Paracus– Peru–Perfect
Paracas, Peru is the perfect first stop to experience the variety of experiences Peru has to offer.
Paracus, also known as El Chaco, is often sold as a (long) day trip out of Lima, but I strongly encourage you to make it (at least) an over-night experience.
Staying overnight in Paracas gives ample opportunity to explore everything the surrounding area has to offer.
Paracas Has it All
If you read the Lima Museums entry you will be familiar with the name Paracas. Many of the Lima museums feature textiles, grave goods and bodily adornments excavated on the Wari Kayan necropolis on the Paracas Peninsula.
Paracas is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site complete with access to unique wildlife, beaches, restaurants, important archaeological zones AND thrill seeking activities.
Additionally, Paracas —a beautiful desert peninsula, ironically has the only official marine reserve in Peru.
Paracas, Ports & Pisco
Paracas is located on the south coast, in the Paracas District of the Pisco Province of the Ica Region of Peru. (Phew.)
The Pisco Province also loaned its name to the Pisco Sour—the national drink of Peru.
But Paracas is most notable as a jumping off port (like what I did there?) for boat access to the Ballestas Islands.
