If you’re looking for the perfect getaway destination from Lima, the Paracas region offers the perfect setting to practice adventure sports, and the best part is that’s only a few hours away from the Gastronomical Capital of Peru.
If you’ve been following our Paracas travel guide, you surely know about the natural wonders of the region, where a group of small islands houses incredible maritime wildlife, and the Paracas National Reserve, also known as the place where the desert meets the sea.
This arid but tropical area is known as the best travel destination near Lima since it covers activities and attractions for all ages and sizes. Beyond the traditional tours, there are activities such as kitesurfing, paragliding, and even quad biking that you surely won’t like to miss.
For that reason, we have gathered the best things to do in Paracas, where you’ll get to choose between the most exciting and adventurous rides to include in your travel itinerary. Continue reading and learn everything about them!
As you sail across the Pacific Ocean headed towards the Ballestas Islands, you’ll probably get to see a few kiters on the way. The strong winds on the Paracas coast attract adrenaline-seekers from all along the coast.
It is one of the most sought-after activities in the town of Paracas, and if you have what it takes then why don’t you give it a try? However, you must know that this activity depends strictly on the weather and wind.
According to the renowned kitesurfing schools in Paracas, the weather is suitable almost all year round, for about 300 days a year to be exact. However, if you’re traveling during winter it could be very unlikely to practice this adventure sport.
The wind in Paracas can blow all night, peaking between 30 and 40 knots. Actually, Paracas is the name given to the strong winds in the Pacific Ocean. Each beach in Paracas has a different wind force, which is why it’s also a suitable place to practice or even learn.
Many operators and schools offer tour and kitesurfing lessons in Paracas. However, we highly recommend doing proper research so you can choose the best option for you.
As you may know, the Paracas National Reserve is one of the most outstanding protected areas in Paracas. The site holds otherworldly scenery where beautiful rock formations, colored sandstone cliffs, and a vast arid desert harmonically merge with the Pacific Ocean.
The wind conditions in Paracas change drastically, though wind force is really strong throughout the year. However, it is recommended to take the tour after 10:00 a.m. since it could be more suitable to practice this adrenaline-packed sport.
Keep in mind that all tours are subject to the weather conditions at the start time. It is not possible to predict the wind forces beforehand, which is why they could cancel the activity if the climate isn’t suitable for the practice.
Most paragliding tours in Paracas start from the national reserve, at a mountain called Cerro Mirador. There are different tour operators, which is why it is best to take a look at their reviews and find one that complies with all your requirements.
If you’re planning to stay more than two days in Paracas, then you should consider taking a self-guided bike tour through the Paracas National Reserve. That way you’ll get to explore the vast desert along the sheer cliffs of the Pacific Ocean.
The site offers the most scenic views in the region, where colored beaches, hundreds of exotic birds, and even sea lions will greet you along the route. If you’re up to this adventure, remember that it would take 30 kilometers to explore the entire Paracas bay, and only 8 kilometers for the national reserve.
The cycling route is very simple and well-marked, the best part is that the path is mostly flat, without steep inclines. It will take about 4 hours to complete the entire circuit, but that would be up to you and what you’d like to do.
Also, there are some attractions you can visit on the way, such as the Julio C. Tello Museum, the Red Beach, the ‘Cathedral,’ and much more. Keep in mind that you can also join a guided tour if you’d prefer to do it with a group, which could be more exciting and entertaining.
If you were thinking that Paracas was all about the ‘Peruvian Small Galapagos,’ let us tell you with all respect that you were wrong. The national reserve is the main attraction here, and though many travelers decide to explore it on regular bus tours, there are more exciting ways to do so.
The Quad Bike Tour will let you explore the vast Paracas desert and its surroundings on a 2-hour ride across the natural protected area. The activity will take you to the main attractions of the site, where you’ll get to see marine fossils, intriguing rock formations, and the most scenic beaches.
Most tour operators start at 10:00 a.m. and it’s not necessary to have a driver's license or to have any experience. The route is mainly flat and the ATV quad bikes are easy to handle, just make sure to be protected from the sun and carry enough water for the ride.
There are also options to take an afternoon tour through the Paracas National Reserve, so you can watch the sunset from a special spot in the area. If you’d like to spice up your adventure in southern Peru, this is the way to go!
If you're planning to continue your trip down south of Peru, there’s a magical location called Huacachina, a natural oasis hidden in the middle of the vast Peruvian desert.
This natural wonder is surrounded by imposing dunes which offer the perfect setting to practice even more adventure sports:
- Take a Dune Buggy Ride:
Make your way through the desert like a roller coaster, where a dune buggy will take you through several dunes at high speed. This is one of the most in-demand activities in the region, a must if you’re traveling down Peru.
- Sandboarding in Huacachina
Most dune buggy rides combine the activity with the opportunity to practice sandboarding. It is really easy and harmless! You can do it by laying your chest on the sandboard or try standing on it if you’re feeling adventurous.
Yes, we are aware that there’s so much to do in the small town of Paracas and its surroundings that it could be a hassle trying to decide what to do.
Would you like to know more about Peru? Here you’ll find all the information you need for your trip. Our local expert team has prepared the most complete informative guides for you!
Also, if you’re eager to know Peru at its fullest, check out our travel packages and live an authentic experience with Viagens Machu Picchu.
