Paracas National Reserve tour: Cathedral rock and turquoise beach

Four stops along the Paracas coast: limestone cliffs, red sand and turquoise water

A guided tour of Paracas National Reserve on Peru's south coast by tourist bus, with stops at the Cathedral rock formation, Playa Yumaque viewpoint, red-sand beach and a turquoise swimming beach, plus lunch at a beachfront restaurant. The tour runs about four hours and includes an official guide in English or Spanish, personalized assistance and transport throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Paracas National Reserve

• Transfer to Paracas National Reserve
• Stop at Paracas Cathedral viewpoint
• Stop at Playa Yumaque viewpoint
• Stop to see reddish shore near Punta Santa María
• Lunch at beach restaurants
• Swim at turquoise water beach
• Transfer back to meeting point in Paracas

The experience

The Cathedral is a limestone rock formation carved by wind and sea into natural arches and columns that rise from the Paracas coast. The tour stops here first, then moves to Playa Yumaque, an observation point where the Pacific opens up in panoramic views across white sand and the reserve's distinctive rock formations. A third stop reaches the red-sand beach near Punta Santa María, where reddish rock fragments from the massif wash ashore and give the place its singular color.

Lunch happens at the only beachfront restaurant in the reserve, where you stay for an hour to eat seafood and take in the landscape. After that, the tour reaches the turquoise beach, the most beautiful in the reserve, and gives you about an hour to swim in the water before the bus returns you to the meeting point in Paracas.

What’s included

• Official guide in English or Spanish.
• tourist bus for the entire route.
• personalized assistance at each stop.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (25 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (16 to 24 years) · Child (4 to 15 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 40

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 4

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by PlayaRoja Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guided bus tour hitting the Cathedral and turquoise beach. The guide handles timing and route logistics for you.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (16 to 24 years); Child (4 to 15 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What is the Cathedral in Paracas National Reserve?

The Cathedral is a rock formation on the Paracas coast shaped by erosion into natural arches and columns that resemble a Gothic cathedral. It sits on the limestone cliffs and is the first stop on the tour.

Can I swim during this tour?

Yes, the tour includes a stop at the turquoise beach where you have about an hour to swim in the water before returning to Paracas.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included in the tour price, but you stop at a beachfront restaurant for an hour where you can order seafood and other dishes.

How long does the tour take?

The tour runs about four hours from the meeting point in Paracas through all four stops and back.