Paracas National Reserve

Paracas National Reserve essentials

Paracas National Reserve spans 335,000 hectares of desert and marine ecosystems on Peru's coast. This selection highlights the 180-meter El Candelabro geoglyph, etched into a coastal hillside, and the red volcanic sands of Playa Roja. Key sites include the Julio C. Tello Site Museum, which archives artifacts from the Paracas culture dating back to 800 BCE, and dedicated viewpoints for observing Andean flamingos and sea lion colonies. Coastal formations like the remains of La Catedral illustrate the area's dramatic geological history.

Paracas National Reserve Essentials — Map

Alex Zanuccoli / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

El Candelabro de Paraca

The Paracas Candelabra, also called the Candelabra of the Andes, or El Candelabro, is a well-known prehistoric geoglyph found on the…

B

Playa Roja

This beach features distinct reddish-orange sand caused by the erosion of granodiorite cliffs containing pink granitic igneous rocks. It is a primary geological site where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean.

C

La Catedral

A viewpoint overlooking the remains of a massive natural rock arch. Though the bridge section collapsed during a 2007 earthquake, the site remains a significant landmark for observing coastal erosion and marine bird life.

Josue Hermoza / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

La Mina Beach

A sheltered coastal bay known for calm, turquoise waters and white sands. Surrounded by high cliffs that provide protection from the strong Paracas winds, it serves as one of the few swimmable beaches in the reserve.

E

Museo de Sitio de la Cultura Paracas

This museum houses funerary bundles, ceramics, and textiles from the Paracas culture. Exhibits detail the evolution of the local desert landscape and the archaeological discoveries made by Julio C. Tello in the nearby necropolis.

F

Isthmus Viewpoint

A panoramic observation point offering views of the narrow strip of land that connects the Paracas Peninsula to the mainland, showcasing the contrast between the desert dunes and the ocean.

G

Flamingo viewpoint

Located near the bay, this site offers a vantage point to observe Andean flamingos feeding in the shallow waters. The birds are most frequently seen here during the southern winter months.

H

Mirador de lobos

A cliffside viewpoint used for observing colonies of South American sea lions. The site provides a clear view of the rocky outcrops where these marine mammals rest and breed.

Marcin Tlustochowicz / CC BY 2.0

I

Paracas culture

The Paracas culture was an Andean society existing between approximately 800 BCE and 100 BCE, with an extensive knowledge of irrigation and…

Santiagostucchi / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Paracas National Reserve

Paracas National Reserve is a protected area located in the region of Ica, Peru and protects desert and marine ecosystems for their…