Paracas National Reserve
This reserve is often called the " Little Galapagos" because of its rock formations, beaches with sparkling turquoise waters, and variety of wildlife. Kids can look for dolphins, flamingoes, condors, seals, sea lions, sea otters, penguins. The reserve also contains archeological sites of the Paracas culture from 600 BC.
Ballestas Islands (Islas Ballestas) - Take a boat from Pisco or Paracas to the islands to see Humboldt Penguins, sea birds and a sea lion colony.
Mirador de Lobos on Punta Arquillo - On the Paracas peninsua at Punta Arquillo, from the overlook (mirador), there are sea lion rookeries, and if you're lucky, you'll also see the magnificent Andean condors in the air (summer is the best time to see the condors).
Las Minas - This beautiful sand beach with warm water is a place to spend hours swimming and kids can build sand castles. (Take a taxi from Paracas.) It is a flat sand beach with easy access.
Museo Julio C. Tello (Site Museum) - The Paracas people were buried in their favorite clothes, wrapped in exquisite textiles. Archeological excavations have uncovered over 400 mummies, preserved in the sand, along with mummies of dogs and cats. You can see the Paracas mummies at the Site Museum. (There are more Paracas mummies in Lima at the Museum of Anthopology and Archeology and Museo de la Nacion.)
