Paracas is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Paracas?
You should plan to spend around $78 (S/.294) per day on your vacation in Paracas. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $39 (S/.147) on meals
- $18 (S/.69) on local transportation
- $44 (S/.165) on hotels
A one week trip to Paracas for two people costs, on average, $1,091 (S/.4,116). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$546
S/.2,058
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,091
S/.4,116
-
One Month
Per person
$2,338
S/.8,820
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,091
S/.4,116
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,182
S/.8,232
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One Month
For a couple
$4,677
S/.17,640
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Paracas cost?
A one week trip to Paracas usually costs around $546 (S/.2,058) for one person and $1,091 (S/.4,116) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Paracas on average costs around $1,091 (S/.4,116) for one person and $2,182 (S/.8,232) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Paracas will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Paracas on average costs around $2,338 (S/.8,820) for one person and $4,677 (S/.17,640) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Paracas expensive to visit?
Paracas is a smaller destination that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Although Paracas can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $35 (S/.130) per day, mid-range travelers spend $78 (S/.294) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $157 (S/.591) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Paracas.
Within South America, Paracas is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Fortaleza or Cochabamba.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Paracas Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Paracas?
The average Paracas trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Paracas travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Paracas cost?
Paracas on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$9
(S/.35)
|
$22
(S/.83)
|
$48
(S/.182)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8
(S/.30)
|
$18
(S/.69)
|
$35
(S/.131)
|
|
Food 2
|
$17
(S/.63)
|
$39
(S/.147)
|
$78
(S/.294)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$11
(S/.40)
|
$24
(S/.92)
|
$45
(S/.171)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-7
(S/.9-27)
|
$5-16
(S/.21-62)
|
$10-31
(S/.38-115)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people assume they can visit Paracas on a minimal budget, but most find that style of travel to be uncomfortable. Think about what makes a vacation enjoyable for you. Do you like staying in budget hostels, regular hotels, or high-end resorts? Do you want to experience the local attractions? Do you enjoy dining out? Your budget and itinerary will be determined by your answers to these questions.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $35 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Luckily, Paracas has plenty of hostels, including Viajero Kokopelli Hostel Paracas, Paracas Backpackers House, and Hostel Killamoon Centro. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. When visiting Paracas, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $78 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $157 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the destination, prepare for a pricier experience. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Paracas National Reserve Private Tour from Paracas or Pisco - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Paracas
The cost of hotels in Paracas can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $116, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $216. Budget hotels range from $37 to $463, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Paracas for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $44 (S/.165). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $22 (S/.83) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Paracas? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Paracas include:
- La Hacienda Bahia Paracas starting at $200
- DoubleTree by Hilton Resort Paracas starting at $205
Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of ) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.
Transportation Budget in Paracas
In Paracas, the public transit system is not very good.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $18 (S/.69) per person, per day, on local transportation in Paracas. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Paracas is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$18
S/.69
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Private Transfer From San Juan Airport (SJU) to /from San Juan for $44 details
- Oneway Transfer from San Juan Airport, Hotel, Airbnb to Bayamon for $60 details
- Private Transfer from Pisco Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) for $77 details
How much does it cost to go to Paracas? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Paracas will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Paracas
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Paracas can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Paracas is $39 (S/.147) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$39
S/.147
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Paracas is around $39 (S/.147) per person, with previous travelers spending from $17 to $78. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Paracas are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $12
- Lunch: $6 to $16
- Dinner: $12 to $27
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
Food in Paracas tends to be a little more expensive, in terms of Peruvian prices. A few restaurants offer set daily meals that are cheaper than the menu options, although these are not usually advertised. If you want to see what this daily meal is, ask for the "menu del dia". There are also plenty of budget options located on the seafront boulevard and open air grills start up in the evenings. Build yourself a picnic with cheese, bread, and empanadas from vendors on the pier and enjoy your food along the seaside. Be advised that those with sensitive stomachs may not be able to handle the tap water. Try to drink bottled water and use your best judgment when eating salads and other foods possibly prepared with tap water.
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Pack a water bottle to save on drinks. It's also a way to help protect the environment.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Paracas
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Paracas typically cost an average of $24 (S/.92) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$24
S/.92
The most popular sight in Paracas is the Paracas National Reserve, a scenic nature reserve that is designed to protect the biodiversity and archaeological sites located within. Here, you'll see stunning views of where the desert landscape meets the sea, find yourself on deserted beaches, and enjoy wildlife such as flamingos, lizards, and sea lions. Archaeological sites within the reserve date to pre-Inca cultures from 900 BC.
Near the entrance to the National Reserve is the Julio C. Tello Museum, a great place to begin your adventure into the reserve. The Museum displays a few ancient artifacts and delves into the history of the people who lived in the area thousands of years ago. The museum also emphasizes the conservation efforts to ensure the health of the reserve.
Dive deeper into the Inca culture at the Tambo Colorado, an archaeological site that has a well-preserved Inca urban center.
Take a scenic day trip to the Islas Ballestas (Ballestas Island) where you'll see the famous candelabra etched into the hillside. There are quite a few theories as to how the candelabra got there, as it dates back to the pre-Inca period, although none have ever been confirmed. The Island is best known for their lush wildlife, including dolphins, Peruvian pelicans, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins. There a few different tour companies that offer a variety of day-trip adventures.
For something a little more adventurous, rent a bicycle and explore the Paracas Peninsula. You can ride the bicycle through the Paracas National Reserve, although be sure to get out early before the winds get too strong!
A nice way to explore destinations in Paracas is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Tour at The National Reserve of Paracas for $36 details
- Tour the Paracas National Reserve in a MiniBuggy for $42 details
- Adventure in the Paracas National Reserve in private for $30 details
Nightlife Budget in Paracas
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $11 (S/.41) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Paracas per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
S/.41
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Paracas. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- From Lima: Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, and Wine Tour for $75 details
- From Lima: Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, and Wine Tour for $75 details
Traveling in Paracas
The coast near Paracas, Peru
Paracas, also known as El Chaco, is a resort town on the Southern coast of the country, about 150 miles south of Lima. The town in located in one of the oldest regions of Peru, with a history dating back to 900 BC and offers many pre-Inca cultural sites throughout the area. Paracas is possibly best known for being home to the Paracas National Reserve, a nature reserve boasting one of the most abundant and diverse ecosystems in the world.
Paracas experiences a dry and hot climate, especially with their desert landscape. Sandstorms are a fairly common occurrence, so be sure to bring sun glasses wherever you go!
Neighborhoods & Around
Paracas can be divided into a few different areas:
The town center, which has the majority of restaurants, hotels, and resorts. You'll also find the visitors center here.
Paracas Peninsula, where you'll find the Paracas National Reserve along with the famous candelabra that is carved into the hillside and dates back to the pre-Inca cultures.
The Bay of Paracas, located on the north end of the peninsula, is a historical site with a lot of importance to the Peruvian people. This is where Jose de San Martin disembarked on his trip to Spain to fight for independence. Along with it's historical significance, it is also a popular scenic area, especially with the flamingos who relax along Sequion beach.
Pisco, the capital city of the region and located just north of the Paracas town center. Pisco was founded in 1640 and is complete with colonial buildings and a fisherman's wharf which offers amazing seafood restaurants.
Ballestas Island, located a two-hour boat ride off the Paracas coast. The island offers scenic views of the surrounding area along with chances to see local wildlife like dolphins and sea lions.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.