Paracas: Bay, Culture and the Candelabro

Paracas combines a specific walking route to Playa El Chaco with experiences around the bay, cultural history, and landscapes in the wider destination. This lets you weigh up different priorities for your trip without combining them into a single excursion.

Walk to El Chaco

From the main square in the town of Paracas, you can walk to Playa El Chaco along a paved route of 1.4 kilometres; the walk takes about ten minutes. There is also a tourist information office in town at the entrance to the main El Chaco pier. Check the latest operating details before visiting.

Another paved walking route leads from the El Chaco pier to Plazuela del Desembarco de Don José de San Martín. The route is about 1.4 kilometres long, and the stated walking time is approximately 18 minutes. The two figures therefore refer to similar distances, but to different starting points, destinations, and walking times. This is a useful distinction when planning your day.

Bay, Wetland, and Boat Trips

Bahía de Paracas is located in the district of Paracas. It borders Bahía de Pisco to the north and the Paracas Peninsula to the south; its coastline is about 24 kilometres long. The most important wetland in the Reserva Nacional de Paracas is in its southwest. This ecosystem provides shelter, food, and nesting sites for numerous bird species, including the South American flamingo and the Peruvian pelican.

Boat trips are offered in Bahía de Paracas. One way to access a trip to the Islas Ballestas is via Muelle El Chaco; smaller boats also depart from Playa El Chaco for destinations such as the islands. Check the current operating procedures locally. A boat trip adds a distinct perspective on the destination to its coastal and wetland landscapes.

The Candelabro and Its History

The Candelabro de Paracas is a geoglyph about 170 metres long in the northern part of the Paracas Peninsula. It is engraved an average of 1.20 metres deep into the sandy surface and is also known as Tridente and Tres Cruces. In 2016, the Ministry of Culture declared the Candelabro a national cultural heritage site.

A boat trip also combines viewing the geoglyph with a route to the Islas Ballestas: during a speedboat trip from Muelle El Chaco, there is a brief stop along the way to view the Candelabro. The stop is therefore a distinct moment within the trip. Boat operations may vary; check the current arrangements in advance.

Cultural History in the District of Paracas

The Museo de Sitio Julio C. Tello de Paracas was founded on 16 August 1964 by President Belaunde Terry and archaeologist Frederic Engel. It is named after Julio C. Tello, who discovered and studied the Paracas culture.

Plazuela del Desembarco de Don José de San Martín commemorates the landing of the expedition of the Ejército Unido Libertador. A bust of Don José de San Martín stands at its centre. A commemorative ceremony marking the landing of the Expedición Libertadora is held there every year on 8 September.

In the Wider Paracas Destination

The Paracas National Reserve protects marine ecosystems. Visits are possible Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:00 via the Santo Domingo control post. As schedules can change, it is advisable to check visiting hours before setting out. Playa Roja is also part of the wider Paracas destination: its viewpoint is known for its exceptional beauty. Its red colour is associated with the nearby Punta Santa María massif, whose rock is made of solidified red magma. Check the current conditions at the viewpoint before visiting.

The wider destination also includes the Museo de Sitio Julio C. Tello de Paracas. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00 and has nine permanent exhibition halls and one temporary exhibition hall.

When choosing your holiday rental, different priorities may help you decide: walking routes to El Chaco, cultural history in the district, a boat trip, or nature in the wider Paracas destination.

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