Paracas is a city on the west coast of Peru. It is known for its beaches, such as El Chaco, located in the sheltered bay of Paracas. The city is a departure point to the uninhabited Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, pelicans and Humboldt penguins. The rugged Paracas National Reserve has abundant wildlife and spans desert, ocean, islands and the Paracas Peninsula. The huge prehistoric geoglyph of the Candelabro de Paracas on the peninsula is carved into the side of a hill.
The temperature in Paracas is, on average, 22 °C, almost always sunny and with very little rainfall. However, the wind is not only cold but also very fast. Wind speeds in Paracas range from 25 km/h to 60 km/h, making the beaches ideal for water sports such as kitesurfing. But, the winds on land bring surprises.
These blizzards are loaded with sand. They are not exactly storms, but as they travel at high speed they are considered a natural phenomenon of the climate in Paracas, called Paracas Winds. In fact, this is the Quechua origin of the name of the region.
In Quechua, para is "rain" and aco is "sand". Paraaco means "sand rain". Over time the term derived in Paracas. This is also the name of the fascinating pre-Columbian civilization that developed on the Paracas peninsula, about which you can learn more at the Julio C. Tello Site Museum.
The first impulse when you know that the weather in Paracas is sunny is to wear the typical beach clothes: bathing suits, shorts and sandals, and that's fine, but you should know that, due to the winds, it is highly recommended that you take a light jacket and pants to protect you from the cold during the night.
Your most important accessory in Paracas, apart from sunscreen, is sunglasses. You must protect your eyes against the sandy wind and against the sun that during the day can be inclement: ideal for visiting some of the beaches of the Reserve.
If you are going to do the tour of the Ballestas Islands to see the sea lions and Humboldt penguins, you should know that on the way in the boat you will surely feel some cold. Especially because the tour is done very early in the morning to take advantage of the trip.
That's why it's a good idea to bring a sport jacket and preferably a waterproof jacket to cover you from the wind and water; your sunglasses and a hat or cap to protect your face from the sun.
Are we forgetting something? Yes! Sunscreen. Although the climate in Paracas is benevolent, the sun's radiation is at a level that fluctuates between intermediate and high, so you should protect yourself from the sun's rays.
Now, for the walk through the Paracas National Reserve you can wear light clothes and sport shoes. The jacket can stay on the bus, but it is important that you take it with you because the weather in Paracas can be unpredictable regarding wind speed and temperature.
Don't worry about the rains at all. If you go between December and March there is a higher chance of rain, but the rainfall is not massive so you will be able to spend divine days of sun, red beaches, breathtaking landscapes and delicious seafood!
You can spend a few days and visit all the beaches of the Paracas National Reserve and discover the charms of this corner of the Peruvian coast where there is always sun and the wind tells stories of adventures.
¿WHY TRAVEL WITH ANDINO PERU TOURS?
We are a Peruvian Agency with Cusco roots, committed to providing you with unique tourism experiences. With our own transportation and a team of dedicated professionals, we aim to show you the best of Peru.
Striving to provide freedom in your travels, through specialized and quality service that ensures a worry-free experience. We take care of every aspect of your journey organization so you can fully enjoy.
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