Paracas, Ica and Nazca holidays
Paracas, Ica and Nazca holidays at a glance
Stretching south of Lima along Peru’s Pacific coastline, this region showcases some of the country’s most striking contrasts, where the barren beauty of the desert meets the rich waters of the Humboldt Current to create landscapes and ecosystems unlike anywhere else in Peru.
Paracas is best known for its coastal wildlife and dramatic desert scenery. The nearby Ballestas Islands are home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, terns, cormorants and flamingoes, with dolphins, sharks and whales in the surrounding waters too. Along the coast, the Paracas National Reserve protects some of Peru’s most spectacular coastal desert landscapes.
A short drive inland leads to Ica, the centre of Peru’s pisco and wine industry, sitting in a fertile valley close to towering sand dunes. Its bodegas are well worth a stop, and a few of them even offer accommodation. Nearby is Huacachina, a palm-fringed oasis surrounded by dunes and one of South America’s most distinctive natural settings.
Further south lies Nazca, where one of the world’s greatest archaeological mysteries awaits. The famous Nazca Lines, enormous geoglyphs etched into the desert around 2,000 years ago, remain one of Peru’s most intriguing attractions.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Paracas, Ica and Nazca
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Paracas and Nazca reveal a side of Peru that many travellers don’t expect. Between the wildlife, desert scenery and ancient mysteries, the region offers some of the country’s most memorable experiences.
When to visit Paracas, Ica and Nazca
This coastal desert region enjoys generally favourable weather throughout most of the year, making it a highly accessible destination.
Temperatures are at their highest; expect hot, dry, sunny days and pleasant evenings; a popular, and busy, time for local visitors.
Temperatures remain high; expect clear skies and plenty of sunshine; the Grape Harvest Festival takes place in Ica in March.
Winter months are cooler, but temperatures remain pleasant and there should still be plenty of sunshine; penguins can be seen near the Ballestas Islands from May to October.
Sunshine and pleasant temperatures continue even in mid winter, although the mist which blankets Lima at this time can drift south to Paracas; a good time to catch the flamingos.
Warm, dry and sunny days; excellent range of wildlife can be seen from Paracas, including penguins and flamingos; sealions can see seen year round.
Temperatures increase and can be particularly hot in Ica, inland. The holiday season at year end is popular with local travellers.
Top Things to do in Paracas, Ica and Nazca
Paracas, Ica and Nazca combine archaeology, wildlife, adventure and extraordinary landscapes. Whether you’re flying above ancient geoglyphs, cruising among marine wildlife or exploring desert dunes, every day offers something completely different.
Take a trip to one of Peru’s most important marine wildlife reserves, passing the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph etched in the desert sand.
Contemplate the mystery of ancient desert etchings from the air as you fly over linear depictions of animals and plants in a light aircraft.
Accommodation in Paracas, Ica and Nazca
Accommodation options range from stylish coastal resorts overlooking Paracas Bay to charming boutique hotels in Ica and comfortable lodges close to Nazca’s historic attractions.
Options such as Hotel Paracas and La Hacienda Bahia Paracas make the most of the coastal setting, while properties like Hotel Vinas Queirolo and the Hacienda Boutique and Resort Majoro take advantage of the surrounding vineyards and desert scenery further inland.
Majoro is a Spanish colonial-style hacienda and resort with large gardens, pool and restaurant a few kilometres outside Nazca.
A Luxury Collection Resort set on the Peruvian desert coast at Paracas National Reserve on the Pacific Ocean.
Elegant hacienda-style hotel resembling an upmarket Peruvian country house, set on a vineyard in the foothills of the Andes.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Tailor-Made Paracas, Ica and Nazca Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
A Taste of Peru
Places visited: Lima · Paracas, Ica and Nazca · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Cusco
12 days from £4,470
Peru Odyssey – 21 Days of Discovery
Places visited: Lima · Paracas, Ica and Nazca · Arequipa and Colca Canyon · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · The Peruvian Amazon (south)
21 days from £6,230
FAQs about visiting Paracas, Ica and Nazca
Paracas, Ica and Nazca is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- What are the Nazca Lines?
The Nazca Lines are enormous geoglyphs etched into Peru’s desert landscape by the ancient Nazca civilisation. They’re best viewed from the air and remain one of archaeology’s greatest mysteries.
- When is the best time to visit Paracas?
The cold Pacific current keeps the rain away but a misty sun is out here most of the year round, and temperatures are mild. The wildlife is abundant all year round, flamingoes are present Jul-Nov.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken in Paracas?
The main language spoken in Paracas is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in Paracas?
The Peruvian Nuevo Sol is the main currency used in Paracas. Notes in local currency can be withdrawn from the ATMs in the main square at Pisco, the small fishing port close to the Nature Reserve, using a UK credit or debit card; banks also exchange cash. Nazca has a bank which has an ATM and will give cash advances on cards.
- What is the time difference between Paracas and the UK?
The time difference between Paracas and the UK is GMT -5 hours.
- What does a visit to Paracas combine well with?
The pre-Columbian ruins of a ceremonial centre at Pachacamac in the desert just 31 km south of Lima; Ica, an oasis resort between Paracas and Nazca, wine centre and sand dune-boarding activities (70 km from Paracas, 140 km from Nazca); Arequipa, Peru’s second city and a colonial work of art in itself, 565 km from Nazca, 10hrs’ drive).
- How do you get to Paracas and Nazca?
From Lima by road to Paracas (3 hours) and Nazca (7 hours). From Arequipa 10 hours.
- What key events are there in Paracas?
Virgen de la Guadelupe: Festival held in Nazca 29 Aug 10 Sep annually.
- What wildlife can I see on the Ballestas Islands?
The islands are home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins and huge numbers of seabirds, making them one of Peru’s best wildlife-viewing locations.
- What destinations combine well with Paracas and Nazca?
Lima, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu all combine naturally with this region.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.