Lima to Paracas Tour

The coastal city of Paracas, home to the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands, also known as “Galapagos de los Pobres”, is probably the Perú Tours from Lima.

In just a few square kilometers, you can see enigmatic archaeological sites, astonishing desert landscapes, stunning beaches, and diverse wildlife. The best thing about Paracas is that it is only a four hour drive from Lima, which makes it a very convenient place for a quick vacation outside of the capital, whether or not to escape for a weekend.

With this Perú Tour from Lima you will discover the beautiful landscapes of the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve. One of the Perú Tours from Lima captivating and essential route in Peru!

What will you do?

• Get in touch with nature in the oldest marine reserve in Peru
• See the local fauna of the Paracas National Reserve
• Sail through the Ballestas Islands and admire its unspoiled nature
• See unique elongated skulls and beautifully woven as you learn about Paracas culture
• Savor fresh seafood

Brief story:

The Paracas peninsula and its surroundings were first colonized by the Paracas culture, which shares its name in 900 B.C. These early inhabitants lived as fishermen and farmers, but they were also known to be extremely skilled artisans. Its finely crafted tools, ceramics, and woven textiles have survived to this day, many unearthed in the tombs of the nearby Paracas Necropolis, a mass burial site of the Paracas and later Nazca cultures. These two cultures were also well known for their practice of skull lengthening, producing a strange alien appearance that has led to all manner of wild speculations and conspiracy theories. Many of these interesting discoveries can be seen at the nearby Juan Pa Infra Hierro History Museum.

Attractions:

Ballestas Islands

Nicknamed “The Galapagos of the Poor”, it is the most popular attraction for travelers in Paracas. Given the nickname due to the similarity to the Galapagos at a much lower price, these rocky islands off the Pacific coast of Peru are an essential stop for any nature lover. The islands are home to hundreds of species of animals such as the endangered Humboldt penguin, seals, many subtropical birds (the blue-footed booby, guanay, etc.) and more exotic and interesting fauna.

The candelabrum

On the way to the Ballestas Islands, you will go through El Candelabro, a large prehistoric petroglyph of unknown origin that is 150m high and 50m wide. To this day it is unknown why it was recorded in the sand, but there are several theories; being the most reasonable, the one that says it was made by ancient sailors to be able to navigate.

Paracas National Reserve

Like the Ballestas Islands, the Paracas National Reserve is a protected area due to its importance in flora and fauna; especially birds. In total, the reserve has 74 species of plants, 216 species of birds, 16 types of mammals, 10 species of reptiles and 193 species of fish. Its main attraction, however, are the incredible and magical landscapes. The peninsula reflects the point where the driest desert on earth connects with the Pacific Ocean, making for a picturesque and dramatic landscape. There are several parts of the coast and beaches with a unique appearance: the small town of Lagunillas, the radiant red sand of the red beach, the beautiful, Playa de la Mina among others.