Paracas National Reserve is a protected area located in the region of Ica, Peru and protects desert and marine ecosystems for their conservation and sustainable use. There are also archaeological remains of the Paracas culture inside the reserve.

The Paracas National Reserve is a protected natural area consisting of desert, ocean and islands. Spanning over 3,350 km², it is home to over 400 species of flora and fauna, including the Humboldt penguin, the Peruvian booby, sea lions, humpback whales and dolphins. The reserve is also home to the Candelabra geoglyph.

Pisco city
Paracas National Reserve is a protected area located near Pisco city on the south coast of Peru in the Ica region. The reserve is a conservation area for desert and marine ecosystems in order to keep them sustainable.

The Paracas culture was an Andean society existing between approximately 800 BCE and 100 BCE, with an extensive knowledge of irrigation and water management and that made significant contributions in the textile arts. It was located in what today is the Ica Region of Peru.

5 Highlights of Paracas National Reserve

• Boat Trip to Ballestas Islands. One of the main attractions of the Paracas National Reserve are the Ballestas Islands, an archipelago rich in wildlife.
• Beaches.
• Destination Dining.
• Rock Formations.
• History Explained by Expert Guides.

How to Get to Paracas National Reserve

1. Lima to Paracas by bus: ~ 3.5 hours.
2. Ica to Paracas by bus: ~ 1.5 hours.
3. Nazca to Paracas by bus: ~ 4 hours.
4. Arequipa to Paracas by bus: ~ 12 hours.
5. Cusco to Paracas by bus: ~ 20 hours.

The Paracas culture reigned on the south coast of Peru in the years 600-175 B.C. The most important Paracas findings come from the smallish area of Paracas peninsula that has given the name to the culture. Thousands of gorgeous textiles found in ancient cemeteries are especially significant.

How to Get from Lima to Paracas

1. By Private Transfer. Duration: 3.5 hours. Paracas is close enough to Lima to make a day trip (with an early start) or weekend trip via the Pan-Americana Sur.
2. By Bus. Duration: 3.5 hours.
3. By Bus and Private Transfer or Shared Taxi. Duration: 3.5-4 hours.

Paracas Nature Reserve This massive national reserve is a haven for an impressive amount of wildlife. It’s well known for having the largest concentration of birds on earth, leaving nothing to the imagination. Book a guided tour to see all that the Paracas Nature Reserve has to offer.

*2020 Update* If you’re looking for a place to relax, you need to visit a Paracas Peru beach on your trip to South America. Whether you’re looking to swim, sunbathe or have a picnic, there is a Paracas Peru beach that’s perfect for you.

Paracas, culture centred on the peninsula of the same name, located in present-day southern Peru in the vicinity of Ica, during the Early Horizon and the Early Intermediate periods (c. 900 bc–ad 400). The Paracas culture’s earlier phase, called Paracas Cavernas, is related to the Chavín culture (c. 1000–400 bc).

The reserve is located in the region of Ica, and spans an area of 335000 hectares, 65% of which correspond to marine ecosystems. The highest elevation in the reserve is 786 m. The reserve includes coastal geographic features such as: the Paracas Peninsula, Independencia Bay, San Gallán Island, Paracas Bay and Independencia Island.

Consequently, the Paracas National Reserve, Pisco, and Huacachina are now long, albeit, accessible day trips from Lima. Previously, a hotel stay would have been necessary. You can also take a bus from Lima to Paracas with companies such as Go2Peru.

Marine algae found in the reserve include: Ulva lactuca, Chondracanthus chamissoi, Macrocystis pyrifera, Pyropia columbina, etc.

There are places to stay in the region around Ica. Some of the most popular options for those looking for a little luxury in Paracas include the DoubleTree Paracas by Hilton Resort, Hotel Paracas, and La Hacienda Bahia Paracas.