From US$607 per person.
Paracas, Huacachina, Pisco & Nazca 2 Days
- Marine wildlife at Paracas: Cruise by speed boat to the Ballestas Islands to spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of marine birds at close range.
- Huacachina desert adventure: Ride high-speed dune buggies and experience thrilling sandboarding down the massive sand dunes surrounding the desert oasis.
- Optional Nazca Lines scenic flight (not included): Soar high above the desert floor to witness the world-famous, enigmatic ancient geoglyphs and appreciate their massive shapes.
- All-inclusive round-trip transit: Avoid any local transport hassle with a smooth, pre-arranged overland itinerary starting and ending right at your Lima hotel.
Discover the southern coast of Peru on a 2-day program from Lima that combines Paracas, the Ballestas Islands, Pisco, Ica and Huacachina. The Nazca Lines overflight is an optional activity, not included in the price: it takes off from Pisco airport, close to Paracas, with DGAC-certified airlines.
The itinerary combines nature, archaeology, adventure and culture, ideal for international travelers who want to visit Paracas and Huacachina while making good use of their time in Peru. If you want to add the optional Nazca overflight, ask us for times and cost before booking.
At a glance
- Days: 2
- Highest point: 1500 m
- Price: From US$607 per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Ballestas Islands & Huacachina Oasis
Altitude: 520 m · Meals: None · Overnight: Paracas (520 m)
Very early, between 04:40 and 05:00 a.m., we will begin our trip from Lima to the beautiful bay of Paracas, one of the main nature destinations on the Peruvian coast. After a box-lunch breakfast, we will board a boat to sail toward the impressive Ballestas Islands, an extraordinary wildlife sanctuary where we will observe the enigmatic Paracas Candelabra, as well as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, boobies, and numerous guano birds in their natural habitat. Afterward we will visit a traditional winery, where we will learn about the artisanal process of making Pisco, Peru's national drink, as well as local wines, enjoying a tasting before having free time for lunch (optional).
We will then continue by road to Ica to visit the spectacular Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by impressive dunes, where you can relax by the lagoon or enjoy an adrenaline-filled experience with sandboarding or a buggy ride through the desert. In the afternoon we will return to Paracas, where we will spend the night.
Day 2: Optional Nazca Lines overflight and return to Lima
Altitude: 1500 m · Meals: None · Overnight: Lima
After breakfast at the hotel, the last day of the program begins. Optional activity, not included in the price: the Nazca Lines overflight takes off from Pisco airport, close to Paracas, with DGAC-certified airlines. If you want to add it, ask us about times and cost before booking.
From the air you can see some of the most representative figures of the Nazca Lines, such as the Whale, the Trapezoids, the Astronaut, the Monkey, the Condor, the Spider and the Hummingbird, and the guide explains the main theories about their possible astronomical, religious and ceremonial meaning. At the end of the day we begin the return to Lima by road, arriving in the afternoon.
What is included
- High Quality Service and Safety
- Transportation All our services are designed to offer you safety, comfort, and a deep cultural experience.
What is not included
- Nazca Lines overflight (optional) Optional activity, not included in the price. It takes off from the María Reiche Aerodrome in Nazca with DGAC-certified airlines.
- Meals Not Included: Day 1: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Day 2: Lunch and dinner.
- Tips for our staff (tipping is customary in Peru; although our team receives a good salary, tips are appreciated).
- Possible Additional Costs or Delays Beyond Our Control: landslides, bad weather, itinerary modifications for safety reasons; diseases, pandemics, changes in government policies; political instability, strikes, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events.
Frequently asked questions
What is different about this 2-day tour compared to the 1-day tour?
The 2-day tour includes a hotel night in Paracas, so you can watch the sunset over the Huacachina dunes, visit the Ballestas Islands at a relaxed pace and, if you like, add the Nazca Lines overflight from Pisco airport the next morning.
Is the hotel included?
Yes, the tour includes 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Paracas. It also includes breakfast on the second day. For higher-category hotel options, contact us.
What activities are there on the second day?
The Ballestas Islands and Huacachina are on day 1. On day 2, after breakfast in Paracas, you can add the optional Nazca Lines overflight, which takes off from Pisco airport, and then we drive back to Lima.
Are meals included in the 2-day package?
The package includes breakfast on day 2 and lunch on day 1. Dinner on day 1 and lunch on day 2 are not included, but there are good options at restaurants in Paracas and Ica.
Can the Nazca Lines be seen on this tour?
Yes, as an optional activity not included in the price: on this program the overflight takes off from Pisco airport, close to Paracas, where you spend the night. If you would rather sleep in Nazca and fly from its aerodrome, choose the "Paracas, Huacachina & Nazca 2 Days" package.
What is Huacachina?
Huacachina is a natural oasis unique in the world: an emerald-colored lake surrounded by sand dunes up to 100 metres high, located in the center of Ica city. It is one of the most photogenic landscapes in South America and the favorite destination for sandboarding fans and buggy rides through the dunes.
Why is pisco famous in Peru?
Pisco is Peru's most emblematic grape distillate and its most globally recognized national drink. It has been produced on the southern coast (Ica, Arequipa, Lima, Moquegua and Tacna) since the 16th century. The Pisco Sour, made with pisco, lime juice, egg white and Angostura bitters, is the quintessential Peruvian cocktail. The tour includes pisco tasting at Ica's wineries.
Is sandboarding suitable for beginners?
Yes. Sandboarding on Huacachina's dunes is accessible for beginners: the boards are easy to manage and the instructor gives a brief lesson before descending. It can also be done lying on the board (luge-style), which is even easier. The buggy takes the group to the top of the dunes so the descent is safe and effortless.
What is the best time to visit Paracas, Ica and Huacachina?
The best time is November to April (summer), when the sun shines intensely, the Paracas sea is calmer and Huacachina's dunes are perfect. July and August are the windiest months in Paracas. However, the tour operates year-round and the experience in any month is exciting.
Is this 2-day tour safe?
Yes. The tour operates with comfortable, safe tourist buses on the South Pan-American Highway. The Huacachina buggy is driven by certified experienced drivers and all passengers receive a helmet and harness. The Ballestas Islands boat trip uses authorized motorboats with life jackets. The guide accompanies the group at all times.
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