What is "paracas"

Paracas may refer to:

• Paracas culture, an Andean society that existed in Peru between approximately 750 BC and 100 AD
• Paracas Peninsula, located in the Ica Region of Peru
• Paracas Bay, located in the Pisco Province of the Ica Region in Peru
• Paracas (municipality), the capital city of the Paracas District
• Paracas District, located in the Pisco Province of the Ica Region in Peru
• Paracas National Reserve

Paracas ("sand rain" from Quechua: para (rain) and aco (sand)) is the capital of the Paracas District in the Ica Region in Peru. A small port town catering to tourism, Paracas serves as the jumping point for tours to Islas Ballestas and to Paracas National Reservation. The beautiful Paracas Bay protected by Paracas Peninsula gives these shallow, warmer waters break from ocean waves permitting life to flourish, particularly near its south western edge encompassed within Paracas National Reserve. The Paracas Museum, also found just near the south western edge of Paracas Bay, provides excellent information about Paracas culture and the many unique species, in particular, the birds of Paracas. Paracas lies in a very windy area whose very strong air currents carry sand from which Paracas takes its name.