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Playa Roja Beach

Пляж Плайя-Роха
Peru · Beach · Paracas
high
Best month: January

Best for

Ideal for photographers and lovers of unique natural landscapes. Suitable for short visits and photo shoots. Not suitable for swimming or long beach holidays.

Best month

January

Water
+18.0°C
Length
2 000 m
A famous beach with red sand, located in the Paracas National Reserve. It features a unique sand colour and scenic views, popular for photography and walks.
Surface
sand
Waves
moderate
Entry
moderate
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
A famous beach with red sand, located in the Paracas National Reserve. It features a unique sand colour and scenic views, popular for photography and walks.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Unique red sand of volcanic origin
  • Picturesque contrast of red sand and blue ocean
  • Named one of South America-s seven natural wonders by National Geographic
  • Part of Paracas National Reserve
  • Free access
  • Great photo spot
  • Desert landscape
  • Birdwatching

Cons

  • No infrastructure or facilities
  • No shade
  • Water is cold due to Humboldt Current
  • Strong wind
  • Swimming not recommended due to strong currents
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for photographers and lovers of unique natural landscapes. Suitable for short visits and photo shoots. Not suitable for swimming or long beach holidays.
Features
What makes this beach unique
The beach owes its unique red colour to the erosion of volcanic rocks from the Punta Santa Maria massif. It is one of South America-s seven natural wonders according to National Geographic.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
red
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
10 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
2 000 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
blue
Water Clarity
high
Underwater Visibility
8.0 m
Average Water Temp
+18.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+22.0 °C
Wave Type
moderate
Wave Height
0.8 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
December
Season end
March
Best month
January
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
high
Water Quality
Water purity rating
good
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
45.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. The beach is in a protected nature area, it is recommended not to leave valuables unattended.
Dangerous creatures
jellyfish
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
No
Toilets
No
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
No
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
0 pcs
Best restaurants

Playa Roja Restaurants

Peruvian

Restaurants with local cuisine and seafood

Nearby cuisines

Local

Peruvian cuisine with fish, rice and coconut

Must try: Ceviche, tiradito, fresh fish
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
calm
Crowd Level
moderate
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
No
Natural Shade
none
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
No
Diving
No
Surfing
No
Kayaking / SUP
No
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Flip-flops Cash First aid kit Hat Camera
Best Time to Swim
Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents. The best time to visit is from December to March, during the dry season.
Local Rules
Do not leave litter. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents. Follow reserve rules.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

La Catedral Viewpoint

Picturesque rock formation and viewpoint with ocean views

La Mina Beach

Neighbouring beach in the reserve, popular for swimming and picnics

Yumaque Beach

Scenic beach with rich wildlife, popular for birdwatching

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Playa Roja Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — blue, clarity high, average temperature +18.0°C, warms up to +22.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Playa Roja Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 0.8 m.
Playa Roja Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. The shallow area extends for 10 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable.
Playa Roja Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — red. Texture — fine. Beach length — 2 000 metres.
Playa Roja Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December. It ends in March. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Playa Roja Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Playa Roja Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: jellyfish. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Playa Roja Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Playa Roja Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Playa Roja Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Playa Roja Restaurants. Cuisines available: Local. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Playa Roja Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Flip-flops, Cash, First aid kit, Hat, Camera.
Playa Roja Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents. The best time to visit is from December to March, during the dry season.
Playa Roja Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Do not leave litter. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents. Follow reserve rules.
Playa Roja Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for photographers and lovers of unique natural landscapes. Suitable for short visits and photo shoots. Not suitable for swimming or long beach holidays.
Playa Roja Beach: what makes this beach unique?
The beach owes its unique red colour to the erosion of volcanic rocks from the Punta Santa Maria massif. It is one of South America-s seven natural wonders according to National Geographic.
Playa Roja Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Unique red sand of volcanic origin, Picturesque contrast of red sand and blue ocean, Named one of South America-s seven natural wonders by National Geographic, Part of Paracas National Reserve, Free access, Great photo spot, Desert landscape, Birdwatching. Cons: No infrastructure or facilities, No shade, Water is cold due to Humboldt Current, Strong wind, Swimming not recommended due to strong currents.
Playa Roja Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: La Catedral Viewpoint, La Mina Beach, Yumaque Beach. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Playa Roja Beach: how do I get to the city of Paracas?
The beach is located near the city of Paracas. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Paracas.

City

Paracas

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.

Best month

January

Useful information

Country: Peru
Type: Beach
Coordinates: -13.866700, -76.316700

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