El Pueblo y Balneario de Paracas (El Chaco Coastal Village & The Gateway Port of Paracas Bay) is the charming, breezy, and vibrant coastal resort village of the Ica coast, **nestled along the sheltered waters of Paracas Bay, approximately 75 kilometers (1 hour driving) west of Huacachina via the Panamericana highway**. Centered **around the lively maritime pier and beach of El Chaco**, this former artisanal fishing village has evolved into Peru's premier eco-tourism coastal hub. The enchanting seaside town features **a scenic pedestrian boardwalk (*Malecón El Chaco*) lined with open-air seafood restaurants serving world-class fresh ceviches and grilled octopus, colorful artisan craft markets, modern beachfront boutique hotels, kayak and catamaran rentals on the calm bay waters, and the main embarkation marina for speedboats venturing to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve**.
Good to Know
Physical Effort: Easy; flat paved seaside pedestrian malecón with level boardwalks and step-free marina access
Time to Budget: 2 to 4 hours for strolling the waterfront, shopping artisan stalls, and enjoying a fresh seafood lunch
Footwear & Gear: Casual resort wear, sandals/sneakers, swimwear, sunglasses, sun hat, and light windbreaker for sea breezes
Coastal Resort Village, El Chaco Malecón, Fresh Ceviche & Marina Piers: Bustling seaside gateway town with waterfront seafood dining, artisan stalls, and coastal promenade
Operating Hours: Town open daily 24/7 (seafood restaurants and artisan shops open 08:00 to 22:00)
Entry & Cost: 100% Free public town and malecón access; Seafood lunch: ~25.00–45.00 PEN
Key Dimensions: Charming 1-kilometer coastal resort promenade wrapping around the sheltered beach of Paracas Bay
What's Worth Your Time
Seaside malecón stroll, fresh ocean ceviche at a waterfront konoba, and sunset drinks.
Must-See Highlight: Savoring **a plate of fresh Pacific catch-of-the-day Ceviche Mixto and a cold Cusqueña beer** at a waterfront open-air restaurant right over the lapping bay waves!
Local Tip: Rent **a sit-on-top sea kayak (~15–20 PEN/hr)** in the early afternoon; paddle across the calm, sheltered waters of Paracas Bay to spot pelicans and flamingos.
Skip If Rushed: Rushing straight back to Huacachina after your morning boat tour; **spend 2 hours in town for a relaxed seaside lunch** before heading back.
Getting There
Located 75 km west of Huacachina. Take an organized morning shuttle van from Huacachina (1 hour, ~30–40 PEN), an intercity bus (Cruz del Sur from Ica to Paracas), or a private taxi (~100 PEN).
: El Chaco is a very safe, compact resort village with friendly locals and active tourist police.
: Several multi-bank Globalnet ATMs are located along the main street in El Chaco.
Arrive at **the El Chaco waterfront in Paracas after your morning Ballestas boat excursion (100% free)** (11:30) → Stroll **along the scenic Malecón El Chaco viewing moored wooden fishing skiffs and pelicans** (11:45) → Browse **the artisan craft stalls on the boardwalk for handmade coastal textiles and ceramics** (12:15) → Settle into **a water-edge table at a malecón restaurant for fresh Pacific Ceviche Mixto (~32 PEN)** (12:45) → Enjoy **an artisan ice cream while relaxing on the beach sand taking in views of Paracas Bay** (13:45) → Board **your return shuttle van heading back across the desert to Huacachina Oasis** (14:30–15:30)
Stroll El Chaco boardwalk in Paracas, browse artisan shops, and enjoy a fresh ceviche lunch.
Paracas was the historic landing site of General José de San Martín's liberating expedition on September 8, 1820—according to Peruvian history, San Martín rested under a palm tree in Paracas Bay and fell asleep, dreaming of flying white-chested flamingos with fiery red wings (*parihuanas*), which inspired him to design the red-and-white national flag of Peru!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pueblo de Paracas (El Chaco)?
It is the main coastal resort village and port in Paracas Bay, famous for the El Chaco boardwalk, waterfront cevicherías, and departure piers for Ballestas Islands.
How far is Paracas from Huacachina?
Approximately 75 kilometers west (about 1 hour driving by tour shuttle or taxi).
Is admission charged to enter the town?
No, access to the town, beaches, and boardwalk is 100% free and open to the public daily.
What is the best dish to eat in Paracas?
Fresh Pacific Ceviche (made with sea bass, flounder, or mixed seafood) and *Arroz con Mariscos* (seafood rice).
Where is it located?
In Paracas District, Pisco Province, Ica Department, Peru.
💡 Local Wisdom & Traveler Tips
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