Paracas National Reserve
Paracas, Ica Region, Peru[4.3 miles]
A 335,000-hectare reserve of wild desert dropping to blood-red cliffs, superb surf beaches, islands and bays crammed with wildlife.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Best places to stay:
As a place to base yourself by the beach in Paracas, La Hacienda is hard to beat. The hotel sits on the best stretch of sand – right on the edge of Paracas National Reserve.
The hotel’s infinity pool (one of the largest in town and with a poolside bar) is poised for views of the sun sinking orange over the Pacific and the hotel can organise, kite-surfing, ocean-kayaking and excursions.
White and cream rooms are spacious and bright with tall French windows, and mock-colonial dark terracotta tiled floors. Peruvian indigenous art hangs on the walls and textiles on the beds. The spa is the best in Paracas.
There’s little on the doorstep other than the beautiful beach and the desert out back. It’s a ten-minute cab ride to Paracas town. The first beaches in the Paracas National Reserve are a 15-minute walk away.
Dark red Playa Roja – one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in Paracas – is a twenty-minute cycle ride. Bikes are available at the hotel.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Paracas, Ica Region, Peru[4.3 miles]
A 335,000-hectare reserve of wild desert dropping to blood-red cliffs, superb surf beaches, islands and bays crammed with wildlife.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Paracas, Ica Region, Peru[21 miles]
This archipelago of rocky islands off Paracas is a haven for rare sea birds, Humboldt penguins, sealions and fur seals. Daily boat tours operate from hotels in the Paracas Reserve.
Best for ages: 5+ | £2
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Peru
A land of spectacular deserts, high mountains and rainforests that teem with wildlife, Peru is also home to an array of dramatically situated pre-Colombian ruins, including Machu Picchu.