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Paracas

Peru · Coast · PEN · -13.837200, -76.256400
Family friendly 7.5/10 · Rank 383 of 2 709
Best season: December-March

Best for

Nature and wildlife lovers, families with children, photographers, seekers of quiet holidays

Best season

December-March

Daily budget
$66.00 (≈ 5 539 ₽ · ≈ 244 PEN)
For 7 days
$462.00 (≈ 38 771 ₽ · ≈ 1 709 PEN)
Paracas is a small coastal town on the southern coast of Peru, serving as the gateway to the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands. These islands, often called the "poor man's Galápagos", are home to colonies of sea lions, penguins and seabirds. Although the rocky shores are not ideal for swimming, the incredible natural beauty and biodiversity are the main draw.
Summer
30.0°C
Winter
13.0°C
Sea
20.6°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, calm, tourist-oriented

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Unique nature and wildlife
  • Ballestas Islands
  • Red beach Playa Roja
  • Calm atmosphere
  • Fresh seafood

Cons

  • Cold water
  • Strong wind
  • Limited nightlife
  • Desert climate
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
23.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
26.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
30.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
17.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
20.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
13.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
19.6°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
20.6°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
February
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Playa La Mina
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Main dangers: cold water due to the Humboldt Current, swimming at designated areas is recommended

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins in the coastal waters of Paracas do not pose a danger to swimmers
  • Water shoes are recommended for swimming in rocky areas

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs are absent near Paracas
  • No danger to swimmers

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish are found in coastal waters of Paracas, especially in summer
  • Jellyfish can cause mild skin irritation on contact, avoid them

Sharks — details

  • Sharks in coastal waters of Paracas do not pose a danger to humans
  • Only small species occur that do not attack humans
Attractions

Paracas National Reserve

Protected desert area with red sand beaches, cliffs and unique wildlife

Ballestas Islands

Group of islands known as the "poor man's Galapagos", home to sea lions, penguins and many birds

Playa Roja

One of the few red sand beaches in the world, created by erosion of volcanic rocks

The Candelabra

Giant geoglyph on a hillside, visible only from the sea, whose purpose remains unknown

Laguna Morona

Natural oasis with salt water in the desert, surrounded by palm trees and birds

Playa La Mina

Scenic beach with golden sand and calm water, popular for swimming and relaxation

Best areas

El Chaco

Main waterfront with restaurants, hotels and bay views, centre of tourist life

National Reserve

Natural area with beaches and cliffs, popular for excursions and walks

Must-try food

Ceviche

Fresh fish marinated in lime juice with onion and cilantro, national dish of Peru

Tiradito

Fresh fish sliced thin and served with spicy aji sauce

Arroz con Mariscos

Rice with seafood, popular coastal dish

Pisco Sour

Traditional Peruvian cocktail based on pisco, lime juice and syrup

Where to go next

Ica

City with museums and wineries, 1 hour by car

Huacachina

Oasis with sand dunes and sandboarding, 1.5 hours by car

Lima

Capital of Peru with museums and restaurants, 3 hours by car

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Аэропорт Писко (PIO).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-March
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 37 PEN
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$36.00
≈ 3 021 ₽ · ≈ 133 PEN
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 296 PEN
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$273.00
≈ 22 910 ₽ · ≈ 1 010 PEN
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽ · ≈ 740 PEN
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 222 PEN
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 26 PEN
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 74 PEN
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 9 PEN
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 7 PEN
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 4 PEN
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 30 PEN
Burger
Average price for a burger
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 26 PEN
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 15 PEN
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 26 PEN
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 93 PEN
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 4 PEN
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 19 PEN
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 148 PEN
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 37 PEN
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 93 PEN
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 111 PEN
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 185 PEN
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 185 PEN
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 56 PEN
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 44 PEN
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Frequently asked questions
Paracas: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-March. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Paracas: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +30.0°C, during the day — up to +26.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Paracas: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +13.0°C, during the day — up to +20.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Paracas: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +20.6°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Paracas: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on February. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Paracas: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, clear water. The most popular beaches: Playa La Mina. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Paracas: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Paracas: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Main dangers: cold water due to the Humboldt Current, swimming at designated areas is recommended. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Paracas: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $66.00 (≈ 5 539 ₽ · ≈ 244 PEN) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Paracas: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $10.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $36.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $80.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $273.00 per night, an apartment — $60.00 per night, a villa — $200.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Paracas: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $7.00, dinner at a restaurant — $20.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Paracas: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $25.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Paracas: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Paracas National Reserve — Protected desert area with red sand beaches, cliffs and unique wildlife; Ballestas Islands — Group of islands known as the "poor man's Galapagos", home to sea lions, penguins and many birds; Playa Roja — One of the few red sand beaches in the world, created by erosion of volcanic rocks; The Candelabra — Giant geoglyph on a hillside, visible only from the sea, whose purpose remains unknown; Laguna Morona — Natural oasis with salt water in the desert, surrounded by palm trees and birds. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Paracas: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Ceviche — Fresh fish marinated in lime juice with onion and cilantro, national dish of Peru; Tiradito — Fresh fish sliced thin and served with spicy aji sauce; Arroz con Mariscos — Rice with seafood, popular coastal dish; Pisco Sour — Traditional Peruvian cocktail based on pisco, lime juice and syrup. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Paracas: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: El Chaco — Main waterfront with restaurants, hotels and bay views, centre of tourist life; National Reserve — Natural area with beaches and cliffs, popular for excursions and walks. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Paracas: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Paracas: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Аэропорт Писко (code PIO). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $25.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Paracas: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — PEN. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $66.00 (≈ 5 539 ₽ · ≈ 244 PEN). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Paracas: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Paracas: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Paracas: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Ica — City with museums and wineries, 1 hour by car; Huacachina — Oasis with sand dunes and sandboarding, 1.5 hours by car; Lima — Capital of Peru with museums and restaurants, 3 hours by car. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.5/10
Overall rank: 383 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 251

Best season

December-March

Useful information

Currency: PEN
Coordinates: -13.837200, -76.256400