Spectacular beaches, desert and seafood in this unmissable destination in Peru

Upon landing at the Lima airport, you are captivated by the aromas that float in the air, announcing the extraordinary culinary experience that awaits in the “Gastronomic Capital of Latin America”.

But Peru has much more to offer: it also seduces with its variety of natural landscapesa hook for those looking for a vacation and who are willing to discover options such as the city of Paracasthe point where the aridity of the golden desert and the turquoise immensity of the Pacific coexist.

It is well known that Lima has an abundance of high-quality restaurants. In fact, among its streets is the renowned Central, led by Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez, listed as the best restaurant in the world. For this reason, when planning a trip to the land of piscoit is advisable to settle in Lima as a starting point: exquisite culinary experiences and historic streets steeped in culture.

But to add a few days of relaxation to the gastronomic tour by the sea y unique experiences in the desert -like an exclusive dinner under the stars-, you will find a good alternative in Paracas.

This town is three hours by car or four and a half by tourist bus or micro and offers a perfect getaway to rest (or not so much).

Lima traffic is complicated and dangerous; Renting a car is not recommended unless you plan to get away from the chaos of the city.

The trip by bus or combi is the most economical option – US$ 8 – but it is also much more tedious: the passenger transport that arrives in Paracas has a speed limit of 80 km/h, with stops in all towns and It takes 6 hours to arrive.

Private cars can reach 100 kilometers, although there are no radars on that route to control them.

Paracas is a coastal city that belongs to the province of Pisco.

To get there you have to go south and the obligatory route is the Panamericana, which makes the trip enjoyable because it offers the most varied landscapes: mountains, beaches, dunes and crops -among them asparagus and artichokes, number one in export in the world- that enrich the visual and make the journey a fun experience.

On the side of the road, every 10 or 20 meters, it is surprising to see the number of stalls selling fruit ice cream.

He road condition is good so it is easy to drive the almost 250 kilometers it takes to get to Paracas. At kilometer 245, take the detour to Pisco and then enter Paracas. The path has two tolls for a total of 18 soles (US$5) which makes it quite affordable. The tour can last up to 3.30 hours and car.

The Paracas National Reserve It emerges as a natural treasure that captivates anyone who visits it. This ecological sanctuary, proclaimed as a National Reserve in 1975, protects and preserves an extensive strip of coastline and marine habitats, establishing itself as a must-see destination for lovers of biodiversity and scenic beauty.

The Paracas sun is present all year round, although rThey recommend traveling from August onwards to avoid the sand storms.

According to locals, when the wind hits the city, activity usually stops completely, and people do not leave their homes. Despite the apparent hostility of the environment, these storms are an integral part of the local ecology, leaving a temporary imprint that adds a fascinating element to the natural beauty.

Within the numerous beaches that the Paracas peninsula offers, Leaf It is one of the most popular because it is protected by imposing cliffswith a quiet environment and an extensive area of ​​white sand perfect for resting.

To get there you have to descend a long staircase, but it is worth the effort: from there you can contemplate the immensity of San Julián Bay where the dunes and the sea come together in the distance, composing an impressive landscape. Rental of an umbrella and two chairs, 30 soles (US$ 7.88) per day.

But in Paracas, as in Lima, you can also eat very delicious. Those seafood fans must visit Subpoenaa hostel and fan shell farm. There they offer boat tours to enter the waters of the Pacific and learn in-depth about the management of this delicious mollusk.

Those who dare can dive to see how the shells are raised and even collect some to later taste them in the restaurant while looking at the sea. These seafood have turned Peru into world power in export of this product.

This tour costs US$40 per person. They also offer accommodation.

In any case, Paracas has a wide range of options to spend the night, from 5-star chain hotels like Hilton or Marriott to cheaper options like the bungalows at Bamboo Paracas Resort.

The desert of the Paracas peninsula, known as the California Desert, is presented as an imposing natural spectacle. This vast and arid landscape It surprises with golden dunes that extend as far as the eye can see. The whimsical shapes created by the wind in the sand and the changing hues during the day offer a unique visual experience.

Ride on a buggy through the immense golden dunes of this desert offers an experience full of adrenaline, which for some may be too much. Although there is no need to worry, the pilots boast of distinguishing the tourists by their faces and thus being able to give them a more or less dizzying ride.

All-terrain vehicles, which when mounted do not seem to provide much protection against a rollover, allow explore remote corners and landscapes that would otherwise be inaccessible. The softness of the sand under the wheels, combined with the speed and agility of the buggy, creates a cocktail of emotions for the adventurous and not so much.

There, in the same desert, there are also 4×4 trips, this time you do feel the protection of the vehicle that has the latest technology and is driven by expert drivers who were part of the Dakar Rally. The problem is when they start, these guys move those huge trucks as if they were bicycles. He has no qualms about going up and down the immense dunes as if they were in a roller coaster.

After the ride that defies anyone’s vertigo, the pilots take a break, brake and let themselves descend to be able to contemplate a unforgettable sunsetideal for taking the best photos and sharing them on networks.

As night comes, the moon begins to shine on the golden sand.

The last dune that offers an almost steep descent has a great surprise. When descending, and after letting out a big scream from the fright and thinking that life ends there, a Bedouin tent appears waiting with a picnic under the stars in the vastness of the desert.

It is a magical location with special furniture: rugs, pillows, candles and torches and soft background music.

There you can enjoy delicious Peruvian food, with the friendliest service and a unique landscape, which combines the dunes and the star-studded sky of Paracas (from US$205 per person).