Discover Paracas on two scales: with manageable routes around the city and with cultural, coastal and natural destinations across the wider area. For planning, it helps to distinguish between these places.

Getting around the city on foot

An asphalt route leads from the main square of the city of Paracas to Playa El Chaco. The distance is 1.4 kilometres, and the walk takes about ten minutes. There is also a tourist information office in the city at the entrance to the main El Chaco pier. Check the current operating details before visiting.

The walking route to Playa El Chaco is a specific guide for getting around the city. Other nearby starting points lead to different destinations: from the El Chaco pier, you can walk to Plazuela del Desembarco de Don José de San Martín along an asphalt route of about 1.4 kilometres; the journey is estimated to take around 18 minutes.

Culture in the Distrito de Paracas

The Museo de Sitio Julio C. Tello de Paracas is located in the Distrito de Paracas. It was founded on 16 August 1964 by President Belaunde Terry and archaeologist Frederic Engel, and named after Julio C. Tello, who discovered and studied the Paracas culture. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00. Its exhibition spaces include nine permanent galleries and one temporary exhibition gallery.

Plazuela del Desembarco de Don José de San Martín is also located in the Distrito de Paracas. It commemorates the landing of the Ejército Unido Libertador expedition; a bust of Don José de San Martín stands at its centre. A commemorative ceremony marking the landing of the Expedición Libertadora is held there every year on 8 September.

On the Paracas Peninsula is the Candelabro de Paracas, a geoglyph approximately 170 metres long in the northern part of the peninsula. Its lines are carved an average of 1.20 metres deep into the sand. The Candelabro is also known as the Tridente or Tres Cruces and was declared national cultural heritage in 2016. During a speedboat trip from Muelle El Chaco to the Islas Ballestas, boats make a brief stop along the way so travellers can view the geoglyph. Boat trip arrangements may vary; check locally.

Coast and nature across the wider Paracas area

Bahía de Paracas is located in the Distrito de Paracas. It borders Bahía de Pisco to the north and the Paracas Peninsula to the south; its coastline is about 24 kilometres long. Boat trips are available in the bay. One access point is Muelle El Chaco, including for trips to the Islas Ballestas. The round trip from Paracas to the islands is listed as 21.4 kilometres and takes one hour and 40 minutes. Travel times may change.

The most significant wetland in the Reserva Nacional de Paracas lies in its southwest. It provides shelter, food and nesting sites for numerous bird species, including the South American flamingo and the Peruvian pelican. The Paracas National Reserve protects marine ecosystems. Visits are possible through the Santo Domingo checkpoint Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:00; check the hours before your visit.

Another scenic spot in the area is Playa Roja. Its red colour is associated with the nearby Punta Santa María massif, which is made of rock containing solidified red magma. Conditions at the viewpoint may change; check the local situation before your visit.

The road connection to Playa La Mina may also be relevant when planning your day: a 2022 route estimate gives a distance of 16.6 kilometres from Plaza de Paracas and a journey time of about 25 minutes. Road conditions and journey times may change.

Combine excursions with your accommodation search

The time estimates refer to different routes and modes of transport: about ten minutes on foot from the main square to Playa El Chaco, around 18 minutes from the pier to the Plazuela, and one hour and 40 minutes for the stated round trip to the Islas Ballestas. These comparisons help you plan city walks and excursion days separately.

Discover more destinations: Pisco

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