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.
- Nazca Lines scenic flight: 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, Huacachina, and the Nazca Lines. One of the main advantages of this experience is that the Nazca Lines flyover is done from the Pisco Airport, avoiding the long transfer to the Nazca airfield. From Pisco, the flight lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a more complete aerial experience over this impressive archaeological heritage site.
Additionally, at the end of the program, the return trip from Pisco to Lima takes approximately 4 hours, considerably less than the road journey from Nazca, which can take around 9 hours. This makes better use of your travel time and allows for a more comfortable, efficient and complete experience. The itinerary combines nature, archaeology, adventure and culture, ideal for international travelers who want to visit Paracas, Huacachina and the Nazca Lines while making the most of their time during their trip through Peru.
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: Nazca Lines overflight from Pisco, Return to Lima
Altitude: 1500 m · Meals: None · Overnight: Lima
After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to Pisco International Airport, located approximately 25 minutes from Paracas, for the spectacular Nazca Lines flyover. The flight will last approximately 1:40 hours, offering a more complete aerial experience than the traditional flights from Nazca. During the tour we will fly over the impressive coastal desert of southern Peru and view the Ocucaje Valley, known for its geological formations and paleontological richness, as well as the Santa Cruz, Palpa, Viscas, and Ingenio valleys, territories linked to the development of the ancient Paracas and Nazca cultures.
From the air we will be able to 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, among other impressive representations traced on the desert. During the tour we will learn about the main theories and interpretations related to their possible astronomical, religious, and ceremonial significance. At the end of the flyover, we will begin our return to Lima, with a trip of approximately 4 hours from Pisco, significantly optimizing travel time. Arrival is expected in the afternoon, leaving free time to continue exploring the city or rest.
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
- 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 or Ica, allowing you to enjoy sunset over the Huacachina dunes, visit the Ballestas Islands at a relaxed pace and explore Ica's wineries without rushing.
Is the hotel included?
Yes, the tour includes 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Paracas or Ica. It also includes breakfast on the second day. For higher-category hotel options, contact us.
What activities are there on the second day?
Day 2 includes a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands (the "Peruvian Galápagos"), a visit to Tacama or Vista Alegre winery and transfer 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?
This 2-day tour does not include the Nazca Lines. If you wish to see them, we recommend the "Paracas, Huacachina & Nazca 2 Days" package which includes the light aircraft overflight.
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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