Amid the striking coastal desert of Peru lies the Paracas National Reserve. A protected natural area known for an abundance of marine wildlife, arid, orange-colored desert, and dramatic shoreline of wind and wave-sculpted rock formations. Found just a four-hour drive from Lima, the Paracas National Reserve is well worth a visit, especially suited to those seeking adventure travel to Peru. At Aracari, we have spent almost three decades curating bespoke experiences in the Paracas National Reserve, with many of our tailor-made itineraries featuring a few days here during a private Peru tour. Those such as An Amazing Andean Adventure – a journey that culminates with three days spent exploring Paracas and the surrounding region. Explore our Itineraries 5 Highlights of Paracas National Reserve Our knowledge of this area of Peru is extensive – with longstanding connections to the most authentic experiences on offer in the Paracas National Reserve. As Peru’s only protected marine area, a myriad of wildlife can be found here – benefitting from the cool water of the Humboldt Current. There are also over 215 species of birds, that use the Paracas National Reserve as a key stopover during their annual migration path. But that’s not all, there are also opportunities to connect with local communities and understand their way of life, along with learning about the rich history that dates back long before the Inca Empire. Plus adventure experiences, with the option to zip through the towering dunes that form much of the desert here. But how to experience all the above with authenticity? This exclusive Aracari guide will show you how. With our expert tips, discover a true insider glimpse into our five highlights of Paracas National Reserve. 1. Take a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands One of the main attractions of the Paracas
Amid the striking coastal desert of Peru lies the Paracas National Reserve. A protected natural area known for an abundance of marine wildlife, arid, orange-colored desert, and dramatic shoreline of wind and wave-sculpted rock formations. Found just a four-hour drive from Lima, the Paracas National Reserve is well worth a…
I recently ventured south from Lima to Paracas and the Ballestas Islands for the weekend. We drove along the Pan-American Highway, which according to Guinness Records is the longest “motorable road” in the world, starting in Prudhoe Bay in Alaska, and stretching all the way down to Ushuaia, Argentina. (That is, I should say, if you conveniently ignore the enigmatic Darién Gap!). The Ballesta islands are a highlight of any visit to Paracas, which can conveniently be combined with other nearby attractions in the Paracas National Reserve. Aracari arranges trips to the Ballesta Islands as part of any private, tailormade journey to Peru When you look at the area on Google Maps, you see lots of green dotted along the Peruvian coast, including the Paracas National Reserve, so I assumed it was a lush area of vegetation. Wrong! It’s desert… all desert. But stunningly beautiful desert with glistening red sand – the vast nothingness is simply incredible, and the contrast of the desert meeting the Pacific Ocean is breath-taking. The Ballestas Islands by boat The highlight of the weekend was visiting the Ballestas Islands and the incredible wildlife there. On Sunday we woke up really early for our boat tour to the islands. Tours leave from Paracas, a small seaside fishing town and epicenter of the Paracas National Wildlife Reserve. Aracari can arrange visits to the Ballestas Islands by shared boat or privately. The Ballestas Islands are part of the national park, and you can’t actually step foot onto the islands without a special permit, usually reserved for researchers. Access for visitors is via speedboat tours. It takes about half an hour to get to the islands, and then the boat tour slowly cruises through the different bays and islands for about an hour, before returning to the mainland. Wildlife
I recently ventured south from Lima to Paracas and the Ballestas Islands for the weekend. We drove along the Pan-American Highway, which according to Guinness Records is the longest “motorable road” in the world, starting in Prudhoe Bay in Alaska, and stretching all the way down to Ushuaia, Argentina. (That…
