The small coastal town of Paracas was one of my absolute favorite places in Peru. There aren’t many destinations where you can combine a beach and desert vacation while also observing diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. Paracas offers all that and more, despite having a population of just around 10,000. From the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands in the Pacific to the towering sand dunes and lagoons in the back part of the district, Paracas provides spectacular landscapes and endless discoveries for travelers. In this 2-Day Paracas Itinerary I’ll show you the best things to do in Paracas, where to stay, how to get there, and where to eat.
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When is the best time to visit Paracas?
Warmest temperatures and clearest skies can be experienced during Paraca’s summer season, that runs from December to March (average temperature is around 28°). However, Paracas is dry and sunny all year round. And if it happens to rain, then usually no longer than one hour. Summertime is also the time when it’s the most crowded. So, if you want to avoid these, you can opt for the shoulder season (April, May, October, November), or wintertime (June-September). You can observe sea lions and seabirds on the Ballestas Islands year-round. However, from January to March, which is sea lion breeding season, you can spot large numbers of these adorable creatures resting on the beaches. If you visit between August and October, you might be lucky enough to see humpback whales as well.
How many days in Paracas are enough?
A day trip to Paracas is possible, but it would mean packing your schedule tightly and carefully planning tours, so they don’t overlap. To take things at a more relaxed pace and truly soak in the charm of the area, I recommend staying for 2-3 days. In two days, you can comfortably combine all the activities and get to know the coastal town better. If you have 3 or 4 days, you can take more time to unwind on Paracas’ beaches or go on some hikes. Staying more than four days isn’t really necessary, as Peru offers so much more to explore. On a 2–3-week trip through Peru, I think two to three days in Paracas is just the right amount.
How to get to Paracas?
From the north (Lima): The easiest way to travel from Lima to Paracas is by bus, using the Cruz Del Sur or Peru Hop company. The first one leaves almost every hour from the Javier Prado Avenue terminal in Lima. It takes around 3-4 hours (you can buy your tickets here). You can also choose to travel with Peru Hop, where you select the start and destination of your route and can then hop on and off at the various stops along this route. Just like a hop-on hop-off bus, except that you can stay at one stop for several days. For the leg Lima to Paracas, you will need around 6 hours. However, you will have a breakfast stop and little tour at Casa Hacienda San José in El Carmen included.
From the south (Ica, Nazca, Arequipa): With the bus company Cruz Del Sol traveling from Nazca to Paracas takes about 4 hours. From Ica/ Huacachina to Paracas is only about 1 hour. Coming from Arequipa, you can either take the Cruz Del Sol night bus (buy tickets here), which takes around 15 hours or choose the Peru Hop option, where you will have stops like Nazca and Huacachina on the way.
Where to stay in Paracas?
We chose to stay at Atoq Paracas Reserva, and it was one of the nicest hotels we stayed at during our trip through South America. This small boutique hotel is right by the sea, about a 10–15-minute walk from the harbor. If you’re up for some adventure, you can rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard and explore the bay. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious Peruvian and international dishes, and the breakfast buffet is exceptional. The rooms are beautifully and thoughtfully decorated. There’s also a pool and lounge chairs where you can relax and enjoy a peaceful afternoon. One morning, we even spotted dolphins in the sea while having breakfast on the terrace. A perfect way to start the day!
The Perfect 2-Day Paracas Itinerary
If you have two days in Paracas, I recommend spending one day on a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands and the other exploring the Paracas National Reserve. The remaining time can be spent either staying active – exploring the stunning landscapes around Paracas by bike, ATV, or buggy – or simply relaxing on the beach and taking in the sparkling sea views.
Paracas Itinerary Day 1
Morning: Ballestas Islands Tour
The Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “little Galápagos of Peru,” are the main attraction in Paracas. They should definitely be high on your Peru bucket list. We booked a two-hour boat trip for less than $20 USD, and it turned out to be an amazing experience that I highly recommend. The tour departs daily at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. You can either be picked up from your hotel or meet directly at the harbor in Paracas.
We were lucky that shortly after leaving the dock, our guide spotted dolphins in the harbor. We had plenty of time to watch these playful creatures before speeding off towards the island group. The ride to the Ballestas Islands is quite windy. So, be sure to wear windproof jackets, sunglasses, and perhaps even a hat. On the way to the islands, which are part of the Paracas National Reserve, we even saw more dolphins in the distance.
It doesn’t take long before the rocky islands come into view. You will spot various birds and a few small Humboldt penguins basking on the rocks. The guide will explain the different animal species and the significance of the nature reserve as you slowly cruise through the island group. My personal highlight was definitely seeing the many sea lions lounging lazily in the sun on the rocks. I snapped away, taking tons of photos of these adorable creatures. In fact, I was seeing them in their natural habitat for the first time.
In addition to sea lions, you can also spot starfish and mussels clinging to the steep cliffs of the Ballestas Islands. Pelicans, cormorants, and other seabirds soar low over the water, scanning for fish. On our way back, we even stopped by a large buoy, where three sea lions were squeezed together, resting. Two were happily soaking up the sun, while the third kept leaping into the water and then back onto the buoy. It was an incredible tour and my highlight on this 2-day Paracas itinerary!
Lunch at The Malecon El Chaco
The Malecon El Chaco boardwalk may be short, but you’ll still find plenty of restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops along the way. For a delicious Peruvian lunch with a view of the boats in the harbor, I recommend dining at Juan Pablo de Paracas or Sol de Paracas. Some typical Peruvian dishes you should try including ceviche, ajà de gallina, and lomo saltado. Before heading back to your hotel, take a leisurely stroll along Playa Paracas and explore the small Plaza de Paracas to soak in more of the local charm.
Afternoon: Bike, ATV or Bugy Tour
If you’re looking to discover more of Paracas in the afternoon, you have a couple of great options. You can rent bikes and explore the rocky and sandy landscape on your own. Bike rentals cost around 25 soles for the day. For those unsure of where to go or looking for a more comfortable way to experience the area, I highly recommend booking an Off-Road Buggy or Quad Tour. You can choose your vehicle and enjoy a 2-hour guided trip. With a guide leading the way, you’ll venture into the Paracas National Reserve, crossing the peninsula and taking in stunning landscapes. Along the way, you’ll make stops at Playa Yumaque, Itmos, and the striking Playa Roja.
Paracas Itinerary Day 2
Morning and early afternoon: Relax at the Beach or Pool
If you’ve chosen a hotel with a pool, like Atoq Paracas Reserve or Hotel Paracas, you can spend your morning lounging by the pool, perhaps reading a book. For those who prefer the beach, you can head to Playa Paracas. Just in front of the boardwalk, lay out your towel, and soak up the sun. You’ll find that time flies by on the peaceful coast of Paracas.
Sunset Hiking in Paracas National Reserve
For a perfect ending to your two days in Paracas, I recommend doing the Golden Shadows Trek. The Golden Shadows Hike is a short walk along the cliffs of the Paracas National Reserve, allowing you to take in the breathtaking scenery at the best time of day. We decided to go on this tour, and it exceeded our expectations.
We first drove through the rocky, sandy, and dusty desert landscape of Peru on a bumpy road. Soon, the sea and the small town of Paracas disappeared from view, and we were surrounded by the surreal, otherworldly landscape on either side. Suddenly, a splash of color appeared in the yellow-brown scenery: a pink salt lagoon. We got out of the car to take some photos of this natural wonder. A few minutes later, we stopped again near another large lake where a few dozen flamingos stood in the water. We tried to approach as quietly and inconspicuously as possible, but the skittish birds quickly flew away. Still, it was amazing to see these animals in the wild.
Finally, we reached the starting point of our hike. We began by walking along the coast, gradually making our way up the hills. The hike offered stunning views of the sea and rocky landscape. It was quite windy at the top, and we watched birds effortlessly gliding through the air with their wings outstretched. Our group continued hiking along the cliffs for a while, watching the sun sink lower into the horizon with each step. Just before it completely disappeared into the ocean, we made our way back down the steep hills and returned to the car. As soon as we had driven a few meters, darkness fell around us. I was amazed at how our driver navigated through the barren landscape back to the main road.
Final Words on this 2-Day Paracas Itinerary
Whether you’re exploring the wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, biking along the desert dunes, or witnessing the golden hour during the Golden Shadows Trek, Paracas offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and relaxation. Two days in Paracas is the perfect amount of time to unwind and discover the wonders of Peru. From Paracas, you can continue your Peru trip either north to Lima or south to Huacachina or Arequipa, depending on where you’re coming from.
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