The Nazca Lines, Paracas & Huacachina Oasis (2D/1N) Private Trip

Discover Peru’s Iconic Sights in Just Two Days: Nazca Lines, Paracas & Huacachina Oasis

This 2-day private trip takes you through some of southern Peru’s most captivating landscapes. Starting from Lima, you’ll visit the Ballestas Islands, known for their abundant marine life, then explore the Paracas National Reserve with its striking desert-ocean contrast. The next day includes a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines and a visit to the Huacachina Oasis, where towering dunes and adventure sports await. Priced at $536.75 per person, with a travel time of around two days, this experience offers a well-rounded peek into Peru’s natural wonders.

What we particularly like about this tour is its combination of animal encounters and geographic marvels — from playful sea lions to the enigmatic figures etched into the desert. The inclusion of private transportation and a knowledgeable guide makes the journey comfortable and informative. Plus, the fact that the itinerary can be customized—whether you prefer staying in Paracas or Huacachina—adds a layer of flexibility that many travelers appreciate.

One potential consideration is that meals are not included, so you’ll need to plan for meals separately—something to keep in mind if you’re used to all-inclusive trips. This tour suits travelers who want a focused, authentic experience without the hassle of organizing each leg of the trip themselves, especially those interested in wildlife, archaeology, and desert adventure.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 2-day itinerary: visits marine wildlife, desert landscapes, and archaeological wonders.
• Expert-guided experience: knowledgeable guides enhance understanding of each site.
• Flexibility in accommodations: stay in Paracas or Huacachina, tailored to your preferences.
• Incredible views and unique sights: from sea lions and colonial geoglyphs to the Nazca Lines.
• Adventure sports included: dune buggy and sandboarding in Huacachina.
• Cost includes most activities, but meals and hotel are extras.

Exploring the Highlights of the Tour

Day 1: Marine Life and Coastal Beauty

Our adventure begins in Lima early in the morning with a pickup that smoothly transitions us onto the road toward Paracas. The drive itself is a chance to acclimate to the landscape, and you’ll notice the contrast between urban life and the open deserted coastlines.

The first major stop is the Islas Ballestas, often called the “Poor Man’s Galápagos.” Here, a speedy boat whisks us around islands teeming with sea lions, seabirds, and even penguins. It’s an active, lively scene, where you can expect to see seals basking on rocks and birds swooping overhead. The boat tour lasts about an hour, and your guide will point out the various species and explain their significance.

While the wildlife is a highlight, the Candelabro geoglyph nearby adds a mysterious touch. Carved into the hillside, its purpose remains debated—some say it’s a guide for sailors, others think it’s a ritual site from 2000 B.C. This geoglyph is visible from the boat and offers a reminder of Peru’s ancient ingenuity.

Next, the Paracas National Reserve showcases the dramatic interplay of desert, ocean, and sky. The landscape here is surreal: endless dunes meeting the Pacific, with migratory birds dotting the skies. Your guide will offer insights into the formation of this stark yet stunning scenery, and you’ll get a chance to take photos of the vast, untouched vistas. Staying in Paracas or Huacachina is flexible, depending on your preference for seaside relaxation or desert adventure.

Day 2: Archaeology and Adventure in the Desert

The highlight of the second day is the Nazca Lines overflight from Nazca Airport. These giant geoglyphs have puzzled scholars for centuries, with figures like the dog, spider, and monkey visible only from the air. The one-hour flight is a surreal experience—flying over the desert and seeing these enormous shapes etched into the earth. The tour includes an admission ticket, making it straightforward for travelers to enjoy this iconic wonder.

Following the Nazca Lines, the trip continues to the Huacachina Oasis, a tiny paradise surrounded by towering dunes and a lively hub for adventure sports. Here, you can opt for a dune buggy ride and sandboarding—activities that deliver adrenaline and fun. The landscape is captivating: the quiet green lagoon contrasting sharply with the surrounding golden dunes, perfect for relaxing or snapping memorable photos.

As the tour concludes, you’ll travel back to Lima and be dropped off at your hotel, completing a whirlwind but thoroughly rewarding adventure.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

One of the most praised aspects, based on reviews, is the knowledgeable guide—”Jonathan was very good,” as one traveler noted. His insights bring clarity to the sites, making the experience more meaningful. The small group size (max 16 travelers) ensures a personalized feel, avoiding the chaos of large tours.

The quality of the scenery is another winner. From the sea lions at Ballestas to the stark beauty of the Nazca Lines, the visuals are unforgettable. Plus, many reviews highlight the dune buggy and sandboarding as exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in Huacachina, perfect for those craving a bit of adrenaline.

The value of this tour also stands out. Despite the price tag, most activities—boat tour, Nazca flight, dune buggy—are included, saving you from unexpected expenses. The private vehicle and expert guide mean your trip is smooth and informative, not rushed or chaotic.

A Few Considerations

Since meals are not included, you’ll need to plan for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on your own. Some travelers might find this a minor inconvenience, but it’s a chance to sample local cuisine at your own pace. Also, the Nazca flight can be a bit nerve-wracking for those uneasy with small aircraft, so consider your comfort with flying.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience appeals most to travelers interested in geographical marvels, wildlife, and desert activities. It’s ideal if you appreciate guided insights and want a well-organized, all-in-one package. The tour’s flexibility makes it suitable for those wanting to stay in either Paracas or Huacachina, depending on their preferred atmosphere—ocean or desert.

It’s also perfect for those who prefer small groups and private transportation, ensuring a personalized touch. If you’re looking for a fun, educational, and visually stunning trip without the hassle of planning each piece, this tour hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 days, with early starts at 6:00 am on the first day and ending with a drop-off back in Lima.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers private air-conditioned transport, a knowledgeable guide, boat trips, entrance tickets to Paracas National Reserve, the Nazca Lines flight, and dune buggy and sandboarding activities.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included in the price. Travelers should plan to bring or buy their own breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Can I choose where to stay?
Yes, since it’s a private trip, accommodations can be arranged in Paracas or Huacachina based on your preferences.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the Nazca flight if flying makes you nervous. The tour is suitable for those comfortable with guided excursions and some physical activity for dune buggies and sandboarding.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, comfortable clothes, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera. If flying makes you uneasy, consider your comfort with small aircraft.

Is the Nazca Lines flight worth it?
Most travelers find the flight a highlight, offering a unique perspective of the giant geoglyphs. Just be aware that the flight duration is about an hour.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book approximately 21 days ahead, especially if planning during peak seasons.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day private tour delivers a concentrated dose of Peru’s best-known wonders—marine wildlife, ancient geoglyphs, and desert landscapes—delivered with expert guidance and flexibility. Its carefully curated itinerary balances adventure and education, making it perfect for travelers eager to see iconic sights without feeling rushed.

The inclusion of activities like dune buggy rides and sandboarding adds an adventure element that makes the trip memorable. The boat tour and Nazca flight provide a sense of scale and wonder that sticks with you. While meals are not included, the overall experience offers excellent value for the price, especially considering the private transport and guided expertise.

If you’re after an efficient, engaging way to tick off some of Peru’s most legendary sites, this tour is a solid choice. It suits those who love nature, archaeology, and a dash of adventure, all wrapped into a well-organized package that keeps logistics simple.

Embark on this journey if you’re looking to combine wildlife encounters, archaeological mysteries, and desert thrills in just two days—an authentic taste of southern Peru that’s hard to beat.