What to Do in Paracas
Paracas also known as El Chaco is
a small beach resort on the Southern coast of Peru, 145 miles (235km) south of
Lima. Paracas means raining sand in Quechua, this is spot on as the town
encounters many, many sandstorms. An earthquake hit the region on August
15th 2007
and destroyed a lot of its infrastructure. But the region is bouncing back with
new builds and reconstruction. The region has a lot to offer, historically and
biologically. The Paracas culture dates back to 900 BC until AD 200. So
what is there to do in Paracas? The Ballestas Islands,
lie roughly an hour away by boat. The Paracas Peninsula is also part of the National Reserve. peru tours
Islas Ballestas
These islands also known as “the poor man’s
Galapagos”, can be visited by boat from the Paracas harbor. It’s usually a
guided half day trip that includes the sights of the Candelabra and
the islands. Guides typically speak a number of languages so no one misses out.
As you wait in the harbor for your boat to prepare and board you might be
fortunate enough to see a pod of dolphins fishing or just playing. Peruvian Pelicans take
advantage of the fishing dolphins and dive beak first for any left overs.
You’ll hear the “oohs and aahs” of other adults mesmerized by the mammals and
birds. Finally onboard the boat remember to put your sunnies on, the
water can be choppy with a lot of splashing. And make sure that hat is
secure!!! It can get rather windy!
On route to the islands you will see
a huge three-pronged candle stick looking symbol in the
high sand dunes. This is a candelabra with many stories behind its existence
and creation. Be sure to listen to the different theories and then make your
own mind up. Landing on the islands is banned, but the boats’ captains try to
get as close as possible for the best views. The beaches are packed with sea lions and cliffs above are full of birds.
Depending on the time of year you could be lucky to see throngs of baby sea
lions tucked in beside their mothers on the beaches. You’ll see the larger male
sea lions patrolling the waters to protect the females and babies. The sound of
the sea lions barking can be booming at times but don’t be afraid to join in
and do some impressions! The closer the boat gets, the stronger the smell
gets. That’s the smell of guano (seabird
droppings). Guano was once a multi-million dollar company, that Peru reaped
many rewards from. The guano was used
as a natural fertilizer. peru tours
A number of birds endemic to the
desert coast of Peru can be spotted from your seat. The Peruvian Booby and Peruvian
Pelicans can be seen plunge diving to feed on schools of fish. This is an
exciting and remarkable show so have your cameras at the ready. The Humboldt Penguin, a definite crowd pleaser, can be seen
shuffling up and down the cliffs and are year round inhabitants of the islands.
Keep your eyes peeled and you might glimpse one swimming speedily through the
water. The elegant and breathtaking Andean Condor can
be seen soaring above, if you see one you’ll immediately know it’s a condor
from its startling 10 ft. wide wingspan.
Paracas
National Reserve
A visit to the National Reserve is another well worth
trip to do while in Paracas. The reserve encompasses an expanse of desert created to protect
the areas biodiversity and archaeological sites. Beyond all the sand
there are some interesting sites. You will see where the desert meets the sea
in the reserve. You can spend some time on some deserted beaches. Some of beaches
are quite different to one another because of volcanic rock, sedimentary rock
and animal and fish remains. You can spot some wildlife too; flamingos and
other birds, lizards and other marine life. peru tours
There is a visitor’s center next
to the entrance, alongside the Museo J.C. Tello.
The center has many exhibits on the conservation of local marine and land life
and ecosystems. You can easily pass an hour in the center reading and learning
about how marine life has survived and also how humans have lived and survived
in this desert area for thousands of years. The museum houses a collection of
some of the excavated archaeological remains. The collection includes intricate
weavings and embroideries and trepanned skulls discovered by the Peruvian
archaeologist Julio C. Tello in 1925.
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