Playa La Mina

The basics

Thanks to its prime position in Paracas National Reserve, Playa La Mina is often featured on tours of the natural expanse. Excursions typically combine it with park highlights such as Playa Roja, famous for its red-tinged sand, and Mirador La Catedral, from which you can see the collapsed former rock formation. Some tours also include a trip to Ballestas Island, hailed as Peru’s answer to the Galapagos Islands, and Pisco, where you can taste the country’s version of grape brandy.

Things to know before you go

• There’s very little shade on Playa La Mina and nowhere to rent parasols, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

• While the occasional vendor visits the beach when it’s busy, there are no stores nearby, so bring all the water and snacks you might need.

• Nighttime robberies have been reported, so take caution if you’re camping; pitch your tent closer to other campers and leave your valuables in a hotel.

How to get there

Playa La Mina is about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the entrance of Paracas National Reserve; there’s no public transportation within the park, so you’ll need to make the 20-minute drive yourself or as part of a tour, which can help you travel between park highlights without worrying about navigating.

When to get there

Playa La Mina is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for sunbathers and campers. It’s most crowded during the South American summer from December through March, when Peruvians flock to Paracas for their vacations. Visit from September through November in the spring for dry weather and more of the beach to yourself.

The best beaches in Paracas National Reserve

Paracas National Reserve is home to some of southern Peru’s best beaches. Along with Playa La Mina, check out Yumaque Beach, which is nicknamed Miami Beach thanks to its white sands and clear waters, and El Raspón, a much quieter alternative to Playa La Mina; it’s accessible via some stairs leading down from the rocks.