2 Days Paracas Ica and Nazca Lines from Lima

An Authentic 2-Day Journey through Paracas, Ica, and Nazca

This 2-day tour from Lima offers a whirlwind of coastal scenery, marine life, desert adventures, and ancient mysteries. For $171 per person, you’ll visit the famous Ballestas Islands, glide over sand dunes in Ica’s Huacachina, and marvel at the Nazca Lines—all packed into a surprisingly manageable trip. The experience includes some fascinating tastings of pisco and local wines, as well as some thrilling activities like sandboarding.

What we love about this tour are its diverse stops and the chance to see both nature and history in a relatively short time. The boat ride around the Ballestas Islands gives a close-up look at sea lions, penguins, and dolphins—think of it as a mini-Galápagos. The desert oasis of Huacachina offers both peaceful views and adrenaline-pumping activities. And, of course, the Nazca Lines are an absolute must-see for fans of mysteries and ancient civilizations.

One possible consideration is the tight schedule—with many stops packed into two days, it can feel a bit rushed. The transportation is comfortable, but the tour is somewhat dependent on good weather, especially for the Nazca flight, which isn’t included and can be subject to cancellations or delays.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who want to see a variety of sights without spending weeks in the region. If you’re someone who enjoys nature, history, and local flavors, and don’t mind a busy schedule, this experience offers plenty of value.

Key Points

• Diverse highlights: Marine wildlife, desert dunes, archaeological sites.
• Includes tastings: Pisco, wine, and local sweets add flavor to the experience.
• Strong guides and transportation: Comfortable buses, bilingual guide for insights.
• Activities vary: Boat trips, sandboarding, and cultural visits.
• Rushed but rewarding: Tight schedule, so expect quick stops.
• Suitable for: Active explorers who want a broad overview in two days.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From Lima to Paracas and Ica

Your adventure begins with an early pickup from your Lima hotel, setting out for Paracas, about four hours south. We recommend packing light and bringing water, as early mornings can be chilly but energize you for the day ahead.

Stop at Islas Ballestas is the highlight of the morning. The boat tour (about two hours) is included, but keep in mind the port tax isn’t. These islands are often called “the poor man’s Galápagos,” and for good reason. Expect to see sea lions lounging on rocks, penguins waddling around, and an array of seabirds soaring overhead. The boat gets quite close, making for memorable photos—it’s a lively, sometimes bumpy ride, so hold on. One reviewer mentioned, “Everything was perfect: the amazing boat, the guide picked us up from La Rambla, we arrived around tour in Islas Ballestas and everything amazing.”

Next, a quick visit to Paracas Pier offers a moment for photos, a taste of local sweets, and a chance to soak in the seaside atmosphere. The free time is brief but enough to enjoy the views and pick up some souvenirs.

The highlight of the afternoon is a visit to Pisco Nietto, where you can taste pisco, wines, and macerates. The setting, with vineyards stretching into the distance, offers a tangible sense of the land’s essence. For many, this is the most authentic part of the trip—sampling local spirits directly from the producers. The guide might share stories about Pisco’s origins, adding depth to the tasting.

Finally, the day wraps up at Laguna de Huacachina, a surreal desert oasis. Surrounded by towering dunes, this spot is a photo magnet and offers activities like sandboarding and buggy rides. The green lagoon is surprisingly peaceful, a stark contrast to the arid landscape. One traveler said, “The oasis is breathtaking, and the sandboarding was a lot of fun—even for beginners.”

Day 2: Nazca, Ancient Aqueducts, and Return to Lima

Early morning, you’ll be picked up to head toward Nazca. The first stop is the Museo de las Líneas de Nasca, housed in the former home of Dr. María Reiche. She dedicated her life to studying these enigmatic figures. Here, you can see her personal belongings and learn about her efforts to decode the lines, which remain a mystery to many.

The next stop at Mirador de las Líneas de Nazca offers a bird’s-eye view of the famous figures, including the frog and the tree. Keep in mind, the view is limited to what can be seen from the viewpoint, and a flight over the lines isn’t included, which might be a disappointment for some. Several reviews note that the viewpoints provide a good overview, but a flight would give a much more immersive experience—something to consider if this is a priority.

The Cantalloc Aqueducts are a testament to ancient engineering. Built over 1,500 years ago, these underground canals carried water from the Andes to the arid plains. They are still functioning today, illustrating the advanced hydraulics of the Nazca civilization. One traveler said, “Walking along the aqueducts, you really get a sense of how innovative these ancient people were.”

For lunch, there’s a stop in Nazca itself before heading back towards Ica for the transfer back to Lima. The quick stop in Chincha Baja allows for a bathroom break and a chance to buy some local snacks.

Practical Aspects and What It Means for You

The transportation on this tour is by air-conditioned vehicle, which helps keep the long drives comfortable. Group size is capped at 20 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience, though some may find the schedule tight. The included activities like sandboarding are optional and cost about $10 USD, so budget accordingly if you want to try.

While the tour offers a lot of value—including tastings, boat rides, and visits to key sites—a recurring note from reviews is the lack of coordination after the boat tour. One reviewer remarked, “they started having bad coordination,” which suggests that the day might feel a bit fragmented at times.

The entrance fee for some sites (~$12 USD or 42 soles) is not included, so factor that into your budget. The Nazca flight, a popular add-on, is not included and can be booked separately.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone eager to see a variety of sights in a short time, this tour is a great choice. It’s perfect for adventurers who like a mix of nature, archaeology, and local flavors. The boat ride, desert dunes, and Nazca lines appeal to those interested in wildlife, engineering marvels, and ancient mysteries.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, or want a deeper dive into each site, this might feel rushed. Travelers also note that the Nazca flight isn’t included, so if that’s a must-do for you, plan to book it separately.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This 2-day experience offers a well-rounded snapshot of southern Peru’s most captivating sights. The variety of landscapes—from marine islands to desert dunes to ancient geoglyphs—keeps the trip lively and interesting. The activities like pisco tasting and sandboarding add local flavor and fun, making it more than just a sightseeing tour.

The value for the price is fair, especially considering the included transportation, guide, and tastings. But be prepared for a tight schedule that may feel rushed, especially if you’re looking for a more leisurely pace or detailed exploration.

This tour suits active travelers who want a broad overview and are comfortable with a busy itinerary. It’s a good way to tick off multiple highlights in just two days, especially if you’re limited on time but don’t want to miss the essence of Peru’s desert coast and archaeological marvels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle, which helps make the long drives more pleasant.

Are all activities included?
Most major activities are included, such as boat trips, tastings, and visits to key sites. However, entrance tickets to some sites (~$12 USD) are not included.

Can I do the Nazca Lines flight?
The flight over the Nazca Lines isn’t included and must be booked separately if you want that experience.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, hat, water, and your camera. Some stops are short, so packing light helps.

Is a guide bilingual?
Yes, the guide speaks both Spanish and English, making the experience accessible for most travelers.

What is the tour start time?
The tour begins at 4:00 am, so be prepared for an early start.

How large are the groups?
Groups are limited to 20 travelers, which helps keep things manageable and engaging.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most activities are family-friendly, but keep in mind the early hours and some physically active parts like sandboarding.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

Whether you’re after wildlife encounters, desert thrills, or ancient secrets, this tour provides a compact and energetic introduction to some of Peru’s most iconic sights. It’s an adventure packed into two days, suited best for active explorers eager to make the most of limited time.