traveler is a small coastal town on the classic traveler route in Peru. While most people visit this sleepy town on the edge of the Atacama Desert to take a boat tour of the Islas Ballestas (Peru’s version of the Galapagos islands), that’s not the only way to explore the amazing nature in Paracas National Park…
Hire Bikes
There are plenty of places to hire bikes very cheaply in Paracas. Reserve your bikes the night before and set off no later than 8am. The Atacama is the driest desert in the world, and you don’t want to be caught out in the midday sun. Take plenty of water, sunhats, and get ready for a day of tough but exhilarating cycling!
Stop at Stunning Beaches
The Paracas Nature Reserve is full of stunning beaches where it’s possible to take a dip to cool off after a few hours of strenuous peddling. Look out for interesting bird life (including flamingos), striking red cliffs, and truly spectacular views of the vast surrounding desert.
Take a Lunch Break
If that wasn’t enough of a selling point, there’s even somewhere to stop for lunch and a cold beer! Head to Lagunillas beach (it’s well-signposted) where you’ll find several restaurants offering a menu of the day, including local seafood and a few veggie options. These restaurants are more expensive than others you’ll find in Peru, but the amazing setting is worth it!
A Short Ride Home
Ask folks at the restaurant to direct you to the shorter route home (we guarantee your legs will be feeling like jelly by this point!) and head back to Paracas in the afternoon. You’ll be back in time for Happy Hour and some well-deserved pisco sours!