Paracas Bay, Peru

About Paracas Bay, Peru

250km south of Lima you will find Paracas, a c-shaped bay sometimes referred to as Santo Domingo Bay. This area benefits from reliable wind all year round, although June and July can be less predictable. From November to the beginning of May, the water is lovely and warm, but at any other time it's wise to bring a wetsuit. The sea's conditions are excellent with shallow, butter-flat water near the shoreline and a slight chop out in the middle of the bay. This desert beach has a great feel to it. Learn to kite, push your freestyle, or simply cruise around soaking up the absolutely awesome scenery.

Traveling to Paracas Bay, Peru

You are most likely to be travelling from Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru. From the airport, there is a direct Premium Bus service to Paracas, or a cheaper, alternative route, where you have to change at Pisco then take a mini-bus the remainder of the way. There is also car hire available at Lima. Make sure you opt for a 4x4 though, as some roads can be a little rough.

Facilities At Paracas Bay, Peru

Surrounded by desert, Paracas is an idyllic and naturally beautiful oasis. The residents are very friendly and appreciate tourists, who contribute vital income to the area. The town itself is very quiet, with a few bars and cafes. There are plenty of places to eat, and all very inexpensive. Local attractions include the Ballesta Islands, sometimes known as the poor man’s Galapagos, where you can see fantastic birds, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and on occasion, dolphins. Activities to try include diving, dune buggy driving, and hang-gliding. For Kitesurf tuition, contact Peru Kite, which teaches courses using IKO-qualified instructors and adheres to the IKO lesson plan. The tuition is fantastic, as the school’s well planned operation, including rescue boats and the use of extra IKO assistants, means you spend more time on the water and less time walking up the beach.