From Lima: Ica and Nazca Huacachina + Wines + Overflight

Experience Ica and Nazca in Two Days: Dunes, Wines, and Ancient Lines
This two-day tour from Lima, priced at $519 per person, offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, culture, and stunning sights in the Ica region of Peru. Highlights include watching the sunset over Huacachina’s dunes, tasting artisanal wines and piscos, exploring the mystical Nazca Lines from the air, and delving into local traditions at Cachiche Witches Park.

What we love most is the chance to ride in a 4X4 across the dunes—an adrenaline rush that’s hard to beat—and the small group size, which makes the experience more intimate and personal. The tour’s inclusion of a Nazca Lines overflight adds a thrilling aerial perspective that’s both awe-inspiring and memorable.

A potential consideration is that this tour has a packed schedule, with early mornings and a fair amount of travel time, which might be tiring for some. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure and cultural exploration and are comfortable with a fast-paced itinerary.

If you’re looking for a tour that offers authentic local experiences combined with a bit of adventure, this trip is an excellent choice. Whether you’re a history buff, a wine lover, or an adrenaline junkie, you’ll find something to enjoy in these two days.

• Authentic Cultural Visits: Discover Cachiche, Witches Park, and artisanal wineries for a taste of local traditions.
• Adventure Activities: Sandboarding and dune buggy rides provide a real thrill on the dunes.
• Unique Overflight: The Nazca Lines aerial tour offers a spectacular view of mysterious geoglyphs.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• All-Inclusive Value: Bus tickets, transfers, entrance fees, and a night’s hotel stay are included.
• Time-Efficient: Covers major highlights in just two days, ideal for travelers with limited time.

Starting the Adventure: From Lima to Ica

The journey begins with a bus ride from Lima, either with Cruz del Sur or Peru VIP, setting out early to maximize your time. The transfer is smooth, and since all transportation is organized, you can relax and enjoy the scenic ride south along Peru’s coast. Once in Ica, the adventure kicks off with a quick hotel check-in, giving you a base for the next two days.

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Exploring Cachiche and Witches Park

The first stop, Cachiche Hamlet, is famed for its mystical reputation and quirky sights. The 7-headed palm tree is a local curiosity, and the Witches Theme Park offers insight into Ica’s legends. We love how this stop makes the mystical side of Peru tangible, with stories and traditions still very much alive. It’s a fun, quirky introduction that sets the tone for a trip blending the strange and wonderful.

Artisanal Winery Visit: Tasting the Flavors of Ica

Next, we visit an artisanal winery where you’ll see how traditional Peruvian wines and piscos are made. The guided tasting is a highlight—sipping local wines and cachinas while learning about the craft from knowledgeable staff. You’ll have time to purchase some bottles or chocolates to take home, making this a genuine local experience rather than a generic tour stop.

Huacachina Oasis and Dunes

No visit to Ica is complete without experiencing Huacachina, a desert oasis surrounded by towering dunes. Here, you’ll hop into a 4X4 buggy, an experience that’s both exhilarating and visually stunning. The driver will give you tips on sandboarding—think of it as surfing on the dunes—which provides an adrenaline boost and fantastic photo opportunities.

Numerous reviews mention how spectacular the sunset views are from the dunes, and we agree—this is a sight you’ll want to remember. The combination of adrenaline, natural beauty, and the desert landscape makes Huacachina a top highlight.

Nazca Lines: An Aerial Enigma

The next morning, the focus shifts to the Nazca Lines. You’ll transfer to the Nazca Aerodrome, where after a short wait, you’ll take a 30-minute flight over these mysterious geoglyphs. The flight offers stunning views of figures like the Spider, Monkey, and the Astronaut. Many travelers find the Nazca Lines both fascinating and a little surreal, as they remain a puzzle for archaeologists.

The experience of flying over these giant figures, many of which are best appreciated from the air, is a true once-in-a-lifetime moment. As one reviewer noted, “Seeing the lines from the sky makes you realize how enormous and detailed these ancient figures are.”

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After the Flight: Lunch and Return to Lima

Post-flight, you’ll have some free time for lunch—try local dishes or relax at a nearby restaurant. The return bus to Lima departs in the early afternoon, wrapping up an intense but rewarding two days of exploration.

This tour is well-organized, with all logistics taken care of, including transportation, transfers, and entrance fees. The small group format makes for a more personalized experience, and the guides are generally attentive and knowledgeable.

The price of $519 reflects the inclusive nature of the tour—bus tickets, hotel, activities, and the Nazca flight are all covered. While not cheap, the price offers good value for a comprehensive experience that would be hard to replicate on your own, especially with the logistical complexities of arranging flights and transfers.

Travelers should be prepared for early mornings, as the schedule is tight, and the bus ride from Lima takes several hours. The Nazca flight requires weighing before boarding and has a weight limit of 95 kg—so if you’re on the heavier side, you might need to buy an additional seat.

The tour is ideal for those who thrive on varied experiences—combining adventure, culture, and history in one packed itinerary. If you prefer slow-paced, relaxed trips, this might feel rushed, but for quick yet profound glimpses of Peru’s deserts and ancient lines, it’s hard to beat.

This experience offers a remarkable balance of adventure and cultural discovery. The dunes and sandboarding provide thrills, while the visits to Cachiche and local wineries root you in local traditions. The Nazca Lines flight transforms a sightseeing stop into a memorable highlight that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

It’s especially suited for adventure lovers, history buffs, or curious travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Ica and Nazca without spending weeks on the road. The inclusion of transportation, accommodations, and entry fees also makes planning easier, reducing the hassle of organizing each component independently.

However, the busy schedule might not appeal to those who prefer leisurely exploration or travelers with physical limitations—some activities like sandboarding and bus rides can be physically demanding or tiring.

Is this a guided tour?
Yes, the tour includes a live guide who speaks English and provides commentary throughout the trip, making sure you understand the significance of each site.

What is included in the price?
Bus tickets from Lima to Ica and back, transfers, one night in a 2-star hotel, entry tickets to Ica and Nazca, the Nazca Lines flyover, and guided tours are included.

Are meals included?
No, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are not covered, so you can enjoy local dishes on your own during free time.

How long is the Nazca Lines flight?
The flight lasts approximately 30 minutes, giving you a good overview of the geoglyphs.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for the dunes. A light jacket might be useful for the early Nazca flight, and don’t forget your camera.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
The tour involves some physical activity like sandboarding and bumpy dune rides, so it’s best suited for active travelers. Elderly participants should consider their mobility and comfort with early mornings and longer bus rides.

How many people are in each group?
This is a small group tour limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The Nazca flight depends heavily on weather conditions. If canceled, alternative activities or a refund are possible, but check the specific policy for this tour.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Rescheduling depends on availability and must be arranged through the provider.

In short, this tour offers a compelling blend of adventure and culture, ideal for travelers eager for authentic experiences and unforgettable sights in a compact, well-organized package. Whether it’s the thrill of sandboarding, the mystique of the Nazca Lines, or the charm of local wineries, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in these two days. Just be prepared for the pace—and the fun.

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