Paracas National Reserve

Visit the magnificent 877,000-acre Paracas National Reserve on this lovely half-day tour. Your excursion combines panoramic sightseeing with photo ops and short nature walks to different viewpoints.

Board your comfortable bus and enjoy a scenic 30-minute drive to the reserve. Noted for its unusual geography, the reserve’s vast desert landscape is surrounded by sand dunes that lead to the sea. It is an excellent example of a Pacific subtropical coastal desert. This is the oldest marine reserve in Peru, home to more than 215 species of migratory birds during parts of the year. Eagles, pelicans, flamingos, Inca terns, and cormorants are just some of the species that call the area home. There are also 160 different species of fish in the surrounding nutritive waters.

As you tour the area, your guide will share interesting facts about the Paracas culture and the inhabitants that lived in this unusual environment more than 2,000 years ago. This reserve, dedicated to protecting and conserving marine ecosystems, as well as protecting the cultural heritage of the pre-Incan Paracas culture, contains 100 archeological sites originally created by these indigenous people. Follow a trail that leads to a protected bay. Here, you’ll find colonies of scarlet and white flamingos – the inspiration for the colors of the Peruvian flag.

Your tour visits a variety of beaches and offers the chance to gain a deeper understanding of the flora and fauna of this special reserve. It also provides ample opportunities to soak up the dramatic vistas.

At the end of the day, relax on the scenic bus ride back to the pier.

Practical information:

• Included: One bottle of water on the bus

• Remarks/requirements: Bring a hat, sunscreen, a light jacket or sweater, and low-heeled, rubber-soled walking shoes.

• Walking information: Yes.

• Wheelchair accessible: No