Paracas consists of a peninsula, bay, pre-Inca culture and the National Reserve (Reserva Nacional de Paracas). It is located approximately 150 miles from Lima, 50 miles from Ica and 130 miles from Nazca.
Between 750 BC and 100 AD, the Paracas culture thrived on the Paracas Peninsula. Information from excavations tells us that they had a detailed knowledge of irrigation and water management. The large excavation known as Wari Kayan uncovered intricate subterranean burial chambers in which dead ancestors were placed. The mummies were wrapped with layers of incredibly ornate and finely woven textiles. The Paracans are best known for these woven textiles.

The bay also holds historical significance, as it was the spot where Jose de San Martin disembarked with liberation forces and began the campaign for independence to end the Spanish viceroyalty. Today, where the desert and sea join in a show of vibrant life, the cliffs overlook the water and are home to millions of birds who have headed south from the northern hemisphere as well as numerous sea lion colonies. The beautiful Reserva Nacional de Paracas is a coveted destination for birdwatchers and hikers. Its geographical and biological features make the sea of Paracas one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world as well as one of the most peaceful and serene. Creatures such as fish, dolphins, turtles, mollusks, squids, clams and crustaceans call this place home.

Aside from the National Reserve, there are also sites such as the petroglyph, Candelabro and museums featuring information on the Paracas.

From Pisco, the road for Reserva Nacional de Paracas heads for Playa Pisco, which was wiped virtually clean from the tidal wave. The route then edges the ocean. Beaches all along the way are mounded with rubble of the 2007 earthquake. After San Andrés, fish meal factories become the common feature of the landscape. Then you arrive at Playa Chaco, a village on the edge of the Reserva. Since the devastating 2007 quake that destroyed Pisco, Chaco has become the center for tourism to the national reserve and Islas Ballestas. Even though a tidal wave had washed over Chaco, taking out businesses along the waterfront, reconstruction here has been rapid.

At the entrance of Playa Chaco, on a hill to the east is El Mirador, a lookout point over the bay with a monument commemorating Liberator San Martin's expedition launch from here during the Wars of Independence. At this point, the road branches, the left fork heading for Reserva Nacional de Paracas and the right, called Avenida Paracas, heading to Playa Chaco. Along the avenida are hotels, restaurants and tour operators. Plazuela Quiñónez forms the focal point for tourism. Two blocks away is the Bahía de Paracas, along which runs Boulevard Playa Chaco, the seaside promenade. The dock is here, and a nice stretch of beach, rows of souvenir kiosks and restaurants.
Past the hotels on the main drag the road divides at the Bolognesi roundabout. From this point, the road forms a broken loop. Avenida Paracas is the old section, runs along the shore. The classic Hotel Paracas and other fine hotels are here. It later becomes Avenida Independencia, then Avenida Santo Domingo. Since the tidal wave, this leg no longer arrives at the control post, or garita of the national reserve. The newer road on to the left of the Bolognesi statue goes inland, shadowed on one side by worn hills, arriving at the garita.