Tour Flyover to Nazca Lines and Huacachina Oasis

Experience the Wonders of Peru: Nazca Lines, Huacachina, and Pisco

Traveling through Peru often means encountering a mix of breathtaking landscapes, ancient mysteries, and lively local culture. This full-day tour from Lima offers an exciting blend of all three, starting with a flyover of the Nazca Lines, heading to the Huacachina Oasis, and finishing with a visit to a Pisco winery. Priced at around $332 per person and lasting approximately 17 hours, it’s a long but highly rewarding day out.

What we really love about this experience is the opportunity to see the Nazca geoglyphs from the air, offering a perspective that’s nearly impossible to appreciate from the ground—huge figures like the hummingbird and monkey come to life in the sky. Plus, the adventure in Huacachina, with optional sandboarding and tubular rides, makes it much more than just sightseeing.

One thing to keep in mind: this tour starts very early, around 3:00 am, which might be a challenge for some travelers. But if you’re an early riser or keen to make the most of your day, the payoff is worth it. This tour suits those with a sense of adventure, curiosity about ancient mysteries, and a desire to combine natural beauty with local culture.

Key Points

• Stunning aerial views of the Nazca Lines, revealing their full scale and intricate design.
• Exciting dune activities in Huacachina, like sandboarding and dune buggy rides.
• Educational introduction at Maria Reiche airport about the significance of the geoglyphs.
• Visit to a Pisco winery, tasting authentic Peruvian spirits with expert guidance.
• All-inclusive with transport, guide, and entry tickets, providing good value.
• Long day, so be prepared for early mornings and full schedules.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Nazca Lines Flyover: A Bird’s Eye View of Ancient Art

The journey begins with a pickup from your Lima hotel, followed by a drive to Nazca, where you’ll visit Maria Reiche airport. Here, your guide will introduce you to the mysteries of the Nazca Lines through a short video, explaining their cultural importance, folklore, and the theories behind their origins. This sets a knowledgeable tone before boarding the small airplane for the 40-minute flyover.

From above, you’ll see some of the most iconic geoglyphs: the hummingbird, spider, pelican, condor, monkey, and the tree. These figures are vast—some hundreds of meters long—and require an aerial view to truly grasp their scale and details. Many reviewers emphasize how the views and photos are unforgettable, with one noting that the experience is “one that I will share and strongly recommend.”

A key point is the inclusion of the flight ticket in the tour price, which is crucial because separate flights can be expensive. The small aircraft offers an intimate experience, though it can be a little bumpy, so it’s good to be prepared if you’re prone to motion sickness.

Huacachina Oasis: Dunes, Adventures, and Relaxation

After the Nazca flight, the tour continues to the Huacachina Oasis, a tiny lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes in Ica. This desert jewel offers a stark contrast to the dry plains of Nazca—the warm, quiet waters and surrounding dunes make it a perfect spot for a relaxing break.

Here, you’ll have approximately 3 hours to simply soak in the scenery or opt for some adrenaline-pumping activities. The most popular are sandboarding and dune buggy rides—both of which are available as optional tours. Several reviewers mention that the adventure in the dunes is a highlight, with some describing it as “very exciting and unforgettable.”

The tubulars—dune buggies—offer a fast, bumpy ride over the sand, while sandboarding lets you slide down the dunes, similar to snowboarding but on shifting sands. If you’re feeling brave and energetic, these are inexpensive ways to add a lot of fun to your day.

Pisco Tasting at Bodegas Pisco Nietto

As the day winds down, you’ll visit the Ica farms to experience a Pisco tasting at Bodegas Pisco Nietto. This is an authentic insight into Peru’s national spirit—El Pisco. An expert guide will demonstrate the process of distillation and production, enriching your appreciation for this Peruvian staple.

Expect to taste various products: wines, macerados, Pisco, and Pisco creams, all with lively explanations and, often, a friendly atmosphere. Reviewers highlight the exquisite food and spirits, emphasizing how the experience exceeds expectations—and it’s a nice way to conclude the day with a flavorful, cultural note.

All-Inclusive and Practical Considerations

The tour includes transportation, an official guide, and tickets for the Nazca flight and the Pisco winery. However, it excludes meals and additional expenses, so packing snacks or a meal beforehand is advisable, especially since the tour runs all day.

Starting at 3:00 am means you’ll need to be prepared for an early wake-up, but this allows you to maximize your daylight hours. The transportation is described as good, clean, and tidy, with most travelers feeling that the group size is manageable and guides are attentive and informative.

Authentic Experiences and What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and stunning views, with many noting the excellent service and friendly attitude of the staff, especially guides like Joel and Valeria. Many mention how they felt well attended and appreciated throughout the day.

Multiple reviewers refer to the value for money, especially considering the included tickets and activities. One said, “It exceeded my expectations and everything needed a photo,” emphasizing the quality of the experience. Others highlight the adventure aspect, like surfing the dunes, which adds a memorable adrenaline rush.

Some negatives are related to early start times and organisational hiccups, but overall, the consensus is very positive. The tour seems well-organized and thoughtfully curated for travelers seeking a mix of history, adventure, and culture.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Nazca and Huacachina tour is perfect if you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines aerial marvels, desert thrills, and local flavors. It suits adventure lovers, history buffs, and photographers eager to capture the iconic Nazca geoglyphs from the sky.

Travelers who enjoy guided experiences and want everything arranged for them—transport, tickets, and guided commentary—will find this offers great value. It’s especially suitable for those comfortable with long days and early mornings, as the tour starts at 3 am.

If you’re on a tight budget, consider the cost-benefit balance, but for many, the inclusion of quality guides and authentic experiences makes it worth the price. Families, couples, or solo travelers who want a mix of culture, adventure, and memorable photos will likely find this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides tourist transport from and back to your Lima hotel, as well as during the day’s activities.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts about 17 hours, starting early at around 3:00 am and returning late in the evening.

Are guides available in English and Spanish?
Yes, the tour offers face-to-face guides in both languages, ensuring clear explanations and a friendly experience.

What activities are optional at Huacachina?
Sandboarding and dune buggy rides are optional activities you can choose to enjoy in the dunes.

What is included in the ticket price?
The price covers airplane tickets over the Nazca Lines, entrance to the Nazca airport, Huacachina, and the Pisco winery, as well as transportation and guides.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the early start and long hours might be tiring for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so plan to bring snacks or eat before or after the tour.

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Pickup begins early in the morning, around 3:00 am, so be prepared to wake up early and get ready for a full day of exploration.

This tour offers a fascinating look at some of Peru’s most iconic sights, delivered with practical organization and authentic experiences. Whether you’re enthralled by the mysteries of the Nazca Lines, eager for dune adventures, or curious about local spirits, this trip packs a lot into one memorable day.