Tour Level: Easy – soft adventure, no prior hiking experience needed.
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Departure Time: 3:20 PM from our Paracas office
Tour Type: Walking & sunset nature tour
Service Type: Small group – with private option available

The Golden Shadows Tour begins at our Paracas office—please arrive 20 minutes early for check-in. We’ll then board our private transport to enter the Paracas National Reserve, with a short stop at the control point where entrance fees are paid (not included). Our journey continues to El Playón, the starting point of the guided walk. This experience is tailored for photography and nature enthusiasts, combining a peaceful desert walk with the chance to capture the dramatic golden-hour light. The route covers approximately 3.5 km (2.1 miles) over 1 hour and 15 minutes, taking you along fossil-rich paths and stunning cliffs until reaching the remote and tranquil Mendieta Beach. Your guide will provide basic route information, allowing you to fully connect with the scenery and moment. Expect panoramic desert views, ancient formations, and a breathtaking sunset perfect for reflection and photos.

The tour finishes after sunset, between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., depending on the season. A unique, soul-refreshing Paracas adventure that blends nature, light, and serenity.

Included:

• Professional local guide (basic route information).
• Round-trip transport from our Paracas office.
• Guided walking tour through the Paracas Reserve.
• Access to El Playón and Mendieta Beach trails.
• Free time for sunset photography and relaxation.
• Assistance throughout the experience.
• Small group experience for a more personalised journey.

Not Included:

• Paracas National Reserve entrance fee (approx. S/11 per person).
• Travel insurance.
• Meals, snacks or drinks.
• Hotel pick-up/drop-off (optional with extra charge).
• Tips for guide (optional).
• Personal expenses.

✅ Allowed:

• Taking photos and videos for personal use.
• Bringing a reusable water bottle and light snacks.
• Wearing comfortable walking shoes and sun protection.
• Use of small camera tripods (non-commercial).
• Quiet reflection and enjoying the natural environment.
• Carrying a small backpack with essentials.

❌ Not Allowed:

• Flying drones (unless authorised by park authorities).
• Littering or leaving waste in the Reserve.
• Loud music or disruptive behaviour.
• Smoking during the walk or at viewpoints.
• Removing stones, fossils, or flora from the area.
• Commercial photography or filming without permission.

🎒 What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes or trekking trainers.
• Light jacket or windbreaker (desert evenings can be cool).
• Reusable water bottle (at least 1L per person).
• Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen (UV protection is essential).
• Camera or smartphone for sunset photography.
• Small backpack for personal items.
• Snacks or energy bars (optional).
• Personal ID or passport (required at the Reserve entrance).
• Cash for entrance fee and optional tips.

The Golden Shadows Tour is a unique walking and photography experience designed for travellers who seek peace, natural beauty, and a deeper connection with the desert landscape of Paracas. This is not a traditional guided tour focused on history or cultural landmarks. Instead, it is crafted for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and mindful adventurers looking to immerse themselves in the silence, colours, and vastness of the Paracas Reserve during the magical golden hour.

Participants will be accompanied by a designated route leader, whose role is to guide and support you throughout the trekking path—from our base at El Playón to the stunning cliffs and beach of Mendieta. While the leader provides basic route and safety information, the focus of this tour is on visual enjoyment, personal reflection, and capturing unforgettable desert landscapes. This is a peaceful, slow-paced walk designed to let you absorb the environment fully, without rush or distraction.

Meeting Point
The meeting point for this tour is our official office in Paracas, where all participants must arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time (3:20 PM). This ensures time for check-in, preparation, and briefing before boarding our private transport into the Reserve. Please note that the entrance fee to the Paracas National Reserve is not included and must be paid directly at the control point.

Group Size
To maintain the tranquillity and quality of the experience, this tour operates in small groups, allowing for more personal space, better photo opportunities, and a stronger connection with nature. This setting also ensures that the silence and vastness of the desert can be appreciated fully, making it ideal for those who value meaningful, non-commercial travel moments.

Communication:
To ensure smooth coordination and real-time updates during the tour, it is strongly recommended that you have WhatsApp installed and accessible throughout the day.

Attention!
This tour is not suitable for cruise ship passengers arriving at San Martín Port, as the timings and logistics do not match cruise schedules. Please note that this is a land-based tour with fixed departure times and we are unable to offer custom pickups from the port.

For the best experience, we recommend this tour for visitors who are staying overnight or arriving independently in Paracas.

Your tour is confirmed immediately upon booking, and you will receive an official confirmation by email or WhatsApp. We accept all major credit and debit cards and offer secure online payment options for your convenience.

You may cancel or reschedule your tour up to 72 hours before the scheduled departure time at no additional cost. If you fail to show up on the day of the tour (No Show), no refunds or rescheduling will be offered.

We are committed to providing flexibility and transparency, ensuring your experience in Paracas is enjoyable, safe, and fair under all circumstances.