Lima: Ballestas & Huacachina Day Trip W/ Nazca Lines Flight

Exploring the wonders of Peru’s southern coast is an enthralling prospect for any adventurous traveler. This day trip from Lima promises to whisk participants away on a captivating journey, from the enigmatic Ballestas Islands to the breathtaking Nazca Lines, culminating at the serene Huacachina Oasis. With expert guides, comfortable transportation, and a chance to witness diverse wildlife, this comprehensive excursion offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the region’s natural splendor. Whether seeking to unravel the mysteries of ancient civilizations or simply bask in the sheer beauty of the landscape, this dynamic itinerary caters to a wide range of interests and expectations.

Key Points

• This guided day trip from Lima explores Peru’s southern coast, including the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina Oasis, and a flight over the Nazca Lines.
• The 17-hour tour includes round-trip transportation, a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, a flight over the Nazca Lines, and leisure time at the Huacachina Oasis.
• Participants can expect to see various wildlife, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and seabirds, during the Ballestas Islands boat tour.
• The tour offers optional activities at the Huacachina Oasis, such as sandboarding and sand buggy rides, for those seeking additional adventure.
• The tour is suitable for a small group of up to 10 participants and features a live, bilingual guide with a high customer satisfaction rating.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview

This day trip from Lima whisks travelers away on a journey to explore the natural wonders of Peru’s southern coast.

Over the course of 17 hours, visitors will embark on a small group excursion, limited to 10 participants, to the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina Oasis, and the awe-inspiring Nazca Lines.

Along the way, a knowledgeable live guide will provide commentary in both Spanish and English.

Flexibility is a key feature, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option available.

With an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 90 reviews, this comprehensive day trip promises an unforgettable experience filled with wildlife, landscapes, and the enigmatic Nazca geoglyphs.

Itinerary Details

Departing Lima early in the morning, travelers embark on a 300-kilometer journey along the Pan-American highway to reach the picturesque Paracas Bay. Upon arrival, they board a boat and set sail for the Ballestas Islands, where they observe an abundance of wildlife, including birds, sea lions, dolphins, and penguins. Next, they take a flight over the Palpa Desert to witness the breathtaking Nazca Lines, an enigmatic geoglyph that stretches across the arid landscape. Afterwards, the group visits the tranquil Huacachina Oasis, where they can enjoy a leisurely lunch and partake in optional activities such as sandboarding.

Itinerary	Duration
Depart Lima	Morning
Ballestas Islands Boat Tour	1-2 hours
Nazca Lines Flight	1 hour 45 minutes
Huacachina Oasis Visit	Lunch & Leisure
Return to Lima	Afternoon

Inclusions

The tour package includes round-trip transportation from Lima, covering the journey to Paracas and back. The flight over the Nazca Lines and its associated airport tax are also covered.

Plus, the boat ride to the Ballestas Islands and guide services are included in the price. However, food and drinks aren’t part of the inclusions, so you will need to budget for their own sustenance during the trip.

The package provides hotel pickup and drop-off in Lima, excluding the airport areas. The comprehensive inclusions ensure a seamless and well-organized experience for the day trip.

The key inclusions are:

1. Round-trip transportation from Lima
2. Nazca Lines flight and airport tax
3. Ballestas Islands boat ride and guide services

Preparation and Restrictions

For this day trip, participants are recommended to bring along certain items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Items like a passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, snacks, and water are essential.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

Pets, smoking, and large luggage are also prohibited.

Participants are advised to have local currency on hand as some small businesses may not accept credit cards.

Following these preparation guidelines will help make the most of the exciting itinerary, from the Ballestas Islands to the breathtaking Nazca Lines.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised this day trip, awarding it an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 90 reviews.

Highlights cited by previous participants include:

1. The knowledgeable and engaging guides who provided insightful information throughout the excursion.
2. The incredible sightings of diverse wildlife, such as birds, sea lions, dolphins, and penguins, during the Ballestas Islands boat tour.
3. The breathtaking views and sheer scale of the Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage site, experienced through the included flight over the Palpa Desert.

Many also recommend adding the optional sand buggy and sandboarding activities at the Huacachina Oasis for an enhanced experience.

Departure and Destination

This day trip departs early morning from Lima, with participants traveling approximately 300 kilometers along the Pan-American highway to reach the Paracas Bay. Upon arrival, travelers will embark on a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to observe the diverse wildlife, including birds, sea lions, dolphins, and penguins. After the boat excursion, the group will fly over the Palpa Desert for a stunning 1 hour and 45 minute view of the enigmatic Nazca Lines. The final stop is the charming Huacachina Oasis, where lunch and leisure activities, such as optional sandboarding, await before the return trip to Lima.

Departure	Duration	Distance	Destinations
Lima	17 hours	300 km	Ballestas Islands, Nazca Lines, Huacachina Oasis

Wildlife Observation

Upon arrival at the Ballestas Islands, travelers embark on a boat tour to observe the diverse array of wildlife that inhabits the region.

The Ballestas Islands are home to a variety of marine species, including:

1. Colonies of Humboldt penguins, with their distinctive black-and-white plumage, waddling along the rocky shores.
2. Playful sea lions, basking on the islands’ craggy outcrops and diving into the cool waters in search of prey.
3. A vibrant array of seabirds, such as Peruvian boobies, pelicans, and cormorants, soaring overhead and nesting on the cliffs.

The guided boat tour provides visitors with a unique opportunity to witness these captivating creatures in their natural habitat, making the Ballestas Islands a highlight of the day trip experience.

Leisure Activities

After the exhilarating Nazca Lines flight, visitors can unwind and explore the serene Huacachina Oasis.

This desert-surrounded lagoon offers a range of leisure activities to enjoy. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the palm-lined shores, relax in the sun, or try their hand at sandboarding down the towering dunes.

For a more thrilling experience, they can hop on a sand buggy and zoom through the dramatic sandy landscapes.

The oasis also features restaurants and bars, providing an opportunity to savor local cuisine and refreshing drinks.

With its picturesque setting and diverse recreational options, the Huacachina Oasis perfectly complements the earlier wildlife encounters and aerial wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is the Flight Over the Nazca Lines?

The flight over the Nazca Lines lasts for 1 hour and 45 minutes. It allows visitors to marvel at the remarkable geoglyphs and ancient designs etched into the desert landscape below.

What Type of Transportation Is Used for the Trip?

The trip uses transportation by bus for the journey from Lima to Paracas Bay and back, with a flight over the Nazca Lines as part of the day’s activities. Participants are transported by boat for the Ballestas Islands tour as well.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group. The small group size is limited to 10 participants, allowing for a more personalized experience. Private group bookings are available upon request, subject to availability.

Do the Guides Provide Commentary During the Boat Tour?

The tour guides provide detailed commentary during the boat tour at the Ballestas Islands, informing passengers about the diverse wildlife such as birds, sea lions, dolphins, and penguins that can be observed in their natural habitat.

Is There an Option to Extend the Trip Length?

The tour provides a fixed 17-hour itinerary without the option to extend the trip length. Travelers must select this pre-designed day trip if they want to visit the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina Oasis, and see the Nazca Lines in a single day.

Recap

This day trip from Lima offers a remarkable opportunity to take in Peru’s natural wonders. Travelers can explore the Ballestas Islands, marvel at the Nazca Lines from the air, and unwind at the picturesque Huacachina Oasis. With expert guides, diverse wildlife sightings, and optional adventure activities, this journey provides an unforgettable experience in one of South America’s most captivating destinations.

You can check if your dates are available here: