Paracas is a small coastal town in Peru that’s best known for the nearby Ballestas Islands and its very own Paracas National Reserve. For some travellers, Paracas is just a short stop on the way from Lima to Huacachina (or the other way around, depending on which direction you’re travelling in), and for others it is an overnight stop or weekend trip during a vacation in Lima. Whatever your itinerary, I have to be honest with you, the choices you have of where to stay in Paracas are quite limited!
If you’re going to Paracas as part of a longer Peru itinerary, it may be that you don’t need to stay overnight at all. Many tours and bus itineraries like PeruHop include it as a day trip (although you can always “Hop” off the bus and stay overnight if you like). In fact, that’s what I did, and I stayed overnight in Paracas. I wasn’t in a hurry and I found staying overnight gave me the chance to properly explore without feeling rushed.
If you’re taking a trip from Lima and plan to head back to the capital afterwards, I would recommend staying a couple of nights here, so that you can include a trip to the sand dunes in your trip, and maybe a pisco or wine tasting, too! (These are things that you’ll be able to include elsewhere in your itinerary if you’re going to go further south.)
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🇵🇪 Read more: A Travel Guide to Paracas, Peru
Which Areas to Stay in Paracas, Peru
One of the great things about deciding where to stay in Paracas is that you really can’t go wrong location-wise. The town is very small, and you can stroll from one end to the other in about 10 minutes. Wherever you decide to stay, you’ll for sure be within easy walking distance of the pier, restaurant area and tour agencies.
Unlike larger cities, Paracas doesn’t really have distinct neighbourhoods or areas. Most of the hostels and budget accommodations are bunched together near the main square and along the waterfront, while the more upscale hotels tend to be spread along the bay or slightly outside the town centre.
If you do find yourself a bit far from where you want to go, or if you’re tired after a day exploring the Paracas National Reserve, you can easily hop in a tuk-tuk for a few soles to get around.
Best Hostels in Paracas, Peru
When I visited Paracas, I made the mistake of booking accommodation without much research and ended sharing a twin room with a random guy. So, to save you from the same fate, I’ve put together this guide on where to stay in Paracas based on recommendations from friends (who made better choices than I did).
There are a handful of hostels in Paracas, but based on my experience and what I heard from fellow travellers, there’s a clear winner:
Viajero-Kokopelli Paracas Hostel
Hands down, Viajero Kokopelli is the top choice for backpackers staying in Paracas. Although I didn’t stay here myself (more on my hostel disaster later), I spent my entire evening in Paracas here hanging out with the friends I’d made on the bus from Lima to Paracas, and I wished I’d forked out the extra cash to stay here too. (I’d stayed somewhere else because it was cheaper but quite quickly regretted that decision).
The hostel has a really nice pool, which was so lovely and refreshing after a day travelling in the sweltering heat of the desert. The lovely staff allowed me in to sit at the bar with my friends (and I bought a few drinks, of course, as it’s only polite!). They did tell me that the pool was only for overnight guests, but I snuck in for a bit and nobody noticed.
It seems to be the only hostel in Paracas with any kind of social atmosphere, with a lively bar area and regular events. They have both dorm rooms with privacy curtains and private rooms for anyone who doesn’t fancy sharing a room.
Prices start at around 14€ per night for a dorm bed.
Paracas Backpackers House
Another option is the Paracas Backpackers House, which is a bit more budget-friendly. A traveller I met during a Ballestas Islands tour stayed here and said it was decent enough, although I don’t think it had same amenities or social atmosphere as Kokopelli.
It’s a smaller, more laid-back hostel with a homey feel, and it’s located just a short walk from the beach and main tourist areas. Dorm beds start at around S/30 (7.50€), making it one of the cheaper options in town. Although my friend liked it, it doesn’t have amazing reviews on Hostelworld, which is what I usually use to asses the quality of a hostel!
I should mention that I personally stayed at another hostel which I won’t name here, because I didn’t like it. It was ok, and clean, but they were chronically unhelpful and nobody was there when I went to check in. Also, in an astounding lack of communication, they put me in a private room with a random guy – they didn’t seem to have any or many dorms, and I think everyone else staying there had booked private rooms/hotel rooms. The guy was fine, there was nothing wrong with him, but I do think there is fundamentally something wrong with putting a solo woman in a twin room alone with a man who was probably 30 years her senior!
🇵🇪 Read more: 16 Things to do in Paracas, Peru
Best Hotels in Paracas, Peru
If hostels aren’t your thing or you’re looking for a bit more comfort while exploring Paracas, there are several great hotel options in various price ranges:
Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort
This is the crown jewel of where to stay in Paracas if budget isn’t a concern. Located right on the bay with spectacular views, Hotel Paracas looks absolutely dreamy. The property features two stunning pools, a private dock, multiple restaurants, and beautifully landscaped grounds.
I didn’t stay here (backpacker budget and all), but I did walk past it during a beachfront stroll and may have gazed longingly at the guests lounging by the infinity pool. Rooms start at around S/1,100 (€275) per night, so it’s definitely a splurge, but if you’re looking for luxury in Paracas, this is it.
Atoq Paracas Reserva
For a more mid-range option that still offers beachfront luxury, Atoq Paracas Reserva is an excellent choice. Located right on the waterfront, this hotel offers fantastic views of the bay and easy access to the beach.
The rooms are spacious and modern, and many have balconies overlooking the water. They also have a nice pool and restaurant on site. Prices start at around S/400 (€100) per night, making it much more accessible than the Luxury Collection resort while still offering a premium experience.
El Capricho Paracas
If you’re looking for the best balance between quality and price, El Capricho Paracas hits the sweet spot. This boutique hotel has clean, comfortable rooms, a small pool, and friendly staff who can help arrange tours to the Paracas National Reserve and Ballestas Islands.
It’s just a short walk from the waterfront and main square, putting you in a convenient position to explore the town. Rooms start at around S/200-250 (€50-62.50) per night, making it a great mid-range option for couples or travellers who want a private room without breaking the bank.
🇵🇪 Read more: A Travel Guide to Paracas, Peru
Getting Around Paracas
As I mentioned earlier, Paracas is extremely walkable, and you can reach most places in town on foot. However, if you’re heading to the Paracas National Reserve (which is absolutely worth visiting), you will need transport for that, whether you take a tour, an RTV or decide to cycle around.
Many hotels and hostels can arrange tours that include transport, or you can rent bicycles in town for around S/20-30 (€5-7.50) per day. Another option is to take a taxi or tuk-tuk to the reserve entrance and then hire a guide there.
For getting to the Ballestas Islands, you’ll need to book a boat tour, which typically leaves from the main dock in town. Most accommodations can help arrange this, or there are plenty of tour agencies along the waterfront.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Paracas, Peru
Is it worth staying in Paracas?
For sure! While Paracas is small, staying overnight gives you the chance to experience the incredible sunset over the bay and allows for a more relaxed visit to both the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands. Plus, the seafood restaurants along the waterfront are worth sticking around for. If you’re short on time, it’s also possible to visit Paracas as a day trip.
How long should you stay in Paracas?
One night is enough for most travellers, especially if you’re heading onwards to Huacachina. This gives you enough time to take a tour of the Ballestas Islands (typically a morning activity), explore the Paracas National Reserve, and enjoy the town itself without feeling rushed. If you’re not also going to Pisco, Huacachina or Ica, spend a few more days in Paracas to include tours of the sand dunes and winearies too.
Where to go in Paracas?
The two must-visit attractions are the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands. In the reserve, don’t miss the striking red beach (Playa Roja) and the Cathedral rock formation. In town, the malecón (waterfront promenade) is lovely for sunset strolls, and there’s also a small museum about the local marine ecosystem.
What is the best city to stay in in Peru?
This really depends on your interests, but most Peru itineraries include Lima, Cusco (for Machu Picchu), Arequipa, and either Huaraz (for mountain trekking) or the Sacred Valley. Each offers something unique, but Cusco tends to be a favourite for its mix of Incan history, colonial architecture, and access to world-class attractions.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Stay in Paracas
Despite its small size, Paracas has accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style. Whether you choose the social atmosphere of Kokopelli Hostel, the mid-range comfort of El Capricho, or the luxury of Hotel Paracas, you’ll have a comfortable base from which to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands. Paracas may be small, but it offers a perfect glimpse of Peru’s incredible coastal landscape and wildlife. With the right accommodation choice, your stay in this little seaside town will be one of the highlights of your Peru adventure.
