Explore the best of Peru’s southern coast in just two days. This exciting tour combines nature, culture, and adventure, taking you to the stunning Ballestas Islands, the vineyards of Ica, the magical Huacachina Oasis, and a breathtaking flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines.
Along the way, you’ll discover marine wildlife, taste traditional Pisco and wine, and ride through the golden dunes in sand buggies. This tour is ideal for those looking to enjoy authentic coastal experiences in a short time. Enjoy a safe, well-organized itinerary with expert guidance and immerse yourself in the wonders of southern Peru.
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Ballestas Islands – Vineyards – Oasis and Dunes – Nazca Lines 2 Days / 1 Night
Discover the natural beauty and ancient mysteries of Peru’s southern coast. This 2-day tour includes the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina lagoon, vineyards of Ica, and an unforgettable flight over the Nazca Lines.
Día 1: Lima – Paracas – Ica
Travel from Lima to Paracas for a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions and penguins. Continue to Ica for wine and pisco tasting, a visit to the Huacachina Oasis, and a dune buggy adventure. Overnight in Ica.
Día 2: Ica – Nazca – Lima
Drive to Nazca for a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines. Then return to Ica and board your bus back to Lima.
Price: 380 USD
Duration: 02 days
Location: Paracas, Ica and Nazca.
Nature: Transportation by bus, aircraft, car and boat, and short hikes.
Limitations: high temperatures during the day, desert area.
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima - Paracas - Ica
Very early the mobile unit will pick you up from your hotel to transfer you in a shared service with to the town of Paracas, where we will board a boat motor and start the tour of the Ballestas Islands, a place of great biological importance; sea lions, penguins, birds of many species will be part of our tour. In addition, we will have an introduction to the history of the islands in reference to the production of guano. Later we will enjoy a view and explanation of the candelabrum which is a gigantic figure carved in the hill adjacent to the sea.
After our adventure in the ocean, we move to the city of Ica, where we will visit its vineyards, its Huacachiña oasis and its magic dunes. We will taste the local production of wine and pisco, as well as the oasis located in the Peruvian desert. We finish our adventure aboard a tubular car that will take us through the magical dunes of the desert. Transfer to assigned hotel.
Day 2: Ica - Nazca Lines - Ica - Lima
Early in the morning, the mobile unit will pick you up from your hotel in Ica to take a trip in private service to the city of Nazca. Then, you will board a registered aircraft which will develop a flight over the enigmatic Nazca lines; description, history and hypothesis of its origin will be part of our experience while we observe the different figures built by the Nazca culture. After our experience it is time to return to Ica where we will take the services of a registered transportation company with destination the city of Lima.
Included/Not Included
Included
- One night hotel accommodation
- Shared ground transportation on the route Lima – Paracas – Ica.
- Shared maritime transportation in boat service.
- Shared tubular service in the dunes
- Excursion in the attractions; Ballestas Islands, Vineyard, Dunes and Nazca Lines.
- Private transportation service on the route Ica – Nazca – Ica.
- Shared air transportation to fly over the Nazca Lines.
- Shared interprovincial bus service Ica – Lima.
- Entrance fees to the attractions
Not Included
- Food and beverages
- Tips and gratuities
Recommendations
- Bring a backpack with personal items, a change of clothes
- Bottle of water
- Sunscreen, etc.
Prices
GROUP SERVICE
$ 420 USDPRIVATE SERVICE
- 02 people 0 USD
- 03 people 0 USD
- 04 people 0 USD
- 06 – 08 people 0 USD
Travel Info
Ballestas Islands: A Natural Wonder
The Ballestas Islands, near the Paracas National Reserve, are a protected archipelago known for their rich biodiversity. Home to Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and various seabirds, these islands offer visitors an unforgettable wildlife experience. The islands are accessible by boat from El Chaco dock, where you can admire playful sea lions basking in the sun and flocks of pelicans fishing in crystal-clear waters.
What to See and Do at Ballestas Islands
- Observe diverse wildlife including sea lions, penguins, and guano birds.
- Enjoy a scenic boat cruise with stunning views of turquoise waters.
- Learn about the traditional guano harvesting, an important part of Peru’s history.
- Visit El Chaco pier to see the fishing fleet and coastal town views.
Huacachina Lagoon: Oasis in the Desert
Located just 5 km from Ica, Huacachina is a stunning desert oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes and lush palm trees. Famous for its emerald-green lagoon and adventure sports like sandboarding, it’s a perfect stop for nature lovers and thrill seekers. The warm climate and unique setting make it one of Peru’s most beautiful natural attractions.
The Mysterious Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines, located on Peru’s southern coast, are massive ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor. These incredible designs, depicting animals and geometric shapes, can only be fully appreciated from the air. Their origin remains a mystery, attracting archaeologists and tourists alike to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tour Highlights
This 2-day tour combines the best of nature, culture, and history. Visit the Ballestas Islands, explore Huacachina’s dunes, and fly over the enigmatic Nazca Lines — all while experiencing the unique landscapes and rich heritage of southern Peru.
Best time to visit: May to October, during Peru’s dry season for clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
Frecuently Asked Questions
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Tours to the Ballestas Islands depart from the El Chaco dock, located in the town of Paracas. This dock is the main starting point for boat excursions to the islands. The boat trip usually lasts around 2 hours, during which you will enjoy stunning views of the coastline and have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife. The boats are safe and comfortable, and experienced guides will accompany you to provide interesting information about the islands and their ecosystem.
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The Ballestas Islands are home to a rich variety of wildlife. You can expect to see large colonies of sea lions basking on the rocks and interacting playfully. Humboldt penguins, a unique species native to the region, are also commonly seen nesting on the islands. In addition, many species of seabirds such as pelicans, gulls, Peruvian boobies, and cormorants soar above and around the islands. The abundance of marine life makes this destination a perfect place for nature lovers and photographers.
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This 2-day tour offers a diverse experience combining nature, culture, and adventure. On the first day, you will enjoy a boat tour around the Ballestas Islands, exploring the unique wildlife and geology. Then, you’ll visit the vineyards and pisco distilleries in Ica, where you can learn about the production of Peru’s national drink and taste local varieties. The tour also includes a visit to the Huacachina oasis, where you can experience thrilling sandboarding and dune buggy rides. On the second day, you’ll fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs best appreciated from the air, followed by a return trip to Lima.
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The best time to visit the southern coast of Peru, including the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina oasis, and Nazca Lines, is during the dry season from May to October. During these months, the weather is mostly sunny and clear, which is ideal for boat tours, desert activities, and aerial views of the Nazca Lines. The dry season offers calmer seas for a smoother boat ride and better visibility when flying over the geoglyphs. However, the tour can be done year-round with some variations in weather conditions.
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For this tour, it is important to pack comfortable and practical items. Bring lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, as well as a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen regularly and wear sunglasses to shield your eyes. A camera or smartphone with a good zoom lens is recommended for capturing wildlife and the Nazca Lines. Since the boat ride can be breezy, bringing a light jacket or windbreaker is advisable. Also, carry bottled water to stay hydrated throughout the excursions.
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