Tour of the Paracas National Reserve
Explore the only place in Peru where the desert plunges in colored cliffs straight into the Pacific Ocean.
Book on WhatsApp- Hotel pick-up 10:45 AM
- Daily 11:00 AM
- Coastal road tour
- 3.5 Hours
- Red Beach & Cathedral
- Coastal Route
- Family friendly
- Easy
- Geology & nature expert
- Bilingual Guide
- Air-conditioned van
- Small Group
- Per person
- S/ 50 (≈ US$ 14)
Adventure details
The Paracas National Reserve is Peru's only marine-coastal protected area of its kind: over 335,000 hectares where the desert, dramatic cliffs, and the cold Humboldt Current combine into landscapes you will not find anywhere else.
On this 3.5-hour land tour you will visit the famous Red Beach, the La Catedral viewpoint, the peninsula lookouts, and the fishing cove of Lagunillas, with guided photo stops at every point.
It is the perfect companion to the Ballestas Islands tour: in a single day you see both the marine and the desert side of Paracas, with hotel pick-up and drop-off included.
- Certified bilingual guides
- Free 24h cancellation
- Back in time for evening night buses
Highlights of the route
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Red Beach
Stunning dark red shoreline created by the erosion of nearby pink granodiorite cliffs.
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The Cathedral
A viewpoint to the famous natural rock formation sculpted by wind and sea.
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Lagunillas Beach
A charming fishing cove where we stop for a fresh seafood lunch by the ocean.
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Desert Viewpoints
Panoramas showing the stark contrast between dry yellow dunes and deep blue waters.
Meeting point & bus connections
Free hotel pick-up: Complimentary pick-up from any hotel, hostel, or Airbnb in Paracas town / El Chaco area.
Central meeting office: If you are staying outside the center or arriving with luggage before the tour, meet us at our boardwalk office: SolyMar Paracas (Google Maps)
Catching an evening night bus?
All our day and afternoon tours are timed so you return with plenty of time for dinner or to catch your evening night bus (Cruz del Sur, Peru Hop) to Lima, Huacachina, or Arequipa. Free luggage storage is available at our office!
What to bring
Closed shoes or sneakers
Mandatory for traction on sand trails, dune climbs, and rocky cliff viewpoints.
Windbreaker jacket
Desert coastal winds pick up late afternoon; temperature cools rapidly at sunset.
Sunscreen & sunglasses
Strong sun reflection off desert sand. Essential UV protection for skin and eyes.
1 to 1.5 L of water
Stay properly hydrated throughout your desert adventure in the dry climate.
Cash for entrance fee
SERNANP reserve gate fee (S/ 11 adults) paid in Peruvian Soles cash on arrival.
Charged camera or smartphone
Spectacular desert and coastal panoramas perfect for wide-angle photos.
Loved by travelers worldwide
“Incredible experience with SolyMar! Booking was super easy, guides spoke great English, and the scenery was breathtaking. The best operator in Paracas!”
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Paracas National Reserve tour cost?
Our guided tour costs S/ 50 per person and includes transport, a professional guide, and hotel pick-up in Paracas. The SERNANP entrance fee is paid separately: S/ 11 adults, S/ 5 children. Real total cost for an adult: S/ 61, with no extra charges.
What will I see on the Reserve tour?
The classic circuit includes Red Beach (famous for its garnet-colored sand), the La Catedral viewpoint, the coastal desert lookouts, and Lagunillas fishing cove, where you can have a fresh seafood lunch by the ocean.
Can you swim in the reserve beaches?
Swimming is prohibited at most stops due to strong currents and wildlife protection. However, swimming is allowed at specific spots like La Mina Beach on seasonal or private tours.
How much is the park entrance fee?
The general entrance fee is S/ 11 for adults and S/ 5 for children. If you also plan to visit the Ballestas Islands, buy the combined ticket for S/ 22, valid for 2 days.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, a hat that straps on, sunglasses, a windbreaker, water, and some cash for the entrance fee, crafts, or lunch at Lagunillas. The weather is sunny and windy almost all year round.
Is it better to visit by guided tour or by bicycle?
Cycling is scenic but demanding: the loop is over 30 km under strong sun and wind. The guided tour takes you comfortably to every viewpoint, explains the geology and wildlife, and leaves time for photos at each stop.
Why book with SolyMar Paracas
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Safety first
Modern equipment, certified guides, and complete passenger insurance for total peace of mind.
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Expert local guides
Friendly bilingual guides sharing historical facts, desert geology, and spotting hidden wildlife.
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Licensed operator
We are a formal registered tour operator recognized by Peruvian tourism authorities (MINCETUR).
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Flexible guarantees
Free cancellation up to 24h before or receive a 100% full refund if weather prevents departure.
Limited spots per departure
Ready to start your Paracas adventure?
Get in touch with us today to secure your seats. We confirm your booking in minutes with flexible options!
Pay by card via secure payment link or cash on arrival · Free cancellation up to 24h before