Overview
Embark on a spectacular 3-day journey through Peru’s southern coast. This expedition takes you from the wildlife-rich waters of the Pacific to the towering dunes of Ica and the enigmatic desert of Nazca.
- Wildlife: Visit the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve.
- Adventure: Ride sand buggies and practice sandboarding in the Huacachina Oasis.
- Mystery: Take a 35-minute flight over the world-famous Nazca Lines.
- History: Discover ancient mummies at the Chauchilla Cemetery and learn about the Paracas culture.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Paracas National Reserve
The adventure begins with a pickup and transfer to your hotel. At **10:30 AM**, we start a land tour of the **Paracas National Reserve**, Peru’s oldest marine sanctuary.
- Visit the Julio C. Tello Museum and the INRENA Interpretation Center to see fossils.
- Walk along the Fossil Way and visit the Flamingo Viewpoint (Parihuanas).
- See the «Cathedral» rock formation and enjoy Lagunillas Beach for lunch and an optional swim.
- Return to Paracas at 4:00 PM for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Ballestas Islands – Ica City Tour – Nazca
At **8:00 AM**, we embark on a boat tour to the **Ballestas Islands**.
- See «El Candelabro» (The Chandelier), a massive geoglyph carved into the sand.
- Observe Humboldt penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and thousands of guano birds.
- Travel to Ica to visit the Regional Museum (mummies and pottery) and a traditional winery for Pisco tasting.
- Visit the **Huacachina Oasis** for an adrenaline-filled Sand Buggy and Sandboarding experience.
- At 6:15 PM, travel by bus to Nazca, arriving around 8:15 PM.
Day 3: Nazca Lines – Chauchilla Cemetery – Nazca
After hotel pickup, we head to the aerodrome for the **Nazca Lines Flight (35 minutes)**.
- View the mysterious figures of the Monkey, Hummingbird, Spider, Astronaut, and more from above.
- After the flight, visit the **Chauchilla Pre-Inca Cemetery**, where you can see original mummies and ancient tombs in the desert.
- Visit an artisanal gold and pottery center to see traditional techniques.
- Transfer to the bus station for your onward journey.
Inclusions & Exclusions
The tour includes:
- All transfers (Hotel – Bus Station – Aerodrome).
- Professional bilingual tour guide.
- Modern motorboat for Ballestas Islands with life vest.
- Private transportation for land tours.
- All entrance tickets and boarding fees.
- **Nazca Lines Overflight** (including TUUA airport tax).
- Bus tickets (Paracas – Nazca).
- Sand buggies and sandboarding in Huacachina.
- Pisco and Wine tasting in Ica.
The tour does not include:
- Accommodation (Hotels).
- Full meals (Breakfast/Dinner unless specified).
- Personal expenses and tips.
Recommendations
For this coastal and desert circuit, we suggest:
- Clothing: Light clothes for the day, but a windbreaker for the Ballestas boat tour and a jacket for the evening in Nazca.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are mandatory.
- Flight Tip: For the Nazca Lines overflight, it is recommended to eat a very light breakfast or nothing at all to avoid motion sickness.
- Hydration: Plenty of water for the desert tours.
General Info
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights.
Route: Paracas -> Ica -> Nazca.
Max Altitude: Sea level (0 – 600 m.a.s.l.).
Weather: Generally sunny and dry. Windy in Paracas during afternoons.
Activity Level: Moderate (includes walking, boating, and flying).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Nazca flight safe?
Yes, the flights are operated by certified pilots from the Nazca aerodrome using specialized aircraft designed for observation.
How long is the boat ride to Ballestas?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours in total. It is a high-speed boat, so it can be bumpy; life vests are mandatory and provided.
Can I see mummies in this tour?
Yes, you will see them at the Ica Regional Museum and in their original open-air tombs at the Chauchilla Cemetery.