Top 15 Things To Do In Paracas, Peru - Updated 2024

1. Take a mini-buggy ride around Paracas Nature Reserve (from USD 55.0)

Check out the breathtaking Peruvian coast aboard a snazzy two-seat mini-buggy on this no-holds-barred excursion at the wonderful Paracas Nature Reserve. This popular tourist site features unique and spellbinding desert and marine ecosystems as well as compelling archaeological remains of the Paracas’ bygone culture. This tour provides a guide so all you have to do is drive and follow your knowledgable leader. There are no worries of making a wrong turn on the one-of-a-kind expedition.

Paracas: Mini Buggy Ride in Paracas National Reserve

Duration: 2.0 hour

17 reviews

from USD

55.0

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2. Journey back in time at Paracas Time Machine/Máquina del Tiempo

Take a step back 2,500 years ago at Paracas Time Machine, and experience the amazing pre-Colombian civilization of Ancient Peru. Housed in a rare three-floor 3D rotational mechanical time simulator, life-size animatronic figures showcase the indelible culture and past of Paracas’ ancestral background with intriguing surgical procedures, fine textile creations such as wool and cotton, along with colorful ceramics and intricate basket-making. This realistic display is a must-see for history buffs.

Paracas Time Machine/Máquina del Tiempo

Address: (Edificio Paracas) Av. Los Libertadores, MC L-10 El Chaco # 101,Paracas, Perú, Paracas 11550, Peru

Website: Máquina del Tiempo

Opening hours: 7:30am - 9:30pm (daily)

Pricce: 5 USD

3. Enjoy the serenity at Tourist Marina of Paracas

Those traveling to Ballestas Island usually depart from Tourist Marina of Paracas. This snazzy new and contemporary tourist port gives visitors a glimpse of big boats neatly lined up in their docks. Even if you’re not heading out on a tour you can still grab a fresh-made sandwich and a hot cup of coffee at the handy cafeteria. Or you can indulge in some fun people watching and admire the boats coming in and out of the marina. A visitor’s information booth and a convenient ramp for those with mobility issues are available.

Tourist Marina of Paracas

Address: Marina Turística de Paracas S/N Paracas, Ica, Peru

Website: Tourist Marina of Paracas

4. Dance and drink the night away at Argos Bar

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If you’re searching for one of the best bars in Paracas to complete your busy day then Argos Bar should be at the top of your list. This beachfront establishment is the go-to spot for lively dancing and relaxed drinking. Paracas may be a serene beach town, but Argos Bar knows how to enliven the surroundings. Professional bartenders have the expertise to make hand-crafted Peruvian cocktails or serve premium craft beer while it’s still ice cold. A talented resident DJ keeps patrons grooving every Friday and Saturday. Light snacks and cheesy pizzas are also served if you work up an appetite.

Argos Bar

Address: Av. Jose de San Martin S/N, Paracas, Peru

Website: Argos Bar

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 5pm - 12am (closed on Sun & Mon)

5. Admire the mysterious Paracas Candelabra

Possessing an unknown origin, Paracas Candelabra is a truly compelling tourist attraction that shouldn’t be missed. This mammoth geoglyph resembling a candelabra or the top portion of a trident is etched onto a seaside hill and is a big draw in Paracas. Carbon dating of pottery found near the design places the image at around 200 BC. Many theories abound as to its existence; one being it served as a navigational device for sailors looking for the Paracas shore. This geoglyph measures 594 feet (181 meters) tall and is big enough to be viewed as far as 12 miles (20 kilometers) out from the coastline.

Paracas Candelabra

Address: 11550, Peru

Opening hours: 8am - 12pm (daily)

6. Explore Paracas' history at Juan Navarro Museum

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Housed in a breezy locale at the seaside Tourista Marina Paracas, Juan Navarro Museum is a real gem on Paracas’ archeological landscape. This museum offers a formidable collection that spans from 800 BC to 1500 AD. The superb artifacts on display cover Paracas, Nazca, Inca, and many other cultures. Juan Navarro Museum, also known as the Paracas History Museum, does house an ample - yet rather macabre - assemblage of elongated human skulls belonging to the Paracan royalty who mysteriously died around 2,000 years ago.

Juan Navarro Museum

Address: Marina Turística de Paracas S/N Paracas, Ica, Peru

Website: Juan Navarro Museum

Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)

Price: 2 USD

7. Taste classic Peruvian cuisines at Restaurant Paracas

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Enjoy immeasurably lovely views of Paracas Bay from a breezy fourth-floor terrace while sampling the best of Peruvian food at Restaurant Paracas. Boasting a casual ambiance, this top-quality eatery serves traditional fare from a large assortment of fresh ceviche plates to uncommon sweet goodies for dessert. Restaurant Paracas’ house specialties include whole fried fresh bass and tasty fried cabrilla - or goat.

Restaurant Paracas

Address: (Edificio Paracas) Av. Los Libertadores, MC L-10 El Chaco # 401, Paracas 11550, Peru

Website: Restaurant Paracas

Opening hours: 11:30am - 10pm (daily)

8. Have drinks by the beach at Misk'i

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Only steps from the beach, Misk'i is a bright and colorful bar and grill that offers the perfect cool tropical feel. This restaurant is very popular with backpackers and you can usually find a large array of some of the tastiest foods anywhere in town. From gooey pizzas to juicy burgers to yummy Mexican fare, it’s assured when entering Misk'i, satisfaction is guaranteed. Veggie choices and some intriguing cold beers are also worthy of sampling.

Misk'i

Address: Paracas 11550, Peru

Website: Misk'i

Opening hours: Sun: 5pm - 12am; Mon - Sat: 5pm - 1am

9. Soak up the local flavor at Plaza Iquique

A seaside state park replete with tall palm trees, a boardwalk, and a refreshing community pool, Plaza Iquique is a delightful place to spend a sunny afternoon. More importantly, Plaza Iquique is a memorial that pays homage to Grand Admiral Miguel Grau. Considered the most famous hero in the history of Peru, Grau is known as “The Knight of the Seas” and a bust can be found in the plaza honoring his incomparable contribution to the Peruvian navy and his display of valor and fearlessness.

Plaza Iquique

Address: Paracas 11550, Peru

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

10. Sample flavorful frozen treats at Fruzion

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Whether you want a plate of warm thick and fluffy pancakes or simply a cup of fresh hot coffee, Fruzion is a top spot to start your day. This bright and spotless cafe is a charming and kid-friendly environment offering a scrumptious menu that also offers hearty vegetarian choices. However, the real highlight at Fruzion is their smoothie menu. Try a luscious mango, crunchy and rich cookies and cream, or a deliciously sweet and tart strawberry, just to name a few.

Fruzion

Address: Alameda Alan García Pérez Mz C Lt 8, Paracas 11550, Peru

Website: Fruzion

Opening hours: Sun: 7am - 3pm; Mon - Thu: 7am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 7am - 8pm

11. Enjoy a splendid beach getaway at El Chaco Pisco

Munch on sweet cinnamony churros, stroll the lively boardwalk, splash in the surf, and sample the native Peruvian spirit pisco when you visit the pleasant beach town of El Chaco Pisco. Paracas Peninsula’s main village, El Chaco Pisco is the primary spot where many tourist expeditions begin, like a trek to Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve. If you’re just hanging out for the day, do some beachcombing at La Mina, an in-demand beach with a pretty cove and brilliant blue water.

El Chaco Pisco

Address: Paracas 11550, Peru

12. View sea creatures aboard Ballestas Islands Morning Boat Tour (from USD 20.0)

The one place to experience Paracas’ amazing natural beauty is on an expedition to the famed Ballestas Islands. Hosting an ideal habitat for a wide range of animal species and birdlife, Ballestas Islands must be seen to be believed. The Ballestas Islands Morning Boat Tour affords participants the chance to witness Peruvian Pelicans diving for food, Humboldt penguins engage in funny antics, sea lions barking or lazing in the early morning sun’s rays, and much more. Because of the island’s protected status, visitors are not allowed to disembark onto the island but plenty of thrilling sights can be seen from the boat.

Paracas: Ballestas Islands Morning Boat Tour

Duration: 2.0 hour

141 reviews

from USD

20.0

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13. Learn kitesurfing in a stellar atmosphere (from USD 380.0)

If you’ve always wanted to learn to kitesurf, here is an excellent opportunity. Boasting nice consistent winds and beautiful calm waters, Paracas Beach is the perfect spot to enjoy kitesurfing for newbies as well as seasoned pros. For novices, you can master kitesurfing techniques with the help of expert instructors. There’s the benefit of a soft sandy beach, no obstacles to dodge, and no crowds so you can grasp this exhilarating water activity in a stress-free environment. This day-long session gives you the confidence to enjoy another layer of fun on the beach in Paracas.

Paracas: Kitesurfing Lessons

Duration: 6 hour

from USD

380.0

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Gather unforgettable memories of Paracas

Whether you choose to tour the gorgeous Ballestas Islands - also known as the poor man’s Galapagos Islands - or opt for some supreme water recreation on a picture-perfect beach, Paracas offers a top-tier South American adventure. Experience only a small portion of this list’s activities and you’ll still leave with unforgettable memories of this enticing Peruvian town.