roja.
Late afternoon
Lagunillas
Continue to the fishing village of Lagunillas to see the boats and the sea at the end of the day.
Evening
El Chaco waterfront
Dine on the El Chaco waterfront with ceviche and seafood, and walk along the bay promenade.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take from Lima to Paracas?

4 to 5 hours by bus or car via the Panamericana Sur, about 260 km from the airport.

Does Paracas have beaches for swimming?

Yes, in the bay, with calm, cold water, and inside the Reserva Nacional, on beaches like La Mina. The Pacific water there is cold year-round.

What to eat in Paracas?

Fresh fish and seafood of the day: ceviche, conchas (shellfish), sudado (stewed fish) and chicharrón de pescado (fried fish). The restaurants on the El Chaco waterfront serve what arrives on the boats.

Do the boats to the Ballestas depart every day?

Generally yes, in the morning. The port authority may suspend departures when the sea is rough. Prefer morning boats, when the wind tends to be weaker.

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