Playa Roja

Playa Roja is in the Paracas National Reserve on the Ica coast, and the colour is geological: the cliffs behind it are of a reddish porphyry, and as they erode the fragments break down and mix into the sand, giving the beach its distinct red-pink tone against turquoise water and pale desert. It is the most photographed point in the reserve. Access has changed: the beach itself was closed to visitors after erosion and safety concerns, and viewing is now from a platform on the cliff above rather than from the sand, which surprises people arriving expecting to walk on it. Swimming is not permitted here in any case - the water is cold, the current strong and there is no supervision. The reserve as a whole protects desert coast, seabird colonies and marine life, and the standard visit takes in Playa Roja, the Cathedral viewpoint and La Mina on unpaved roads.

What you actually see

• The red sand - coloured by eroded porphyry from the cliffs behind.
• The viewing platform - the cliff-top overlook the beach is seen from.
• The reserve coast - desert, cliffs and cold Pacific water.
• The circuit - Playa Roja with the Cathedral viewpoint and La Mina.

When to go

Any time of year; the Paracas coast is dry and cool with persistent wind. Mornings are calmest. Two hours as part of a reserve circuit.

Honest expectations

The beach itself is closed - viewing is from a platform above, which disappoints visitors expecting to walk on the sand. No swimming: cold water, strong current, no supervision. Constant strong wind. Reserve entry is charged.

Nearby

The Paracas reserve's other viewpoints are on the same circuit; the Ballestas islands are offshore.