Paracas National Reserve

We'll meet up at the agreed-upon time, generally 8:00am or 10:am at the Port of Chaco in Paracas, whose name refers to the strong, sandy winds of the area, which at certain times of the year are the strongest of the southernn coast. Paracas is admired for its sunny and temperate climate, picturesque homes, and beautiful beaches.

During this excursion we'll tour the protected area of the National Reserve of Paracas, exploring different ecosystems which provide refuge to thousands of resident and migratory birds, with saltgrass and a Chañar forest zone in the northern area and exotic tillansias in the fertile areas receiving humidity from coastal fog, known as lomas. Two thirds of the reserve is Pacific Ocean enriched by the Humboldt Current and supporting a large amount of sea life such as sea lions, fur seals, dolphins, and endangered marine otters and Humboldt Penguins.

At the Paracas Reserve's Center of Interpretation we'll gain a better understanding of the Paracas Peninsula and the reserve's wildlife. Then we'll drive through the desert of the Paracs Peninsula to visit the ruins of the Cathedral, a natural formation named for its resemblance to a cathedral cupola, whose arch unfortunately was destroyed in the 2007 earthquake but which will provide us with great views as we walk along the edge of the peninsula, where you'll be able to take some stunning photos of the desert and the Pacific Ocean. After exploring on foot, we'll continue by car along the oceanside, passing the beach of Yumaque en route to the picturesqe fishing village of Lagunillas, where you'll have the option to sample fresh Peruvian seafood dishes at any of the beachside local restaurants. At the cliff-top lookout point known as the Mirador de los Lobos, one can get wonderfull views overlooking the ocean and the sea