Town in Ica, Peru
Paracas
Small coastal town on the Paracas desert reserve, the launch point for Ballestas Islands wildlife boats and desert-meets-sea landscapes. Easy two-day stop from Lima; windy, quiet and limited once tours finish.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$813–1,250Comfortable, one person · S/2,800–4,300Details
- Value for money90/100Better value than 89% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Feb, 28°CDetails
- Internet260 MbpsFixed broadband, Peru medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$23–58Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBallestas Islands boat tourVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards accepted at hotels and many restaurants; cash is needed for boat fees, reserve entry, taxis and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Paracas
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| El Chaco waterfront | Pier, tours, restaurants and most hotels; walkable |
| Seafront promenade | Sunset views, resorts and quieter stays |
| Pisco | Cheaper, bigger town 15 km north with bus links |
Apps that work in Paracas
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- redBus: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Taxis: Local taxis and mototaxis cover the waterfront; no reliable ride apps. Agree the fare before heading to the reserve.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Peru.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards accepted at hotels and many restaurants; cash is needed for boat fees, reserve entry, taxis and small shops.
- Currency: Sol (PEN). US$1 ≈ S/3.44 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs charge foreign cards a flat fee per withdrawal, higher at airports; many also dispense US dollars.
- Tipping: Around 10% in sit-down restaurants without a service charge. Budget tips for trek guides, cooks and porters; taxis aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and phone wallets work in cities; Yape and Plin QR payments need a Peruvian account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Pre-registering on MigraCheck (free) can let you use the immigration e-gates at Lima airport.
- No arrival card; entry is recorded digitally. Overstays are fined per day when you leave.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for Amazon trips but is not required for entry.
Emergency numbers
Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116
Plugs
Type A, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy prepaid chips in official carrier stores with your passport, not from street sellers. Claro and Movistar cover the Andes best. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Peru
Going to Paracas solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.