From Lima: Tour to Paracas – Huacachina – Nazca 2D/1N

If you’re looking to pack an incredible Peruvian adventure into just two days, this tour from Lima checks many boxes: maritime wildlife, the mysterious Nazca Lines, and adrenaline-filled dune activities at Huacachina. Starting early, you’ll visit the Ballestas Islands, marvel at the Nazca Geoglyphs from the air, and enjoy the thrill of buggy rides in the world’s largest oasis, Huacachina. For a quick, diverse taste of southern Peru, this tour offers a well-organized itinerary and authentic experiences for those craving adventure and culture.

Two things really stand out for us: First, the combination of marine wildlife viewing and aerial geoglyph exploration makes this a uniquely varied experience. Second, the sandboarding and buggy rides turn a desert trip into a fun, adrenaline-pumping activity that’s hard to find elsewhere in such a compact tour. The main drawback? The early start — departing around 4:00 am — might be tough for some, and the tight schedule leaves little time for leisurely exploration. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a full, activity-packed two days and don’t mind the early mornings.

Key Points

Diverse Highlights: Combines marine wildlife, desert adventure, and archaeological marvels in one trip.
Expert Guides: Experience guides provide valuable insights, especially during the Nazca flight.
Value for Money: At $385, it includes many activities and transfers, offering good value considering the full itinerary.
Early Start & Tight Schedule: Be prepared for an early departure and a busy two days.
Authentic Experiences: Opportunities to see wildlife, taste local wines, and enjoy traditional sandboarding.
Suitable for Active Travelers: Best for those comfortable with walking, quick transitions, and adventure sports.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Journey: A Thorough Breakdown of the Tour

Day 1: From Lima to the Mysteries of the South

The adventure begins early, with pickup from your Miraflores hotel between 4:00 am and 5:00 am. Yes, it’s an early start, but it’s the best way to maximize your time and beat the crowds. The bus ride to Paracas is comfortable and efficient, setting the tone for a well-organized trip.

Once in Paracas, your first stop is the marina dock, where you’ll board a boat to the Ballestas Islands. The roughly 1-hour boat ride immediately immerses you into Peru’s lively marine environment. As the boat weaves through the islands, you’ll see sea lions basking on rocks, penguins waddling about, and guano birds circling overhead. The guide, Rodrigo (name from reviews), will explain the significance of “El Candelabro”, a mysterious figure carved into the sand, with several theories about its origin, adding an air of intrigue.

Most travelers find the wildlife viewing captivating — “we loved the way the seals and birds lined the rocks, and the boat ride was a highlight,” one review notes. Be sure to have your camera ready; moments like dolphins jumping alongside the boat can happen unexpectedly and are truly photogenic.

After the boat tour, you’ll head to Ica for lunch and a visit to a local winery. This stop offers a chance to sample Peruvian wines and piscos, giving insight into the country’s famed production of these beverages. Many appreciate the tasting session as a flavor of local culture — “the wine and pisco tasting was a real treat after the busy morning.” The winery visit is a relaxing contrast to the morning’s adventure and gives a taste of regional craftsmanship.

In the afternoon, your journey continues to Huacachina, the desert oasis that looks like something out of a movie. Here, you’ll meet your buggy driver and hop into dune buggies for a high-energy ride through the towering sands. The thrill of sandboarding is a highlight for many — sliding down the dunes on a board is a fun, if slightly dusty, experience that makes you feel like a desert explorer.

While some reviews mention the bumpy ride might be tiring, most agree it’s worth it for the adrenaline rush and stunning desert scenery. The oasis itself is charming, perfect for a relaxing walk, photos, or some last-minute shopping before heading to your hotel in Nazca around 7:00 pm.

Day 2: The Enigmatic Nazca Lines

The second day kicks off early again, with a pickup in Nazca, followed by a 30-minute flight over the Nazca Lines. This aerial view is truly the core of this trip — seeing the massive geoglyphs of animals, plants, and human figures from above is a rare spectacle.

The small aircraft ensures panoramic windows for everyone — a big plus, as some tours use larger planes that limit your view. The pilot will point out the figures — from the spider and monkey to the hummingbird — and explain some of the theories behind their purpose. Several reviews mention the flight as a “surreal experience”, with others noting that it’s a highlight “even if you’re not a big fan of flying.”

After the flight, you’ll return to your Nazca hotel for some rest or a quick exploration of the town. The tour concludes around 2:00 pm with the return bus to Lima, completing a full but rewarding 48 hours.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour includes most essentials: hotel pickups, transportation, boat tour, wine tasting, sandboarding, Nazca flight, and lunch. Additional expenses like dinner, breakfast, or accommodations are not included, so plan accordingly.

While the price of $385 per person might seem steep for just two days, it covers many activities and transfers that would be costly to organize independently. Plus, the convenience of a guided trip means you won’t waste time figuring out logistics, and you’ll get expert insights from guides throughout.

One consideration is the early departure time — a common feature in such packed tours but potentially frustrating for some travelers. Also, the tight schedule means very limited down time, so travelers seeking a leisurely experience might find it rushed.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Should Take This Tour?

This journey is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy a mix of wildlife, culture, and adventure sports. If you like early mornings, active outings, and seeing a variety of sites without spending many days, this tour packs a punch. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but still want a meaningful taste of southern Peru’s iconic sights.

It’s less suited for travelers looking for a relaxed pace or those with mobility issues, as some activities, like walking around Huacachina or boarding dunes, require a certain level of fitness. Also, pregnant women, or people with heart problems or low fitness levels, should consider these factors before booking.

The Sum Up

For travelers eager to see some of Peru’s most famous sites in a short period, this tour offers great value. It hits the highlights — the Nazca Lines, Ballestas Islands, and Huacachina — with enough adventure and cultural insight to satisfy most. The inclusion of wildlife spotting, a scenic flight, and desert activities makes it a well-rounded, exciting itinerary.

While the early mornings and full schedule might not suit everyone, for those who thrive on activity and quick immersion, it provides an efficient way to experience a side of Peru that’s both mysterious and fun. Expect memorable moments, stunning views, and a taste of local flavors, all packed into two lively days.

This tour is particularly perfect for travelers who want an authentic, adventure-filled snapshot of southern Peru — a whirlwind trip that delivers big on variety and excitement.

FAQ

How early do I need to wake up for this tour?
You’ll be picked up between 4:00 am and 5:00 am, so a good night’s sleep before is recommended.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour provides tourist buses for the longer legs and private transfers for specific segments, ensuring comfortable travel.

What’s included in the price?
Most activities like boat trips, sandboarding, wine tasting, and the Nazca flight are included, along with transfers and lunch.

Can I do this tour if I have mobility issues?
It might be challenging, as activities involve walking and some activity in sandy environments.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, comfortable clothes, a passport or ID, and goggles for the sand dunes.

Is the Nazca Lines flight worth it?
Absolutely — it’s the highlight for many, offering a rare aerial perspective of these mysterious figures.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing flexibility if your plans change.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby