The Paracas National Reserve is one of Peru’s most visited attractions, and it is most easily (and the most fun) explored by scooter.
The Paracas National Reserve is a protected area just about 4 hours south of Lima. It’s known for its otherworldly desert landscapes and rugged coastline views. It’s definitely one most unique places to visit in Peru.
Driving around the reserve is one of my favorite memories from my trip to Peru this year. I had never been on a motor scooter before so it was a little bit out of my comfort zone, but that’s part of what made it so fun and adventurous.
So, I wanted to make this post to give you everything you’ll need to know about exploring Paracas by scooter to help you plan your day at the reserve.
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Scooter vs. Bike vs. Tour
The most popular ways to explore the Paracas National Reserve is by bike, tour, or scooter. I’ll briefly break down each before convincing you why renting a scooter is the best way to explore the area.
Biking Paracas National Reserve
Renting a bicycle to explore the reserve is very common and we saw quite a few bikers when we went. However, unless you are a frequent biker I would not recommend it.
The Paracas National Reserve is big. It’s not impossible to see all the attractions in one day, but it would be difficult. There are some hills in the landscape that can be hard to go up. Plus, all of the attractions are spread pretty far apart.
The ride from Paracas to the entrance of the reserve is already about 3 miles one way. Then another 5 miles to Playa Roja, and another 3 miles to Playa La Mina, and so on.
The reserve covers a lot of land. Biking 15+ miles in a day can be quite a lot and strenuous on the body if you aren’t used to it.
Booking a Tour
Booking a tour bus is another one of the most popular ways to visit the reserve. It requires the least amount of work but you also don’t have the freedom to go wherever you want whenever you want.
This may be a good option for you if you don’t want to drive yourself around the reserve and/or want to learn more about the area with a tour guide.
Paracas National Reserve by Scooter
I think the best way to visit Paracas National Reserve is by scooter. It gives you complete freedom of where you want to go and when. You can visit all the attractions and stay at each for however long you want.
It’s a little more expensive than renting a bike, but we thought it was worth it not to have to put in the work of cycling to each destination and being completely spent when we got back to Paracas. I also don’t think we could have visited half the attractions we did if we were on a bicycle.
The nice thing about renting scooters is that if you’re traveling with a friend or partner, you can usually only pay the price for one scooter and you can both ride on it. One person will be the driver and the other can sit behind.
The only thing to remember is that you do have to refill the scooter back up with gas before returning it.
Top 3 Hostels in Paracas
Where to Rent a Scooter in Paracas
There are a ton of different companies in Paracas that you can rent scooters with. You’ll likely see them advertised all over as you walk through town. Some hostels will also offer rentals.
But we went with Emotion Tour Peru and did it entirely online the day before so all we had to do was pick up the scooter the next day.
How Much Will a Scooter Cost?
We paid $40 USD for one scooter that both my partner and I rode on. We had the rental for the entire day, but we only spent about 6.5 hours riding around in the reserve.
This does seem like it’s on the higher end of things after doing some research but since we were both riding on the same scooter, we thought it was a decent enough price.
You will also have to pay an entrance fee to the reserve which is 11 soles ($4 USD) per person.
Plus whatever it costs to fill the scooter back up with gas before returning it. This was only 36 soles ($10 USD) for us.
Do You Need a Special License?
No, you do not need a special drivers license to rent a scooter in Paracas.
My partner has a standard US drivers license and that was enough. The only requirement is that you have a drivers license. It can be from any country.
The tour company did keep his license (and my passport as well) at their office while we were out with the scooter as a security deposit.
Is it Safe to Explore Paracas by Scooter?
Yes. It is safe to explore Paracas National Reserve by scooter.
Before heading out the rental company gave us a quick rundown (in English) of how to work and drive the scooter. He had us test drive it around a little bit on the streets of Paracas before we took it to the reserve. I appreciated that since it was our first time on a scooter.
We also were both provided with helmets included in the price.
I think this was a perfect place for our first time riding around on a scooter. The roads are mostly paved and no one ever drives too fast. There also aren’t many other cars. Mostly just other scooters, bikes, and a few tour buses.
Things to See in Paracas National Reserve
Since you’re on a scooter and can see much more than you would be able to on a bike, you can explore every attraction in the reserve with your day with the rental.
Once you pick up your scooter in Paracas, you’ll then make your way to the entrance of the reserve.
Usually the rental company you booked with will give you a little bit of direction on how to get there. But essentially you just have to follow the main highway (Ruta PE-28) south until you come upon the entrance station. Then, you’re free to drive around and hit all the attractions however you please.
Playa Yumaque
From the entrance we took a left and made our way to Playa Yumaque, where you’ll find one of the most stunning coastal cliffs in the reserve.
If it’s a nice day, this is a popular beach for swimming in the ocean. Since we were there in the morning when it was still a bit overcast, we skipped this and just took in the views for a while.
La Catedral
A short drive from Playa Yumaque you’ll find La Catedral, an impressive rock formation out at sea.
Before an earthquake in 2007, there used to be a natural arch connecting La Catedral to the coast. Although you can no longer see the arch, viewing the rock is still pretty cool and worth a quick stop.
Mirador Playa Roja
We stopped at Mirador Playa Roja for a while and it became my favorite viewpoint in the reserve. I highly recommend stopping up here before going down to Playa Roja itself. You’ll see signs that say “Mirador” and pointing up the hill.
From the top you can not only see Playa Roja, but the beautiful turquoise ocean waters, and the vastness of the desert.
It’s a pretty spectacular viewpoint from all angles and you don’t want to miss it.
Playa Roja (Red Sand Beach)
We drove down from the viewpoint and made our way to the other main viewpoint of the red sand beach.
Swimming or walking on the beach isn’t allowed to protect it, so all we can do is view it from the overlooks provided.
Definitely a super cool spot to see, it’s probably the most visited place in the reserve. You can’t miss it.
Playa La Mina
Our last destination in Paracas National Reserve was Playa La Mina. This is another great beach for swimming if the weather cooperates.
There are chairs available for rent and you’ll get some spectacular views of the unique coastal cliffs.
Conclusion on Exploring Paracas by Scooter
Exploring Paracas National Reserve by scooter is an amazing way to experience the unique landscapes of the Peruvian desert. We had so much fun on our day at the reserve and I know you will too.
I hope this guide helped you prepare for renting your scooter in Paracas and helps you better prepare for the experience. Thank you so much for reading!
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