Paracas and Nazca 2 Days
- Duration
- 2 Days / 1 Night
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Altitude
- 287 m / 942 ft
- Group Size
- Small Group or Private Service
- Tour Language
- English and Spanish.
Ballestas Islands, Paracas National Reserve, Huacachina Oasis, and Nazca Lines
Explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes along Peru's southern coast on this 2-day adventure that combines wildlife, nature, desert scenery, an oasis, and one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries: the Nazca Lines.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want to visit Paracas, Huacachina, and Nazca at a comfortable pace, enjoying each destination with more time and flexibility than a typical one-day trip from Lima.
On the first day, you'll visit the famous Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a wide variety of marine birds. You'll then explore the Paracas National Reserve, where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean, creating some of the most unique coastal landscapes in South America. Later, you'll travel to Huacachina, a spectacular desert oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes, where you'll enjoy an exciting dune buggy and sandboarding adventure at sunset.
The second day takes you to Nazca, where you'll have the opportunity to experience the famous Nazca Lines flightseeing tour and admire enormous geoglyphs etched into the desert more than a thousand years ago. You'll also discover some of the region's most important cultural attractions before returning.
This experience combines adventure, history, nature, and some of Peru's most remarkable landscapes in a perfectly organized 2-day journey.+
- Location: Paracas, Ica, Huacachina, and Nazca – Southern Coast of Peru.
- Tour Type: Nature, adventure, archaeology, and scenic landscapes.
- Ideal For: Couples, families, groups of friends, photographers, and first-time visitors to Peru.
- Difficulty: Easy. Includes short walks and optional desert activities.
- Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night.
- Languages: English and Spanish.
- Service Type: Small Group or Private Service.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Nazca or Huacachina depending on availability and selected category.
- Transportation: Tourist transportation throughout the entire tour.
Tour Highlights
- Cruise to the Ballestas Islands and observe marine wildlife.
- Visit the Paracas National Reserve.
- Explore Red Beach and dramatic coastal desert landscapes.
- Discover the Huacachina Oasis.
- Enjoy an exciting dune buggy and sandboarding adventure.
- Watch the sunset from the desert dunes.
- Fly over the world-famous Nazca Lines.
- Experience some of the most spectacular landscapes on Peru's southern coast.
- Enjoy a complete 2-day adventure with accommodation included.
Included
- Pickup from hotels or designated meeting point in Lima.
- Tourist transportation throughout the entire tour.
- Boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands.
- Life jacket during the boat tour.
- Guided visit to the Paracas National Reserve.
- Visit to the Huacachina Oasis.
- Dune buggy adventure through the desert.
- Sandboarding activity.
- 1 night accommodation in Nazca.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Nazca Lines flightseeing tour.
- Transfers between the hotel and Nazca airfield.
- Professional guide during excursions.
- Assistance before and throughout the entire journey.
- Return transportation to Lima.
Not Included
- Lunches and dinners.
- Nazca airport tax (if applicable).
- Nazca Lines tourist tax (if applicable).
- Travel insurance.
- Beverages and snacks.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for guides and drivers.
- Services not specifically mentioned in the included section.
Day 1: Lima – Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Paracas National Reserve – Huacachina – Nazca
Your adventure begins with hotel pickup in Lima at approximately 4:00 AM. From there, we travel along Peru's southern coast toward Paracas, a charming seaside town known for its incredible biodiversity and marine wildlife.
Upon arrival at the Paracas port, you'll board a tourist boat for an excursion to the famous Ballestas Islands. During the cruise, you'll see the mysterious geoglyph known as El Candelabro, a giant figure etched into a hillside overlooking the ocean. As the journey continues, you'll explore the islands, home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and numerous seabird species living within this protected natural reserve.
After the boat excursion, we continue to the Paracas National Reserve, one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Peru's coastline. Here you'll witness the dramatic meeting point of the desert and the Pacific Ocean, creating unique scenery of beaches, cliffs, and geological formations. Highlights include Red Beach and several scenic viewpoints offering spectacular coastal views.
Following the reserve visit, we travel to Huacachina, a natural desert oasis surrounded by massive sand dunes in the heart of the Ica Desert. You'll have time to explore the oasis, take photographs, and enjoy the unique atmosphere that has made Huacachina one of southern Peru's most popular destinations.
In the afternoon, you'll experience one of the most exciting parts of the trip as you ride across the dunes in specially designed dune buggies. During this adventure, you'll also have the opportunity to try sandboarding and witness one of Peru's most spectacular sunsets from the top of the dunes.
After the activity, we continue our journey to Nazca. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and have time to relax before the next day's adventure.
- Meals: Not included.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Nazca according to the selected category.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Approximate Altitude: Nazca is located at 520 m / 1,706 ft above sea level.
Day 2: Nazca Lines Flightseeing Tour – Return to Lima
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to the Nazca airfield for one of the most anticipated experiences of the trip: the flight over the world-famous Nazca Lines.
Before the flight, you'll receive a brief safety orientation and learn about the history of these mysterious geoglyphs. You will then board a small aircraft for an unforgettable aerial view of some of the desert's most famous figures, including the Hummingbird, Monkey, Spider, Condor, Whale, and many other designs created more than a thousand years ago.
For approximately 30 to 35 minutes, you'll enjoy a unique perspective of one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries. Your pilot and guide will help identify the figures as you fly over the vast Nazca Desert.
After the flight, you'll have free time to relax, explore part of the city, or enjoy lunch on your own before beginning the return journey to Lima.
In the afternoon, we travel back along the Pan-American Highway, enjoying the coastal scenery once again. Arrival in Lima is expected in the evening, marking the end of this unforgettable two-day adventure through some of southern Peru's most fascinating destinations.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Flight Duration: Approximately 30 to 35 minutes.
- Maximum Altitude: Scenic flight over the Nazca Desert.
What to Bring
We recommend bringing:
Original passport or valid identification document.
Small backpack.
Comfortable walking shoes.
Lightweight and comfortable clothing.
Light jacket for the early morning hours.
Sunscreen.
Sunglasses.
Hat or cap.
Reusable water bottle.
Camera or smartphone.
Cash for personal expenses.
Personal medications if necessary.
Important
Your passport or valid identification document is mandatory for boarding the Nazca Lines flight.
Shared Service
From USD 480 per person
Private Service
Please contact us for availability and customized rates.
Prices may vary depending on the season, flight availability, and current aviation regulations.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Paracas and Nazca 2-Day Tour?
The experience lasts approximately 2 days and 1 night, including transportation, accommodation, excursions, and the Nazca Lines flight.
Are the Nazca Lines included?
Yes. The Nazca Lines flightseeing tour is included in the program. Depending on current regulations, certain airport taxes or fees may need to be paid directly at the airfield.
Is the flight safe?
Yes. Flights are operated by authorized companies supervised by Peruvian aviation authorities. Aircraft receive regular maintenance, and pilots have extensive experience conducting sightseeing flights over the Nazca Desert.
Do I need my passport for the flight?
Yes. All passengers must present their original passport or valid identification document before boarding the aircraft.
Which figures can be seen during the flight?
Depending on operational conditions, you may observe the Hummingbird, Monkey, Spider, Condor, Dog, Whale, Astronaut, and several other figures etched into the Nazca Desert.
Is the Ballestas Islands excursion included?
Yes. The tour includes the boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands with wildlife observation accompanied by a professional guide.
What animals can I see on the Ballestas Islands?
Common sightings include sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, boobies, cormorants, and a variety of marine bird species.
Are the dune buggy and sandboarding activities included?
Yes. The Huacachina experience includes a dune buggy ride across the desert dunes as well as sandboarding.
Do I need previous experience for sandboarding?
No. The activity is designed for beginners and requires no prior experience.
Where will I spend the night?
The program includes one night of accommodation in Nazca. Depending on availability and preferences, upgraded lodging options can also be arranged.
What type of hotel is included?
The standard package generally includes tourist-class accommodation with a private room, private bathroom, and breakfast. Upgraded hotel options are available.
Is this tour recommended for families?
Yes. It is an excellent experience for families, couples, and groups of friends who want to combine nature, adventure, and history in a single trip.
Are there age restrictions for the Nazca flight?
There are generally no specific age restrictions; however, we recommend consulting in advance if traveling with very young children, individuals with heart conditions, or travelers who are highly sensitive to motion.
Can I book this tour as a private service?
Yes. We can organize this experience as a private tour for travelers seeking greater flexibility, personalized service, and customized schedules.
What is the best time of year to take this tour?
The tour operates year-round. Peru's southern coast experiences very little rainfall and generally offers favorable conditions for tourism during most months.
What makes this tour special?
The combination of the Ballestas Islands, Paracas National Reserve, Huacachina Oasis, and the Nazca Lines allows travelers to experience some of Peru's most spectacular and diverse landscapes in just two days. Few journeys combine marine wildlife, desert adventures, archaeology, and cultural history in a single itinerary.
