From Lima: Ica and Nazca Huacachina + Wines + Overflight/2D

Experience the Best of Ica and Nazca in Two Days

This 2-day adventure from Lima offers an exciting mix of culture, natural beauty, and ancient mysteries. For $519 per person, you’ll visit iconic sites like the Nazca Lines, Huacachina Oasis, and Cachiche Witches Park, while also tasting local wines and piscos. Led by friendly guides, this tour is ideal for travelers craving a blend of history, adrenaline, and authentic Peruvian charm.

What really makes this experience shine is the chance to fly over the Nazca Lines, seeing these mysterious figures from the sky—something only accessible through organized tours like this. Plus, the thrill of sandboarding in Huacachina adds an adrenaline rush that keeps the entire trip lively.

A potential consideration is the tight schedule and multiple transfers, which might leave some travelers wishing for more time at each stop. If you’re someone who prefers slow-paced, in-depth exploration, this tour’s brisk itinerary might feel rushed.

This trip suits those eager for a compact, well-organized experience that maximizes sightseeing, culture, and adventure within a short timeframe. It’s especially good for travelers who want to tick off key highlights without the hassle of planning each step.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covers Ica, Huacachina, and Nazca with a mix of history, nature, and adventure.
• Includes the Nazca Lines flyover, a must-see for any visitor interested in Peru’s mysterious geoglyphs.
• Wineries and cultural stops provide authentic tastes and stories about the region’s traditions.
• Transport and transfers are organized, making logistics easier for travelers.
• One night accommodation in a 2-star hotel offers simplicity and value without sacrificing comfort.
• Active experiences like sandboarding and dune rides add a fun, adrenaline-filled element to the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Ica and Nazca Experience

This tour is a whirlwind that balances cultural exploration, natural beauty, and adventure—all in just two days. We’ll break down each stop so you know exactly what to expect and why it’s worth your time.

Starting from Lima

You’ll begin with a bus ride from Lima’s Cruz del Sur or Peru VIP Bus terminal, heading south to Ica. The journey typically starts in the late morning or early afternoon, depending on your chosen schedule. This long drive, usually around 4 to 5 hours, might seem lengthy, but it’s a chance to settle in and start dreaming about what’s ahead.

Cachiche Hamlet & Witches Park

Our first stop is the Cachiche hamlet, famous for its legendary seven-headed palm tree and mystical reputation. Here, we loved the way the guide explained local myths — it’s a fun way to get to know Ica’s eccentric side. The Witches Park adds a quirky, spiritual layer, inviting curious visitors to learn about local beliefs. It’s a good photo opportunity and sets a playful tone for the trip.

The House of Tiles and Local Delights

Next, we visited the House of Tiles, where you can browse and buy traditional Ica tiles and chocolates. It’s a small shop, but it provides a nice break and a chance to pick up unique souvenirs. We appreciated the option to taste regional treats here—something we always look for in authentic tours.

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Artisanal Winery Experience

One of the highlights was the winery tour, where we learned about the artisanal process of making wines and piscos. The guide explained the natural ingredients used—no mass production here—and we enjoyed tasting a variety of local wines and spirits, including the famous pisco. For wine lovers or those curious about Peruvian spirits, this is a real treat.

Huacachina Oasis

By late afternoon, it’s time for the Huacachina Oasis—arguably the most Instagram-worthy stop. Surrounded by towering dunes, the lagoon offers an incredible desert landscape. We loved the 4X4 dune rides, which are both exhilarating and scenic. The driver’s quick tips on sandboarding made trying it out surprisingly straightforward, and the thrill of sliding down the dunes was truly memorable.

Sunset and Dune Views

If you happen to be there around sunset, the shifting colors over the dunes make for fantastic photos and a peaceful moment amid the adrenaline. Be prepared for some dust and wind, but it’s all part of the adventure.

Evening Transfer and Hotel Stay

After a full day of activity, it’s a relaxed moment to check into a simple 2-star hotel, where you can unwind before the early start the next day.

Day Two: Nazca Lines and More

The second day begins early with a transfer to Nazca, about a 2-hour drive from Ica. The highlight here is the Nazca Lines flyover, which is truly an experience unlike any other.

Nazca Lines Overflight

Inside the Nazca Aerodrome, you’ll go through a quick check-in process. We appreciated the transparency about waiting times—up to 2 hours depending on demand and weather—and the strict weight limit of 95 kg. The flight lasts about 30 minutes, during which you’ll see famous figures like the Monkey, Hummingbird, and the Astronaut. Flying in a small plane, you get a bird’s eye view of these enormous geoglyphs, revealing their shapes in a way you simply can’t from the ground.

The experience is both awe-inspiring and slightly nerve-wracking, especially for those prone to motion sickness. The views, however, are stunning, and many travelers say it’s worth every penny.

Free Time and Lunch

After the flight, you’ll have some free time for lunch and exploring Nazca town, a quiet place where you can absorb the local atmosphere before heading back to Lima.

Return to Lima

By late afternoon, the bus departs for Lima, completing this packed but rewarding two-day trip.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

Price and Value: At $519, this tour offers a lot—transportation, guides, entrance fees, and an overnight stay. While not inexpensive, considering the inclusions and the unique experiences, many find it to be good value. The organized nature saves you the hassle of planning each step and ensures you hit all the highlights.

Transportation: Comfortable bus transfers make the long drives manageable. The organized pickups from hotels or bus stations streamline logistics, allowing you to relax and focus on the scenery and sites.

Accommodation: Staying in a basic but comfortable 2-star hotel keeps costs down and offers a simple base for your busy days.

Age and Fitness: The tour involves some walking, a short flight, and active dune rides, so a moderate level of mobility and comfort with small aircraft is helpful.

Language: Guides speak both English and Spanish, making the experience accessible for most travelers.

Weather Considerations: The Nazca Lines flight depends heavily on weather conditions. If the sky is cloudy or windy, delays are possible, so flexibility is advisable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, all-in-one trip that covers major sights in just two days. It’s particularly suited for those eager to see the Nazca Lines from the air, enjoy adrenaline-filled dune rides, and indulge in local wines and cultural stories.

If you’re short on time but want a well-organized taste of Ica and Nazca, this tour delivers. However, if you prefer slow travel with more time at each location, you might find the schedule a little tight.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Lima offers a balanced mix of history, adventure, and local flavor. It’s a practical choice for travelers seeking a concise yet immersive experience of Peru’s southern desert region. The highlights—especially the Nazca Lines flyover and Huacachina dune rides—are unforgettable.

While the pace is brisk and logistics are streamlined, that’s part of the appeal for those who want to see the major sites without hassle. The inclusion of wine tastings and cultural stops adds depth and authenticity to the trip.

In the end, this is a solid choice for those looking to maximize their short trip with a mix of scenic beauty, ancient mysteries, and lively adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
While the tour involves some walking and active experiences like sandboarding, the primary transportation and site visits are manageable, but check with your guide if you have specific mobility concerns.

How long is the Nazca Lines flight?
The flight lasts approximately 30 minutes, during which you’ll see the geoglyphs from above. It’s a short but highly memorable experience.

Are meals included in this tour?
No, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are not included, but there are opportunities to buy food during the day, especially at the winery and in Nazca.

What should I bring for the dune rides?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable clothing. For sandboarding, wear clothes you don’t mind getting dusty, and consider bringing a scarf or bandana for dust protection.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, especially the Nazca Lines flyover. Flights may be canceled or delayed if weather conditions are poor, so remain flexible.

How many people typically join this tour?
While the exact group size isn’t specified, organized tours like this often have small groups, making the experience more personalized and engaging.

This detailed review should help you decide if this two-day adventure fits your travel style and expectations. It’s a well-rounded trip that offers an authentic glimpse into Peru’s iconic sites, with enough excitement and culture to satisfy most curious travelers.

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