Paracas

Paracas is a coastal town in southern Peru, situated on the Pacific Ocean near the Paracas Peninsula in the Ica Region. It serves as the gateway to the Paracas National Reserve, a protected coastal desert and marine area that encompasses the Ballestas Islands offshore. The town's economy is tied to tourism, fishing, and service industries supporting visitors to the reserve.

The Paracas National Reserve, established in 1975, preserves a diversity of habitats across coastal cliffs, sand dunes, and offshore waters. It protects large seabird colonies, sea lions and fur seals, penguins, and a variety of shorebirds, as well as marine life such as fish and dolphins. Popular activities include boat excursions to the Ballestas Islands, wildlife watching, birding, and guided hikes along the reserve's coastline.

The name Paracas also identifies an ancient Peruvian culture that flourished along the south-central coast from roughly 800 BCE to 100 CE. The Paracas are especially known for their textiles, including elaborate mantles and intricate weaving that survive in archaeological finds, and for their ritual mummies wrapped in textiles.

Today, Paracas is a destination for ecotourism, archaeology enthusiasts, and travelers exploring southern Peru's coastal landscapes. The town provides access to tours, accommodations, and facilities for visitors to the reserve and surrounding areas.