Paracas
About 3 hr 30 min by car from Lima
A desert coast where sea lions and penguins crowd the Ballestas Islands.
Why locals go
The desert-meets-ocean beach weekend south of the city.
Visiting Lima?
At 3 hr 30 min by car, it's easy to add a night or two here and still be back in Lima for your flight home.
What to book
- Ballestas Islands boat tour
- Paracas National Reserve drive
- Kitesurf lesson
Where to stay
One or two nights is enough for most people. Compare places to stay:
See hotels in ParacasDate ideas
For two
- Resort on the bay at sunset
- Private boat to the islands
With friends
- Kitesurfing
- Dune buggy and sandboarding in Huacachina nearby
When to go
Year-round, sunniest December to April.