Day trips you can take from Paracas

Day trips you can take from Paracas

Paracas, a small coastal town on the southern coast of Peru, is a popular destination for those looking to explore the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. And while it may be overlooked by tourists in favor of bigger names like Machu Picchu, this has been a long held local secret. 

Easily accessible from Lima, Paracas is a favorite local getaway spot, and while there are plenty of attractions in its own right, from red sand beaches to national parks, the town is also a great base for day trips to some really fascinating destinations. 
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So if you’re spending time in Peru, and wondering how to work in places like the Ballestas Islands, or the Nazca Lines, plan out for 4-5 days with Paracas as your base of day trip operations!

Day trips you can take from Paracas. Image Credits - Pixabay

How to get to Paracas

There’s no airport in Paracas, so you can either make your way by land from Lima, or by flying into the nearby city of Pisco and then taking public transport. Most locals simply jump on a bus or a car directly from Lima though. 

There are several bus companies that operate daily services from Lima to Paracas. The journey takes around three and a half hours and tickets can be purchased online or at the bus station. 

If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Lima and drive to Paracas and there are plenty of car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget. Depending on how many of the below day trips you’re planning, a car rental may make exploring the greater region far more flexible, comfortable and affordable, so this is our favorite option.

Ballestas Islands

One of the most popular day trips from Paracas is a visit to the Ballestas Islands, also known as the "poor man's Galapagos". These islands are home to a variety of marine life, including sea lions, penguins, and dolphins. You can take a boat tour of the islands, which typically lasts around two hours, and enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife.

The sheer diversity of species that call these islands home is truly astounding, and it really is a thrill to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. But the landscapes and nature are worthy of a day trip in their own right. 

The Ballestas Islands are a testament to the power of nature, as they have been shaped over thousands of years by the forces of wind and water. The jagged rock formations and stunning cliffs that rise up from the sea are truly awe-inspiring, and you’re left with a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world.

The islands also have a rich cultural history, as they were once used as a source of guano (bird excrement) for fertilizer. The mining of guano led to the islands being declared a protected area in the 1970s, and today they are a popular destination for ecotourism.

Ballestas Islands. Image Credits - Pixabay

Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines are one of the world's great enigmas, a mysterious and breathtaking collection of geoglyphs etched into the desert floor of southern Peru. These remarkable images, which can only be fully appreciated from the air, have fascinated and perplexed scientists and laypeople alike for decades. 

The Nazca Lines are believed to have been created by the Nazca culture, which flourished in the area between 200 BCE and 700 CE. The culture was known for its sophisticated art and architecture, and the Nazca Lines are a prime example of their artistic achievements.

The geoglyphs consist of over 800 lines and shapes, including animals, plants, and geometric designs, covering an area of about 450 square kilometers. The largest figures measure up to 200 meters in length, and some of the lines stretch for several kilometers.

One theory about the purpose of the Nazca Lines is that they were created as a way to communicate with the gods. Another theory is that they were used for astronomical purposes. Many of the figures are aligned with the solstices and equinoxes, and it is possible that the Nazca culture used them to mark the changing seasons and predict astronomical events.

Despite the many theories and hypotheses, the true purpose of the Nazca Lines remains a mystery. The Nazca culture left behind no written records, and so we can only speculate about their motivations and beliefs.

Today, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction. However, the delicate desert ecosystem on which the geoglyphs are etched is under threat from tourism and agriculture. The Peruvian government has taken steps to protect the Nazca Lines, including limiting overflight tours and creating a buffer zone around the area, but there is still much work to be done to ensure their preservation for future generations.

Nazca Lines. Image Credits - Pixabay

Huacachina Oasis

Located around an hour and a half east of Paracas, the Huacachina Oasis is a small village built around a natural oasis in the middle of the desert. 
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Do yourself a favor and take a dune buggy tour of the surrounding sand dunes or try sandboarding!

San Gallán Island

San Gallán Island is a remote and beautiful destination off the coast of Paracas, and while it may be a bit of a challenge to get there, the stunning scenery and unique wildlife make it well worth the effort.

To get to San Gallán Island from Paracas, the best option is to book a boat tour. There are several tour operators in Paracas that offer trips to San Gallán Island, and most tours include stops at other nearby islands and points of interest along the way.

The boat ride takes about 2-3 hours, depending on weather conditions and the specific itinerary of the tour. Along the way, keep an eye out for sea lions, penguins, and dolphins.

Once on the island, plan to explore the rocky terrain and take in the stunning views of the surrounding ocean. San Gallán Island is also home to a variety of bird species, including boobies, pelicans, and cormorants, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.

Islas Cavinzas

Islas Cavinzas, also known as the Chincha Islands, are a group of islands located around an hour and a half north of Paracas. The islands are home to a variety of seabirds, including penguins, cormorants, and pelicans, and you can take a boat tour of the islands and enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife.

Pisco Vineyards

The town of Pisco, located around 20 kilometers north of Paracas, is known for its vineyards and production of the famous Peruvian liquor, pisco. Take a tour of one of the vineyards and learn about the production process and history of the drink.

However, if you do take our advice on renting a car to get to Paracas, just don’t drink and drive!

Paracas is a great base for exploring some of the most fascinating destinations on the southern coast of Peru. From the Ballestas Islands to the Nazca Lines and beyond, there is no shortage of incredible day trips to take from Paracas. Whether you're interested in marine life, ancient history, or outdoor adventure, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region. So why not pack your bags, book your trip to Paracas, and start exploring all that this amazing area has to offer?!