A coastal haven of nature and culture
Just a short drive south of Lima, this scenic stretch of coastline is home to two of Peru’s greatest natural and cultural treasures – the Ballestas Islands and the Nazca Lines. These two different yet equally fascinating attractions are the main draw to the Paracas coastline, which in itself is home to the Paracas National Reserve, warm, sandy beaches and desert oases.
The Nazca Lines are one of the most beguiling mysteries left by the ancient civilisations of Peru. Dating as far back as 500BC, there are over 700 geoglyphs etched into the landscape, and archeologists have never determined their purpose. With some of the designs reaching up to 1200 feet in length, the best way to experience the impressive size and technique of these creations is a Nazca Lines tour from the air.
Back on land, the Ballestas Islands are Peru’s answer to the Galápagos – a protected area rich with bird and marine life just off the Paracas coast. Take a boat trip to spot the different species of birds, sea lions and penguins, which amass in their hundreds along the rocky outcrops during the peak months of April–October.
The coastline also enjoys a dry climate and is a great place to spend some time relaxing after exploring the highland areas during a luxury Peru tour.
Highlights
Marvel at the mysterious Nazca Lines, admiring their impressive scale from the air
Observe a wealth of marine and bird life on a boat trip around the nature rich Ballestas Islands
Spend time relaxing along the sunny coastline or exploring the Paracas National Reserve

Jennifer Richt
Senior Travel Designer








Paracas and Nazca really show off the breadth of Peru’s appeal, combining ancient history and culture with incredible wildlife. It’s so easy to get to from Lima as well, perfect if you want to spend a few days relaxing and exploring everything this lovely coastline has to offer.

Jennifer Richt
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Paracas & Nazca
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Trip inspiration
Discover more of Peru

Colca Canyon
Deeper than the Grand Canyon and home to the mighty Andean Condor. The region is steeped in ancient culture and peppered with traditional villages.
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Cusco
Capital of the Incan Empire from the early 14th century until its Spanish conquest, Cusco is South America’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and the gateway to Peru’s Incan history, including the lost city of Machu Picchu.
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Lake Titicaca
The world's highest navigable lake, where azure waters seem to touch the cloudless sky. Meet locals who live on reed islands and birdwatch as evening sets in, before retiring to your lakeside hotel.
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Lima
Cosmopolitan Lima is the place to be for gourmet food, energetic markets, great hotels and captivating sightseeing. Pay a visit to the Larco Museum for an oasis of calm within charming, colourful gardens.
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Luxury train journeys in Peru
Peru’s fleet of stylish trains are the perfect way to explore the country; from Machu Picchu and Cusco, across to the vast waters of Lake Titicaca and then onto the high Andes for Arequipa and the Colca Canyon.
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Machu Picchu
Ancient Incan ruins, perched high in the cloud forest and only accessible by train or on foot. These impressive ruins give visitors a fascinating insight into the Incan Empire.
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Northern Peru Amazon Cruises
Cruise down the rivers and waterways of the mighty Peruvian Amazon. Keep a lookout for pink dolphins and flocks of rawkus scarlet macaws.
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Southern Peruvian Amazon
Home to the pristine Tambopata National Reserve, this is a wildlife lover's dream. Uncover nocturnal creatures on night time walks and visit tree top lookouts and canopy walkways.
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The Inca Trail
A beautiful trail across the Andes ending at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate, before the site has opened to the public and just as the sun rises. The mists clear and reveal the wondrous ancient ruins.
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Arequipa
With its glowing white architecture, captivating Incan history and the mighty El Misti volcano looming on the Andean horizon, the Peruvian city of Arequipa is steeped in a mystical beauty that’s impossible to ignore.
Discover moreMeet your Latin America team
When to visit
The best time to visit Paracas and the Nazca Lines is between November and May when the days are sunny and temperate. Calm conditions are the best for light aircraft flights over mysterious Nazca and boat trips to the wildlife-rich Ballestas islands.
The Ballestas Islands are particularly captivating from January–March, which is sealion calving season.

Warmer weather
November–May

Wildlife spotting
April–October
Peru travel guides

A Guide to Peruvian Cuisine
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Best Things to do in Peru Besides Machu Picchu
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Latin America Bucket List: 7 Must-Do Experiences for 2025
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Best Treks in Peru: Cusco Walking Trails
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The Best Things to Do in Peru in 2025
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Our Guide to a Family Vacation in Peru
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Plan your trip to Paracas & Nazca
Whatever you want from your adventure in Paracas & Nazca, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
We have a great memorable experience!! We will be using Jacada again!
Jacada exquisitely planned every part of our 2 weeks in Peru - set up by Jen in London and Carlos in Peru. It was an ambitious itinerary to see as much as we could in a short period of time. They did not miss a beat with flawless execution with drivers, guides and tours all as scheduled. From Lima, Sacred…
The moment we contacted Jacada and talked with the representative I knew this company was differential. We took time to work through the agenda, accommodations and expectations. Before the trip we were contacted about making dinner reservations as well as going over the itinerary to make sure we were all set. We were also given ideas on books to read…
Jacada helped us to plan ideal gateway to Peru and Bolivia and it was amazing. The planning was done on very professional level, with some small personal touches what made this trip memorable! Thank you Delfina, Melanie and the team!
James was wonderful! So helpful and courteous. I will definitely consider Jacada when we have future travel needs


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