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Paracas
La Catedral Paracas
Paracas
Paracas
Paracas.
The Paracas National Reserve is located 22 km (20 minutes) of the city of Pisco (or 261 km from lima) and is the only reserve protecting a section of Peruvian coastline and cold-water ocean. Its 335000 hectares extend from the Paracas peninsula to the point at Morro Quemado, south of La independencia bay. It includes many salt flats, beautiful beaches, rocky points, and some of the richest ocean waters on earth. The species finding refuge here include seals and sea lions (Artocephalus australis and Otaria byronia), Humboldt penguuis (spheniscus humboldtii), sea otter or chingungo (Lutra Felina), dolphins ans porpoises, and over two hundred species of seabirds, both resident and migratory. Some of the latter are the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), flamingoes or parihuanas (Phoenicopterus chilensis) and the biggest producers of guano. Or bird dropping fertilizer (cormorants, boobies and pelicans).
The reserve also contains considerable remains of the Paracas culture which inhabited the Chincha, Pisco and Ica valleys from 600 BC to the first centuries AD. This culture, revealed to modern – day science by Peruvian archeologist Julio C. Tello in 1925, has become famous for its fine polychrome textiles made from cotton and camelid wool. Artifacts from the ancient culture can be viewed at the Julio C. Tello site museum, some at Cerro Colorado at Cabezas Largas, quite close to the site museum.
The reserve itself has no tourist services. What it does offer is natural scenery of incomparable beauty which can be visited by car or even by mountain bike. If you wish to camp, remember to bring drinking water, sunblock and warm clothing as the nights can be very cold. It is recommended to never navigate coastal waters after 1pm.
Next to reserve, 18 km (15 minutes) of Pisco via paved highway, is the small beach resort of Paracas bay. This was the spot where the patriot forces under General Jose de San Martin landed in 1820.
The activity at the resort is mainly centered around its hotels (a great option for non-campers)and the beach of the adjacent reserve. The bay is calm, but not good for swimming because of the quantity of kelp and small rayfish and the muddy seafloor.
San Gallan Island.
5 km of the Paracas “peninsula”, this island has an area of intense wave action, ideal for surfing. Access the island by hiring a boat from the port of “El Chaco” in the Paracas bay. The trip should take about an hour. Camping on the island is not recommended due to the strong afternoon winds. Remember to take water and sun block long, and avoid disturbing the wildlife.
The Candelabro.
An enigmatic, candelabro shaped etching in the sand on a hill at the far N end of the Paracas peninsula, facing the ocean. Some believe it is related to the Nasca lines, but that is unlikely as it has been proven to be more recent. Some believe it was a signal used by pirates. It is usually seen from the ocean (on the way to the Islas Ballestas), although it is also possible to see it from land by following the packed dirt road that goes NW from the Arenas beach. It is absolutely forbidden to approach closer than 20 m (66ft) from the carving.
The Cathedral.
This is a unique, natural formation carved from the sea cliff by wind and waves. Here erosion has formed an enormous cupola with a tower facing the ocean. The outer walls are home to numerous seabirds (Peruvian boobies, red-legged cormorants and Inca terns), and the interior is accessible on foot from the “La Catedral” beach, This beach, abounding in the in kelp and algae, is the best place for sighting the rare sea otters or chingungo (Luna feline). Watch out for the small stinging ray fish. The road is well marked, there is parking for vehicles and a lookout point. To reach the area, take the partially paved road that heads from the reserve’s entrance booth towards Salinas de Otuma for about 30 minutes.
Punta Arquillo.
Located on the S end of the Paracas peninsula, this tall cliff is an ideal viewpoint for observing the sea lion rookeries below and the majestic Andean condors that come in seach of carrion. The best time to come here is in summer, when condors appears more frequently and the rookeries are at the height of the reproductive season. There is parking and a viewing area; don’t forget binocular and a jacket. Access is via the packed dirt road from Lagunillas (15 minutes from the entrance booth) This excursion takes about 1 hours, 30 minutes, round trip.
Tours in Paracas
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Lima - Paracas - Nasca - Lima 3 Days - 2 Nights (US$ 235.00)
Includes: Lima, Nazca Lines, Paracas, -
Lima - Paracas - Nasca 4 Days - 3 Nights (US$ 345.00)
Includes: Ballestas Islands, Ica, Lima, Nazca Lines, Paracas, Pisco, -
Nazca Lines with Andes Experience 9 Days - 8 Nights (US$ 1,240.00)
Includes: Ballestas Islands, Cusco, Lima, Machupicchu, Nazca Lines, Paracas, -
Short South Peru 5 Days - 4 Nights (PER-004) (US$ 600.00)
Includes: Ballestas Islands, Lima, Nazca Lines, Pachácamac, Paracas,
