South Coast
Paracas
Ballestas Islands
Days needed
1–2days
Late March
Excellent in late March
Cost / person
$60–180
Paracas is the kind of stop that earns 1 to 2 days on a Peru itinerary — and late March is when you want to be there.
What to do
The list,
in no fixed order.
Boat tour to see sea lions.
Humboldt penguins.
Bird colonies; Paracas National Reserve (red beach.
Desert cliffs); seafood lunch in town.
Logistics
Getting in, getting out.
How to get there
4 hrs south of Lima by bus (Cruz del Sur ~$25) or private car. Common stop on the south coast loop.
What the budget covers
Boat tour ($25), reserve entry, 1 night hotel ($40–100), meals
Late March, here
“Great weather, calm seas typical.”