Start your journey with a visit to the Paracas National Reserve, where you’ll marvel at the rugged beauty of the desert meeting the ocean. Enjoy a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Galápagos of Peru,” where you’ll witness a variety of marine wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, and countless seabirds.
Next, explore Ica, the heart of Peru’s wine and pisco production. Here, you’ll have the chance to tour vineyards, taste the local flavors, and experience the thrill of sandboarding on the famous dunes of Huacachina.
The adventure culminates in Nasca, where you’ll have the opportunity to see the world-famous Nasca Lines, ancient geoglyphs whose purpose remains one of archaeology’s greatest mysteries. Whether viewed from a lookout point or during an optional flight, these massive designs etched into the desert floor are sure to leave you in awe.
This tour is perfect for those looking to pack a variety of experiences into a short time, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unforgettable adventures.
Peru
Paracas, Ica, and Nazca Lines Tour – 2 Days -1 Night
Summary
Overview Paracas, Ica, and Nazca Lines Tour – 2 Days, 1 Night
- Start Point: Lima, with hotel pickup in the morning.
- Ending Point: Lima city center.
- Duration: 2 days and 1 night.
- Departure: Daily departures available.
- Group Size: Up to 20 participants.
- Entrance Tickets: Included in the package.
- Meals Included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Available upon request at no extra charge.
- High Season: April to October.
Itienrary
Day 1: Lima – Ballestas Islands tour –Ica – Huacachina – Sandboarding
- 4:30 to 5:00 AM: Pickup from your hotel, then transfer to Paracas.
- 9:30 AM: Arrival in Paracas. Head to the El Chaco pier to board modern speedboats for a tour of the Ballestas Islands, located in Paracas Bay. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty and diverse marine wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, flamingos, parihuanas, and various seabirds. Sea lions may approach the boat, and penguins are often seen in the water. Thousands of seabirds fly between the islands, and their nests are visible on the rocks. We will also view the Candelabro, with the guide explaining various theories about its formation (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes).
- 12:00 PM: Departure for Ica.
- 1:00 PM: Arrival in Ica. Lunch (Not included in the tour price)
Visitors will have the opportunity to sample the main products made at the winery, including wines, piscos, pisco creams, macerates, and mistelas, accompanied by lively phrases typical of Ica.
Visit to Noelia Chocolate Factory, where we will taste traditional chocotejas, alfajores, jams, artisanal cookies, filled mousse, and more.
- 3:00 PM: Excursion to the Huacachina Oasis, located just 5 km from the center of Ica. Enjoy the tranquility of the lagoon and take a walk around for great photo opportunities.
- 6:15 PM: Transfer to the bus station.
- 7:00 PM: Bus from Ica to Nazca with Cruz del Sur.
- 10:00 PM: Arrival in Nazca. Reception and transfer to your chosen hotel. Overnight accommodation in Nazca.
Important: The arrival time in Nasca may vary depending on how far in advance you made your tour reservation, as the bus company has a limited number of available seats.
Day 2: Nasca -Overflight of the Nazca Lines – Lima
Morning:
- 7:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
- 8:00 AM: Transfer to the Nasca aerodrome for your overflight of the famous Nazca Lines.
- 8:30 AM: Begin your thrilling 30-minute overflight, where you’ll marvel at 12 of the most iconic geoglyphs, including the whale, compass, trapezoid, astronaut, monkey, dog, hummingbird, spider, condor, booby, parrot, hands, and tree. Your guide will provide insightful commentary on the history and mysteries behind these ancient figures.
Late Morning: - 10:00 AM: Return to your hotel for some leisure time to relax or explore the surroundings.
Lunch:
- 12:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or explore Nasca on your own (Lunch not included in the tour price).
Afternoon: - 1:00 PM: Transfer to the Cruz del Sur bus terminal.
- 2:00 PM: Depart for Lima on the comfortable Crucero Evolution service, enjoying scenic views and onboard amenities during the journey.
Evening:
- 8:00 PM: Arrival in Lima. Transfer to your hotel or chosen drop-off point, concluding your memorable 2-day tour of Paracas, Ica, and Nasca.
Price
you can visit our Tripadvisor: TRIPADVISOR INTI SUN TREK
Included / Not Included
What is included in this tour:
- Day 1: Explore the Paracas National Reserve and enjoy sandboarding on the famous dunes of Huacachina.
- Bilingual official tour guide
- Pickup from your hotel (Hotels in Miraflores are highly recommended)
- Tourist transportation Lima – Paracas – Ica
- Visit to the Paracas beach resort
- Excursion to the Ballestas Islands
- Tasting of Pisco, wines, Pisco creams, macerates, and more
- Visit to the Huacachina Oasis
- Visit to Noelia Chocolate Factory
- Tubular adventure tour
- Transfer to Cruz del Sur bus station in Ica
- Bus ticket from Ica to Nasca with Cruz del Sur – Semi-Cama service
- 1 night of accommodation in Nasca
- Transfer from the bus station to the hotel in Nasca
Day 2: Experience the Nasca Lines and return to Lima
- Pickup from your hotel
- Transfer to the Nasca aerodrome
- 1 overflight ticket to the Nasca Lines
- Transfer to Cruz del Sur bus station in Nasca
- Bus ticket from Nasca to Lima with Cruz del Sur – Semi-Cama service
- Transfer to your hotel in Lima
Not included in this tour:
- Taxes for the Nasca Lines overflight – $20 per person
- Breakfast on the first morning
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and water for the first day’s breakfast
- Luncha and Dinner in the last day
- IMPORTANT: If you have experience or skill skiing or snowboarding. You can choose to rent the boards with their respective professional boots at the time of booking. (20 USD). Don’t forget to mention the shoe size and position your front leg has (regular/goofy) just for snowboarding. For skiing it is not necessary.
What you need to bring:
- Essentials:
- Small Backpack or Daypack: To carry your essentials during excursions.
- Valid ID or Passport: Necessary for hotel check-ins and the Nazca Lines overflight.
- Comfortable Clothing: Light, breathable clothing for daytime activities and a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
- Sneakers or light hiking shoes with good arch support are ideal for walking on uneven terrain, such as the desert around the Huacachina Oasis and the archaeological sites in Nazca.
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended) to protect against the strong sun.
- Comfortable Footwear: Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes suitable for sandy and rocky terrain.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the desert areas.
- Personal Medications: Bring any necessary medications, including motion sickness tablets for the Nazca Lines overflight if needed.
Optional but Recommended:
- Camera or Smartphone: For capturing the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
- Insect Repellent: Particularly useful in Paracas and around the Huacachina Oasis.
- Travel Pillow: For added comfort during bus rides, especially the overnight travel.
- Travel Insurance Information: In case of emergencies.
Other Considerations:
- Cash: Carry some local currency (Peruvian soles) for small purchases, tips, and any additional expenses not covered in the tour package.
- Power Bank: To keep your devices charged, especially during long travel periods
- Snacks: Energy bars or trail mix.
- Wet Wipes or Hand Sanitizer: For hygiene.
- Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste
- Earplugs
FAQ
How do I get to Puno?
1) You can take an overnight bus from Cusco which usually leaves at 10:00 p.m. and should arrive in Puno at 5:00 a.m. the next morning. These buses have reclining seats to make the journey more comfortable. The bus company we usually employ is Tour Peru or Transzela. If this bus is not available at the time of your tour, we can book your trip with an alternative bus company.
2) You can also take a day bus from Cusco which stops at different tourist attractions along the way to Puno. If you take this option, you can then spend the night in Puno in a hotel before you start your tour.
3) There is no direct flight from Cusco to Puno. However, if you do wish to travel by plane, you can fly from Cusco to Juliaca and then take a 45 minute bus to Puno. However, this option will be more expensive than the bus from Cusco.
4) Inti Sun Trek is not based in Puno and does not have any guides operating in Puno. Therefore, this tour will operate through an exterior company based in Puno. However, we will do our best to choose a good tour company for you in Puno.
What time does the tour start and finish?
The tour starts at 7:45 a.m. and finishes two days later at 5:00 p.m.
What is the group size of the tour?
There can be up to 25 people on the tour.
How long is the boat ride to the floating islands?
The boat ride lasts approximately 1 hour to the first island and then another 3 hours to the second island where you spend the night. On the second day it is 1 hour from Amantani to Taquile and 2 hours from Taquile to Puno.
What are the accommodations like with the host family?
You spend the night with a local family with basic accommodation. There is no private toilet, it is shared with the family.
Are the meals included in the price?
Yes, you will have lunch and dinner with the host family in Amantani.
How many people can stay with the one family?
As the accommodation is quite small, a maximum of four people can stay with the one family.
What gifts can we bring for the children?
You can bring books, toys and second hand warm clothes.
