Nazca Lines Flight Paracas and Huacachina 2 Day Tour from Lima
Overview
This two-day tour from Lima combines three of Peru's best-known southern sights in one trip: a scenic flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands from Paracas, and dune buggy and sandboarding at the Huacachina oasis. Hotel pickup in Lima, comfortable bus transport, a bilingual guide and a visit to a traditional local vineyard are included. You arrange your own accommodation for the night, which makes the trip flexible.
Highlights
- Scenic flight over the Nazca Lines, giant figures drawn in the desert
- Two-hour boat tour of the Ballestas Islands with sea lions and seabirds
- Dune buggy and sandboarding at Huacachina, with sunset over the dunes
- Visit to a traditional local vineyard
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Lima, comfortable bus and a bilingual guide
- Private ground transfer to and from Nazca
Full Description
The Nazca Lines by air
The Nazca Lines are enormous drawings scratched into the desert floor between about 500 BC and 500 AD, and they are listed by UNESCO. The figures include a hummingbird, a monkey, a spider and a condor, and they are best seen from the air. The scenic flight over the Nazca Lines lasts around half an hour in a small plane.
The pilot circles each figure so that passengers on both sides can see, and it can be bumpy, so those prone to motion sickness should be careful. Flights depend on the weather and visibility, and the plane's weight limits apply. The airport tax and the flight admission fee are paid separately and are not included.
Ballestas Islands from Paracas
The Ballestas Islands are rocky islands off the Paracas Peninsula, sometimes called the poor man's Galapagos. A two-hour boat tour takes you close to sea lions, seabirds and, with luck, Humboldt penguins. On the way, the boat passes the Paracas Candelabra, a huge figure drawn on a sandy hillside.
You cannot land on the islands, but the boat gets close to the rocks. Wear a jacket, since it is cool on the water. The port authorities can close the islands to boats because of sea conditions, and in that case we help you with another date or a refund.
Huacachina: dune buggy and sandboarding
Huacachina is a small oasis with a lagoon, palm trees and giant dunes near the city of Ica, and it is one of the few natural desert oases in South America. The dunes rise to more than a hundred metres.
The tour includes a two-hour dune buggy ride and sandboarding session, ending near sunset when the light on the sand is at its best. Wear closed shoes and bring sunscreen and a cover for your camera, since sand gets everywhere. Sandboarding is easy to learn and the guides help beginners.
Vineyard stop and the two-day plan
The tour includes a visit to a traditional local vineyard in the Ica region, a green area in the middle of the desert. It is a relaxed stop for a walk and a look at how the estate works, and it is a good moment for lunch, which is not included.
Because the plan covers a lot of ground, the tour starts very early, at around half past five, from one of many pickup points in Lima. The private transfer to and from Nazca is not guided. Accommodation for the night is not included, and the exact order of the two days is confirmed after booking.
Itinerary
- Pickup in LimaVery early pickup at your hotel in Lima.
- Paracas and the Ballestas IslandsBus to Paracas and a two-hour boat tour of the islands.
- Vineyard visitA stop at a traditional local vineyard in the Ica region.
- HuacachinaDune buggy ride and sandboarding, ending near sunset.
- Private transfer to NazcaUnguided private transfer to Nazca; overnight stay at your own accommodation.
- Nazca Lines flightA scenic flight of about half an hour over the Nazca Lines.
- Return to LimaPrivate transfer and bus back to Lima and drop-off.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Lima
- Scenic flight over the Nazca Lines
- 2-hour boat tour to the Ballestas Islands
- Visit to a traditional local vineyard
- 2-hour sandboarding and dune buggy tour at Huacachina
- Bilingual English-speaking guide
- Comfortable bus transport
- Private ground transfer to and from Nazca (this segment is not guided)
Not included
- Accommodation for the night
- Nazca Lines flight admission fee
- Airport tax in Nazca
- Meals and beverages
Not suitable for
- People prone to motion sickness (the flight can be bumpy)
- Travellers who cannot spend long hours on a bus
- People with mobility impairments
- Anyone over the weight limit of the small planes
Meeting point
Pickup is at your hotel in Lima, from one of about one hundred and thirteen pickup points, at around half past five in the morning. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
Important information
- Bring your passport or ID, cash for the Nazca fees and meals, sunscreen, a hat and a warm jacket.
- Accommodation for the night, the Nazca Lines flight admission fee, the airport tax in Nazca and meals are not included.
- The transfer to and from Nazca is private and not guided.
- Flights depend on weather and visibility, and small planes have weight limits.
- The Ballestas boat tour can be cancelled by the port authorities because of the sea.
- Bring water and snacks; there are limited stops.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Nazca Lines and Paracas 2-day tour cost?
The price depends on the date you choose. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for the option, adult and child. Some fees are paid separately.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Lima from one of about one hundred and thirteen pickup points.
How long is the tour?
Two days, starting very early on the first day and returning to Lima on the second day.
Is the tour suitable for children?
The long bus rides, the flight and the dune buggy may not suit young children. Check the limits in the booking panel or contact us. Child prices are shown in the booking panel.
What is not included?
Accommodation for the night, the Nazca Lines flight admission fee, the airport tax in Nazca and meals and drinks are not included.
Is the flight over the Nazca Lines included?
Yes, the scenic flight is part of the tour, though the admission fee and the airport tax in Nazca are paid separately.
What should I bring?
Passport or ID, cash, sunscreen, a hat, a warm jacket, water and snacks.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes if there is space, but because the plan includes a flight and an early start, book at least a day before whenever possible.
Is the Nazca Lines flight worth it?
Yes. From the air you can see the figures clearly, and it is the best way to understand them.
