Paracas National Reserve guided tour: Four coastal beaches

Four beaches and desert cliffs in one morning

A guided tour of Paracas National Reserve on Peru's south coast, departing at 11:00 AM from the Like Xplorer Peru office with stops at five named sites: Supay Beach, The Cathedral rock formation, Red Beach, Playa La Mina and Playa Lagunillas. The tour runs about four hours with a live guide in English or Spanish, includes tourist transport, and ends by 3:00 PM so the afternoon remains free. Children from age 3 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided tour of Paracas National Reserve

• Meet at Like Xplorer Peru office
• Transfer to tour starting point
• Depart to Paracas National Reserve
• Stop at Supay Beach for views
• Visit The Cathedral rock formation
• Explore Red Beach
• Relax at Playa La Mina
• Lunch at Playa Lagunillas
• Return to El Chaco, Paracas

The experience

The tour starts with a 10:45 AM pickup at the Like Xplorer Peru office and a short transfer to the reserve entrance. At 11:00 AM the drive begins through the Paracas peninsula, moving between five stops that show the reserve's contrasting landscapes: desert cliffs, rock formations carved by wind and sea, and beaches that range from dark sand to the distinctive reddish tone of Red Beach. Each stop is timed for observation and photos, with the route designed to move steadily through the morning rather than linger at any single site.

Playa La Mina offers free time to wade in calm, clear water and take pictures. Playa Lagunillas, the final stop, gives you time to eat at one of the seafront restaurants there before the return drive. The Cathedral (an eroded rock formation that rises from the water) is the reserve's most photographed landmark, and Red Beach lives up to its name with sand the color of rust against turquoise water and golden cliffs. Supay Beach, the first panoramic stop, sets the visual tone with its dark sands and the contrast between the cliffs and the ocean.

Tourist transport is included throughout. The guide speaks English or Spanish depending on the group. The return to El Chaco in Paracas happens by 3:00 PM, leaving the rest of the day open. The tour suits families with children from age 3 onward and anyone with a free morning who wants to see the reserve's main coastal features without arranging their own transport or navigation.

What’s included

• Tourist transport from the office to the reserve and between all five stops.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• time at Playa La Mina for swimming and photos.
• lunch time at Playa Lagunillas with access to seafront restaurants.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Child (3 to 16 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 3.14

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Paracas Holiday

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in town for just a morning: the 11:00 AM start and 3:00 PM return fit around other activities, and you'll see all five coastal landmarks in one loop rather than piecing together separate visits.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 16 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is The Cathedral in Paracas?

The Cathedral is a dramatic rock formation rising from the water at the Paracas National Reserve, shaped by wind and sea erosion over time. It's the reserve's most iconic landmark and a primary photo stop on the tour.

Can I swim at any of the beaches on this tour?

Playa La Mina has calm, clear water and free time built into the itinerary for swimming and photos. Playa Lagunillas is the final stop, where you can eat at beachfront restaurants. Swimming there depends on conditions and your preference.

What time does the tour end and return to town?

The tour returns to El Chaco in Paracas by 3:00 PM, giving you the afternoon free for other activities or rest after the morning on the reserve.

What's the difference between Red Beach and the other beaches on the tour?

Red Beach is one of Peru's most iconic beaches, famous for its distinctive reddish sand created by mineral deposits in the cliffs. Supay Beach has dark sand, and Playa La Mina is known for calm, clear water ideal for swimming and photos.