About the Port
Paracas sits on Peru's arid southern coast, where desert dunes meet the sea and the surrounding peninsula has been protected as a national reserve encompassing coastline, ocean, and small islands. The town serves as the principal gateway to the uninhabited Ballestas Islands, a short boat ride offshore, where sea lions, pelicans, and Humboldt penguins gather among rocky outcrops. En route, boats pass the Candelabro, a large candelabra-shaped figure etched into the cliffside whose origins remain debated among historians.
Beyond its marine life, Paracas offers a quieter counterpart to Peru's Andean landscapes, with calm bay waters and open desert scenery framing the shore. The pier area provides easy access to boat excursions, making the Ballestas Islands tour a practical half-day option for those wanting a close look at the region's wildlife without extensive travel inland.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Paracas.
Explore Paracas National Reserve
Hire a taxi or join a desert tour to see the reserve's stark dunes, the maroon sands of Red Beach, and coastal cliffs carved by wind and surf; allow at least two to three hours.
Visit the Paracas History Museum
Housed within the reserve, this small museum displays elaborately woven textiles and elongated skulls from the ancient Paracas culture, offering context for the region beyond its wildlife and beaches.
Sample Fresh Ceviche Bayside
Waterfront restaurants near the pier serve ceviche and other seafood plates using the morning's catch, a fitting way to spend downtime after the Ballestas Islands excursion.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Paracas
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 29, 2027 | Avalon Waterways | Delfin III | 19 | $16,792 | |
| Jan 29, 2027 | Avalon Waterways | Delfin III | 12 | $8,638 | |
| Mar 21, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse II | 24 | $22,760 | |
| Mar 21, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse II | 13 | $8,536 | |
| May 21, 2027 | Avalon Waterways | Delfin III | 19 | $17,072 | |
| May 21, 2027 | Avalon Waterways | Delfin III | 12 | $8,918 | |
| Jun 4, 2027 | Avalon Waterways | Delfin III | 12 | $8,808 | |
| Jun 4, 2027 | Avalon Waterways | Delfin III | 19 | $16,962 | |
| Jun 11, 2027 | Avalon Waterways | Delfin III | 12 | $8,808 | |
| Jul 23, 2027 | Avalon Waterways | Delfin III | 12 | $8,738 | |
| Oct 1, 2027 | Avalon Waterways | Delfin III | 12 | $8,738 | |
| Oct 8, 2027 | Avalon Waterways | Delfin III | 19 | $16,892 | |
| Oct 8, 2027 | Avalon Waterways | Delfin III | 12 | $8,738 | |
| Oct 15, 2027 | Avalon Waterways | Delfin III | 12 | $8,738 | |
| Oct 22, 2027 | Avalon Waterways | Delfin III | 12 | $8,738 | |
| Oct 22, 2027 | Avalon Waterways | Delfin III | 19 | $16,892 | |
| Oct 29, 2027 | Avalon Waterways | Delfin III | 12 | $8,738 | |
| Oct 31, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse | 13 | $12,819 | |
| Oct 31, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse | 25 | $40,975 | |
| Nov 5, 2027 | Avalon Waterways | Delfin III | 12 | $8,738 |
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