7 Best Hotels in Paracas, The Southern Coast

Now part of Marriott's Luxury Collection, this ultrachic resort was created out of the rubble of the once-famous Hotel Paracas, destroyed in the 2007 earthquake. World-renowned designer Bernardo Fort-Brescia used more than US$2 million in bamboo in the two trendy restaurants and lounge, and the world-class spa ups the resort's swank factor significantly. The two sparkling pools are lined with daybeds, and the hotel has its own pier for trips to the Islas Ballestas, as well as kayaks, catamarans, and sand bikes for rent. The spacious rooms are done in earthy tones and have every amenity imaginable. All feature a private terrace.

Part of the growing Peruvian Aranwa chain, this sprawling upscale resort has a lot going on, making it good for families, active types, spa seekers, and conference delegates alike. Amenities include a spa, a convention center, a 180-meter (590-foot) wharf, two pools, a restaurant, and a pisco bar, plus tennis courts and play areas for children. You’ll never lack for something to do here. The relaxed yet contemporary rooms have marine-inspired accents, and each has a balcony or patio with ocean views.

The first major resort hotel to hit the Paracas coast, this all-suites, family-friendly retreat sits just a few steps down the beach from the more luxurious Hotel Paracas. Here, lazy palms surround more than 8,000 square feet of pool space that shimmer against the white façades of the guest rooms, which feature smallish living rooms and kitchenettes. The hotel abounds with activities: beyond the great pool, there's also access to the beach, as well as a spa and two restaurants.

Guests waking up at this intimate bed-and-breakfast will find themselves dazzled by the light off the ocean and by a pebbled beach that's empty on all sides. That's because Inti-Mar is situated all the way across Paracas Bay, on a remote stretch of the Paracas Peninsula just steps from the sprawling national reserve. The owners run an organic scallop farm and are happy to regale visitors with the day's catch in the superb restaurant. You can also go kayaking or take boat excursions from the dock. If you're craving silence and solitude, this is the place. Just note that the inn has a lengthy list of restrictions, so it's essential to read the website thoroughly before making reservations.

This hotel may not be as flashy as the nearby Doubletree or Hotel Paracas, but it's just as nice, and the daily supervised activities for kids are a hit with families. Part of the massive pool area butts right up against several of the rooms, so you can swim right off your porch. The rooms feature clay-tile floors and textiles modeled after Paracas culture designs, many of the same gadgets as the better-known chain hotels, and a private patio. The hotel also has a small museum of pre-Columbian artifacts and a private launch that takes guests to the Ballestas Islands.

Friendly and in a terrific location for those heading out on early-morning boat excursions, this ramshackle guesthouse is popular with backpackers and tour groups alike. The slightly worn-looking rooms may be nothing to write home about, but there's good Wi-Fi, and the breakfast terrace with views over the port is the best spot in town to catch up on postcard writing or to enjoy a pisco sour. Try to get a room with sea views; those that face the internal corridor are small and dark.

This straightforward Paracas resort, one of the more affordable options on the strip, is also one of the most grown-up, with fewer kids running around and, overall, fewer bells and whistles. There's a good range of room types and sizes, all with marble floors and sea views, and those on the second floor have a terrace and balcony. Life is simple here: you can lounge by the pool and have a frosty tropical drink brought to your chair; then, when you're hungry, head to the on-site La Reserva restaurant.