Travel Peru - Enjoying the Peruvian Beaches

While many of the beaches along the Peruvian coast are beautiful, they are often lacking in services for visitors. For many, this is a large part of their charm. The minor inconveniences that you might find can be part of the adventure of visiting the spectacular beaches along the Pacific coastline. Plan your trip carefully to ensure a good time and of course, remember to take your trash out with you. Here are a few tips to help you out.

When planning your trip to the beach you should always be sure to carry an adequate supply of water and food or snacks. Because of Peru's proximity to the equator, the sun can be fierce, so take more to drink than you might think you'll need. Also, of course, protection from the sun is a must. A good sun block and sunglasses will help protect you from the burning rays. Be aware that the sand on some beaches is very fine and cars can easily get stuck. Don't drive on the beaches unless you're sure that your vehicle is made for the terrain.

For folks who prefer more accommodations on their beaches, there are plenty of beaches to fit their needs, especially near the larger coastal cities. On these beaches, you'll find plenty of activities, restaurants and hostels which are generally open for the summer months from December to March. Remember that these places will fill up fast around national holidays, so it is necessary to reserve your spot early. Don't forget to confirm!

The Paracas bay and some other beaches - particularly in the north - carry the risk of stingrays and jellyfish. To avoid being stung, it's advised that you either wear tennis shoes or carefully drag your feet as you make your way through the breakers. Often, that will be enough to scare the critters out from underfoot. If you are stung, rinse the area clean with abundant fresh water and seek medical attention.

If you enjoy camping, you can count on finding a wide variety of beaches to choose from. It's always recommended that camping be done with a group, especially when visiting beaches that are away from the cities or that are difficult to access. The fine sand beaches are a great place to pitch a tent and build a small campfire, but you want to make sure you're in a safe area. There's a familiar phrase that says "Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints." If we all remember to follow this advise, the Peruvian beaches will continue to be a source of fresh air and fun for locals and visitors for many years to come.