Aptly named because of its rust-colored sands, Playa Roja (Red Beach) sits at the heart of the Paracas National Reserve. The red sands are particularly stunning as they sit between the ocean and the yellow cliffs. Most of the reserve consists of tropical desert with intense winds, making for dramatic, contrasting views against the foamy blue waters.

Playa Roja is remote and, in an effort to protect the ecosystem, completely undeveloped. There are no food stands, no facilities, and no road traffic here. You can hike to the beach (and likely find there are no other people here, especially in the morning) but be ready to share it – pelicans, the South American fur seal, and marine otters all call the red sands home.