From Lima: Tour Desert of Ica + Paracas + Nazca

Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Lima to uncover the stunning landscapes of the Ica Desert, Paracas, and the iconic Nazca Lines. This comprehensive 2-day tour immerses you in the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Witness the stunning Ballestas Islands, explore the oasis of La Huacachina, and marvel at the ancient Nazca geoglyphs from the air. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, this tour promises an enriching experience that will leave you captivated. Discover the secrets hidden within the desert landscapes and uncover the mysteries of a bygone era.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 2-day, 1-night tour from Lima exploring the Ica, Paracas, and Nazca regions, priced from $572 per person.
• Highlights include Ballestas Islands, La Huacachina oasis, and Nazca Lines overflight, with hotel pickup, bus transfers, and guided excursions included.
• Day 1 activities: Ballestas Islands observation, Ica city tour, and adventure activities like tubular ride and sandboarding at La Huacachina.
• Day 2 includes a 2-hour bus ride from Ica to Nazca for a 30-minute overflight to view the famous Nazca Lines geoglyphs.
• Flexible cancellation policies and pay-later options available, with recommendations to bring passport, comfortable clothing, camera, and cash.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the stunning desert landscapes and cultural highlights of the Ica, Paracas, and Nazca regions.

Priced from $572 per person, the 2-day, 1-night tour includes hotel pickup, various bus transfers, and guided excursions.

Highlights include observing marine fauna on the Ballestas Islands, exploring the Ica oasis of La Huacachina, and taking a 30-minute overflight to see the iconic Nazca Lines.

Flexible cancellation policies and a pay-later option make this tour accessible.

With English and Spanish-speaking guides, visitors can expect a seamless and informative experience uncovering the wonders of Peru’s desert region.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with an early morning pickup from the hotel at 3:30 a.m. to embark on a bus transfer from Lima to Paracas, arriving at 7:30 a.m.

Visitors will then enjoy an excursion to the Ballestas Islands to observe the marine fauna, including sea lions and penguins.

Next, they’ll tour the city of Ica, visiting the Plaza de Armas, Luren church, and an artisanal winery for a Pisco tasting.

The adventure continues with a visit to the La Huacachina oasis, where they’ll experience a tubular ride and sandboarding.

The first day ends with accommodation in Ica at 6:00 p.m.

On the second day, the tour travels to the Nasca Lines for a 30-minute overflight to observe the famous geoglyphs.

Day 1 Excursion

At 3:30 a.m., the tour commences with a hotel pickup, ushering guests onto a bus for the transfer from Lima to Paracas.

Upon arrival at 7:30 a.m., the group embarks on an excursion to the Ballestas Islands to observe the marine fauna, including sea lions and penguins.

Next, they travel to Ica for a city tour, visiting the Plaza de Armas, Luren church, and an artisanal winery for a Pisco tasting.

The adventure continues with a visit to the La Huacachina oasis, where guests can shop and enjoy free time.

The day concludes with a thrilling tubular and sandboarding experience, before settling into their accommodation in Ica.

Ballestas Islands Observation

Visitors disembark the bus and set sail for the Ballestas Islands, a captivating natural wonder off the coast of Paracas.

This marine reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, including:

1. Majestic sea lions sunbathing on the rocky shores
2. Colonies of Humboldt penguins, a vulnerable species
3. Diverse seabirds like guano birds, cormorants, and pelicans
4. Fascinating geological formations carved by wind and waves

The excursion offers a glimpse into the vibrant ecosystem, with the chance to observe the animals in their natural habitat.

Travelers are mesmerized by the sights and sounds of this untamed, yet breathtakingly beautiful, coastal paradise.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

City Tour and Activities

After the Ballestas Islands excursion, the tour group transfers to Ica for a city tour. They’ll visit the Plaza de Armas, Luren church, and an artisanal winery for a Pisco tasting. Next, they’ll head to the stunning La Huacachina oasis, where they can shop and enjoy free time. The highlight of the day is the tubular adventure tour and sandboarding experience. The day ends with accommodation in Ica, before heading to Nazca the next day.

Activity	Duration
Ica City Tour	1-2 hours
La Huacachina Oasis	1-2 hours
Tubular Adventure Tour	1-2 hours
Sandboarding	1-2 hours

Day 2 Transportation

On the second day, the tour group transfers to the CRUZ DEL SUR bus station to take the bus from Ica to Nasca.

The bus ride takes approximately 2 hours, allowing travelers to admire the stunning desert landscapes along the way.

Upon arrival at the María Reiche Aerodrome, participants embark on a 30-minute overflight of the Nazca Lines. This aerial tour provides a unique perspective to observe the enigmatic geoglyphs, including the famous figures of the condor, monkey, and hummingbird.

After the aerial excursion, the group boards the bus for the return journey to Lima, arriving around 11:00 p.m.

The day 2 transportation includes:

1. Ica-Nasca bus transfer
2. 30-minute overflight of Nazca Lines
3. Nasca-Lima bus transfer
4. Permanent assistance throughout the journey

Nazca Lines Overflight

Upon arrival at the María Reiche Aerodrome, travelers eagerly board the small aircraft for the 30-minute overflight of the Nazca Lines.

From the air, the mysterious geoglyphs unfold before their eyes – a sight to behold. They spot the famous figures, including the intricate depictions of a condor, monkey, hummingbird, and more.

The flight provides a unique perspective, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the sheer scale and precision of these ancient drawings etched into the desert landscape.

As the plane circles overhead, travelers are left in awe, contemplating the ingenuity and purpose behind this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Included Services and What to Bring

The tour package includes a range of services to ensure a seamless experience for travelers. These include hotel pickup, bus transportation, entrance fees, and guided tours.

Specifically, the package includes:

• Lima-Paracas, Ica-Nazca, and Nazca-Lima bus tickets
• Transfer to the Nazca airfield for the overflight
• Ballestas Islands excursion and tubular + sandboarding adventure
• One overflight ticket for the Nazca Lines
• Permanent assistance and income tax of S/19.60.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID card, comfortable clothing, a camera, cash, and clothes that can get dirty.

Reservations must be made one day in advance, and certain items aren’t allowed on the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum group size. It’s an individual tour that can be booked by a single traveler, with pickup and transportation provided from the hotel near the main square in Lima.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Special Accommodations Available?

According to the tour information, there are no specific dietary restrictions or special accommodations mentioned. Travelers should notify the tour provider in advance of any dietary needs or special requirements.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Activities?

The tour itinerary can be customized to include additional activities, such as longer stay at the destinations or adding optional excursions, subject to availability and additional costs. Travelers should inquire about customization options when booking the tour.

Is Travel Insurance Included in the Tour Package?

Travel insurance is not included in the tour package. Customers can purchase travel insurance separately if they wish to be covered for unforeseen events during the trip.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment and cancel the tour if needed without incurring any penalties.

Recap

This comprehensive 2-day tour from Lima offers an unforgettable exploration of Peru’s stunning desert landscapes. Witness the Ballestas Islands’ wildlife, immerse in Ica’s cultural heritage, and marvel at the ancient Nazca Lines from the air. With a perfect mix of adventure and sightseeing, this tour promises an exceptional experience for travelers seeking to discover the wonders of the Ica region.

You can check if your dates are available here: