Ballestas Islands, Winery & Nazca Lines Express Tour from Lima

An Exciting Day Trip from Lima: The Ballestas Islands, Nazca Lines & Winery Tour

If you’re looking to pack a lot of iconic Peruvian sights into just one day, this private tour offers a fascinating mix of wildlife, ancient geoglyphs, and local flavors. Starting early from Lima, you’ll head south to the Paracas National Reserve before setting sail on a boat to the Ballestas Islands, where sea lions and penguins lounge in their natural habitat. Then, you’ll take to the skies over the mysterious Nazca Lines in a small plane, getting a bird’s-eye view of these ancient carvings. Finally, the day rounds out with a visit to a local winery in Ica, where you can taste some of Peru’s best wines and piscos.

We love how this tour combines authentic wildlife encounters with aerial archaeology—it’s not just about looking at pictures, but experiencing the landscapes from multiple perspectives. The private guide ensures a tailored experience, making it easier to ask questions and get personalized suggestions. Plus, the inclusion of breakfast, lunch, and wine tasting adds real value, turning a sightseeing trip into a full-day culinary and cultural adventure.

One possible consideration is the long day’s travel and early start, which might be tiring but is well worth it for the highlights. Since it’s a private tour, it’s particularly suited for travelers who prefer comfort, flexibility, and a more intimate experience. If you’re eager to see Peru’s most famous sights without sacrificing comfort or personal attention, this trip could be just right.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience combining wildlife, archaeology, and local food and drink.
• Private tour ensures personalized attention and flexibility.
• Includes all major fees like boat and flight tickets, adding to the overall value.
• Early start and long day require good stamina but reward with iconic sights.
• Ideal for those interested in wildlife, ancient geoglyphs, and Peruvian wines.
• Limited group size enhances comfort and engagement with your guide.

Exploring the Full Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Early Morning Pickup and Scenic Drive to Paracas

The day kicks off at 4:30 am with a hotel pickup in Lima. While this is quite early, it’s the trade-off for seeing these highlights in one day. As you depart southward, you’ll pass through Peru’s lively coastal landscape, eventually reaching the Paracas National Reserve. Expect a comfortable ride with a knowledgeable guide, who will likely share insights about the region and its ecological significance. We appreciated the “outstanding room” in the vehicle, making the long hours more bearable.

The Boat Trip to the Ballestas Islands

By about 7:40 am, you’ll arrive at the port of Paracas to board a boat heading toward the Ballestas Islands. This part of the tour is a lively, close-up wildlife experience—think sea lions basking on rocks, playful penguins waddling around, seagulls soaring overhead, and views of the famous “Paracas Candelabra” geoglyph etched into the hillside. This geoglyph’s purpose remains a bit of a mystery, adding an element of intrigue that we found fascinating.

The boat ride lasts about two hours, during which your guide, such as the reviewer Keith, will help point out wildlife and share facts about the ecosystem. The boat is typically well equipped, and the experience is lively without feeling crowded. You’ll get a real sense of the coastal biodiversity and the importance of these islands as a sanctuary.

Overflight of the Nazca Lines

Next, you’ll head to an aerodrome in Nazca for the highlight of many visitors’ trip: flying over the Nazca Lines. The experience begins with an informative video explaining the history and theories behind these massive geoglyphs—ranging from animals to humanoid figures and geometric shapes.

Boarding a small plane, like the Cessna Grand Caravan, you’ll take to the skies with a pilot and co-pilot at your side. The brief but breathtaking flight offers a unique perspective on these ancient markings, some measuring hundreds of meters long. You’ll have ample opportunities to snap photos of the whale, monkey, astronaut, hummingbird, and more—truly a photographer’s dream.

While some may find the flight a bit bumpy, most reviews mention that the experience is worth the slight discomfort, especially given the clarity of the views and the chance to see these mysterious geoglyphs from above. It’s worth noting that the site is believed to have been an astronomical calendar, although its exact purpose remains debated.

Lunch and Winery Visit in Ica

After descending from the skies, you’ll enjoy a delicious Peruvian lunch at a local restaurant, with drinks included. This is a great opportunity to relax, soak in the flavors of Peru, and reflect on the morning’s adventures.

Optionally, you can take a winery tour and tasting — an aspect that several travelers, like Keith, found especially enjoyable. Tasting regional wines and piscos in Ica allows you to connect with Peru’s thriving local alcohol industry, often praised for its excellent wine selection and affordable prices. The tasting experience adds a delightful, authentic touch that many reviews highlight as a highlight of the day.

Return to Lima

Your day concludes with a scenic drive back to Lima, arriving around 7 pm. This long but rewarding day allows you to cover some of Peru’s most iconic sites without the hassle of multiple trips or overnight stays.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Wildlife and Geoglyphs in One Day: The combination of the Ballestas Islands and Nazca Lines gives you both an up-close encounter with peripheral coastal wildlife and a glimpse into ancient human ingenuity. It’s a perfect blend for travelers who want to see a wide range of what Peru offers.

All-Inclusive Pricing: The tour includes boat and flight tickets, taxes, breakfast, lunch, and wine tastings—meaning you won’t be hit with surprise fees. The thoughtful inclusion of meals and drinks enhances the overall value, especially considering the long day.

Private Experience: With only your group and a knowledgeable guide, you get more personalized attention and the flexibility to ask questions. This makes the experience more engaging and less rushed than larger group tours.

Authentic Flavors and Tastes: The local winery visit and tastings add an extra layer of culture, highlighting Peru’s vibrant wine and pisco industries—something not always included in standard tours.

Considerations for Travelers

While this tour offers a great overview, it’s important to note that the early start and long hours may not suit everyone. If you’re not a morning person or have mobility concerns, it’s worth considering whether a more relaxed itinerary might be better.

The flight over the Nazca Lines is brief and in a small plane, which might be uncomfortable for those prone to motion sickness. However, most travelers find the views breathtaking and worth the slight discomfort.

Finally, the additional fee of 47 soles for the Nazca Lines tourist ticket is not included in the price, so be prepared for that small extra expense.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time in Peru without sacrificing depth. If you’re fascinated by wildlife, ancient mysteries, and local flavors all in one day, this trip hits all those marks. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate personalized, private tours and are comfortable with early mornings and a full day of sightseeing.

It also works well for those who enjoy photography, as you’ll get incredible opportunities from the boat, plane, and land. Lastly, if you’re eager to indulge in Peruvian wines and piscos, the winery visit offers a delightful taste of the country’s beverage culture.

FAQs

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
The tour begins with a pickup at 4:30 am, so plan to be ready slightly earlier to ensure timely departure.

Does the tour include all entrance fees?
Yes, the boat tickets for the Ballestas Islands and the flight over the Nazca Lines are included, as well as taxes. The only additional fee is for the Nazca Lines tourist ticket, which costs 47 soles.

Is the plane flight over the Nazca Lines safe?
While the flight is in a small aircraft, most travelers find it safe and enjoyable. The pilot and co-pilot are experienced, and the views are spectacular—just be prepared for a brief, bumpy ride if you’re sensitive to motion.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refundable.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
While most travelers participate comfortably, the early start, long day, and small plane flight may pose challenges for very young children or those with mobility issues. Use your discretion depending on your comfort level.

How much should I budget for extras?
The tour price is comprehensive, but remember to bring cash or card for the Nazca Lines ticket (47 soles) and personal expenses. Tipping is optional but appreciated.

Final Thoughts

This private tour from Lima offers a well-rounded glimpse into some of Peru’s most captivating sights. The mix of wildlife, archaeology, and local flavors makes it a rewarding experience for curious travelers eager to see the country’s highlights in a single day. The private guide’s attention and the inclusive nature of the tour add convenience and comfort, making it a great choice for those who appreciate personalized service.

While it’s a full and sometimes long day, the combination of sea lions lounging on rocky shores, mysterious geoglyphs from the air, and tastings of Peru’s best wines make it a truly memorable journey. If you want an authentic, comprehensive, and value-packed adventure that covers multiple facets of Peru—this tour can be a perfect fit.

Happy travels, and enjoy discovering the treasures of Peru with this exciting day trip from Lima!