Paracas is one of Peru’s most captivating coastal destinations: a desert that meets the Pacific, a place where history and nature blend into a landscape of cliffs, dunes, and tranquil bays.
The area is also home to the Paracas National Reserve—Peru’s oldest marine reserve—and the Ballestas Islands, habitats for diverse marine species, migratory birds, and mammals such as sea lions.
But beyond its wildlife and desert scenery, Paracas is especially loved for its beaches: calm turquoise waters, dramatic red sands, hidden coves, and bays where you can swim, unwind, or try water sports like windsurf.
If you’re looking for the best beaches of Paracas, this guide walks you through the top beach spots mentioned in your source, what makes each one special, and how to choose the right beach depending on your vibe—relaxation, adventure, family time, or epic views.
Why Paracas Is a Beach Lover’s Paradise
Paracas sits in the province of Pisco, in Peru’s Ica region.
From Lima, it’s roughly 260 km away and takes about three to four hours by the Pan-American Highway (Panamericana Sur), whether you go by private car or bus.
The region is often described as a “desert with an ocean view,” and that contrast is exactly what makes Paracas so unique: sand dunes and arid landscapes ending in bays of shining water.
The beaches here invite slow mornings under the sun, refreshing swims, and long afternoons appreciating the meeting point of desert and sea.
Many visitors also enjoy windsurf thanks to the coastal conditions, and several beaches are located inside the Paracas National Reserve, adding a sense of protected wild beauty.
Best Beaches of Paracas: The Top 7 Spots to Visit
1) Playa La Mina (Turquoise Water and Calm Swimming)
Playa La Mina is one of the most visited beaches in Paracas during summer—and it’s easy to see why.
It’s known for gentle waters and a beautiful turquoise color, framed by a cliffside setting that feels dramatic and secluded at the same time.
Access involves a short descent through desert dunes, which adds to the sense of arriving somewhere special.
From Pisco, the drive to La Mina takes around 40 minutes by car.
To enjoy the day comfortably, your source recommends sunscreen, water, and a snack.
Also note: in high season, camping is not allowed, and staying overnight on the beach is prohibited.
What to do here? Swim, cool off, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try water activities like kayaking.
If you’d rather slow down, the warm sand and ocean views make it an ideal beach for pure relaxation.
2) Playa Roja (A Rare Red-Sand Landscape)
Playa Roja is one of Paracas’ most iconic stops and among the most unusual beaches in Peru.
Its name comes from the high concentration of volcanic rock that colors the sand a striking red.
Because of that unique look, it attracts visitors year-round—many come specifically to photograph the desert-meets-sea scenery.
Playa Roja is inside the Paracas National Reserve, near the entrance.
To reach it and fully appreciate the landscape, the route involves traveling through the desert by buggy or ATV/quad, which turns the visit into a full adventure.
Important: your source warns that swimming is not allowed here to protect the marine ecosystem, and it can also be dangerous due to strong waves.
There are no hotels or restaurants nearby, so it’s best visited as part of a day outing with water and everything you need for the trip.
3) Playa Yumaque (Birdlife, Picnic Vibes, and Camping Allowed)
Playa Yumaque is named after the activity of digging in the sand to find shells or mollusks.
Like several top beaches in this list, it’s part of the Paracas National Reserve, and it stands out for its ecosystem—especially the chance to observe many birds.
This is one of the best beaches of Paracas for outdoor plans.
Unlike other beaches where camping is prohibited, camping is allowed here.
It’s also a great place for a picnic with friends or family, with wide views of the sea.
Swimming is possible, but the water is cold and the waves can be stronger in this part of the Pacific.
Nearby, you’ll find vendors selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs—useful for a full day at the beach.
4) Playa Lagunillas (White Sand, Windsurf, and Easy Access)
Lagunillas Bay is close to the entrance of the Paracas National Reserve and is considered an important tourist spot.
One reason people love it: you don’t need a buggy or quad to get there—you can also go by bus, making it more accessible than some of the wilder reserve beaches.
The bay has gentle surf and white sand, and you can choose your activity based on your mood.
If you swim, your source recommends being careful not to step on sea urchins.
If you’re into wind, Lagunillas is also a place to practice windsurf.
And if you’re looking to camp, this is another beach where camping can be done calmly.
Lagunillas is also portrayed as a beach where the day can naturally turn into a long lunch by the sea—your source mentions enjoying seafood right on the shore while taking in the landscape.
5) Playa El Chaco (The Heart of Paracas and Gateway to Ballestas Islands)
El Chaco is the most famous beach bay in Paracas for a simple reason: it’s the starting point for some of the region’s biggest natural experiences.
Its emblematic pier is where boats depart for the Ballestas Islands, one of Paracas’ main attractions.
Beyond the pier, El Chaco has a lively promenade filled with souvenir shops, clothing and hat stalls, and plenty of restaurants where you can try local food from Ica, such as ceviche or seafood rice dishes.
There’s also a space for tasting and buying traditional sweets.
In terms of activities, El Chaco offers the full Paracas mix: swimming, watching local daily life, enjoying the bay view, and even taking a boat ride to admire the scenery from the water.
If you want a beach that feels central, convenient, and complete, El Chaco is hard to beat.
6) Playa El Raspón (Calm Water and Beginner-Friendly Diving)
El Raspón is described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Paracas, located inside the National Reserve along the edge of a cliff.
The bay is known for its gentle waves, making it a pleasant place to swim or try water activities.
The standout here is diving: El Raspón is highlighted as a great beach for those who are just beginning, thanks to its calmer water conditions.
If you prefer something slower, it’s also a wonderful place to disconnect—white sand, birds flying over the sea, and a peaceful setting.
Local services such as umbrella or chair rentals are available, adding comfort to a longer beach day.
The beach’s name comes from the “scratches” people used to get when accessing it in the past, but now there are stairs, making the descent easier.
As in other areas, sea urchins can be present, so step carefully when entering the water.
7) Playa Supay (Legends, Cliff Walks, and Extreme Sports)
Playa Supay’s name comes from Quechua and translates as “devil’s beach.”
It’s part of the Paracas National Reserve and is surrounded by legend: because the winds can be intense, the waves are said to be aggressive, and the story speaks of nighttime spirits along the shore.
This is not presented as a typical swimming beach.
Instead, it shines as a place for a peaceful walk along the shore, perfect for meditation and relaxation while you follow the cliffline facing the vast Pacific.
For travelers craving adrenaline, Playa Supay is also mentioned as a spot for paragliding, making it a dramatic landscape for extreme sports in both sea and sky.
Where to Stay in Paracas
If you want to explore the best beaches of Paracas without rushing—especially if you plan to mix reserve beaches, boat tours, and sunset walks—staying a few nights is a smart move.
- Luxury places to stay in Paracas – curated high-end stays designed for comfort and an elevated coastal escape.
- Best places to stay in Paracas – stylish, well-located options that make it easy to reach El Chaco, the reserve, and the region’s top beach routes.
FAQs
What are the best beaches of Paracas for swimming?
Playa La Mina is known for calm waters and is one of the most popular swimming beaches.
Lagunillas and El Raspón also feature gentle conditions, though sea urchins can be present in some areas.
Can you camp on Paracas beaches?
Yes, camping is allowed at Playa Yumaque, and Lagunillas is also described as a place where you can camp.
However, some beaches (like La Mina in high season) restrict camping and overnight stays.
Which Paracas beach is best for unique scenery?
Playa Roja stands out for its striking red sand, created by volcanic rock, making it one of the most unusual and photogenic beaches in Peru.
