Playa Roja
Red sand, yellow cliffs.
Charlesdarling — CC0 · Inti Runa Viajero — CC BY 2.0 · masT3rOD — CC BY 2.0 · Josue Hermoza — CC BY-SA 3.0
A vast reserve on Peru's southern coast covering 335,000 hectares, two-thirds of them sea, protecting desert and marine ecosystems together. The landscape is strange and beautiful: a desert of sand and cliffs in gold, brown and red falling straight into a deep-blue ocean. Its best-known stop is Playa Roja, a beach of dark red sand from crumbled volcanic rock beneath yellow cliffs, with lookouts over bays and islands. It once had a famous rock arch called «La Catedral», which collapsed in the 2007 earthquake; its remains can still be seen from the lookout. The reserve also holds archaeological remains of the ancient Paracas culture, famous for its fine textiles, and a visitor centre telling its story. Flamingos live here in some seasons, and sea lions and seabirds are seen along the shore. It is explored by car, bike or organised tour on desert tracks with no shade or water, so carry enough. Swimming is possible with care at some beaches, and the wind picks up in the afternoon.
Red sand, yellow cliffs.
Clashing colours.
Ancient textiles.
Paracas Peninsula, south of Paracas town; about 250 km south of Lima
No, they are separate tickets. Do the island boat trip in the morning, then visit the reserve by land in the afternoon on its own ticket.