See penguins and sea lions at the Ballestas, toast pisco in Ica, and surf some of South America’s largest dunes in Huacachina — then finish with a scenic flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines. This compact two-day loop packs wildlife, culture, and high-adrenaline sandboarding into one seamless escape from Lima.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The bus leaves Lima before sunrise and the Pacific cliffs slide past like a slower heartbeat — gulls keep pace, the ocean daring you to look away. By midmorning you’ll be skimming across choppy water toward the Ballestas Islands, where sea lions lounge on black rock and Humboldt penguins dart like punctuation marks. The desert takes over thereafter: low scrub, wind-swept dunes, and the sudden palm-ringed mirror of Huacachina. Dune buggies launch up the sand and sandboards push you toward a clean, fast descent; the dunes seem to push back with equal enthusiasm.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average physical condition; includes short walks, sandboarding, and boarding small aircraft; stair-free but active
Wildlife
History
The Nazca Lines were created between roughly 500 BCE and 500 CE; the Ica valley has produced pisco and viticulture since colonial times, building on indigenous grape cultivation.
Conservation
Ballestas and Paracas are protected areas with rules to minimize disturbance to marine wildlife; avoid touching geoglyphs, stay on designated paths, and pack out trash to protect fragile desert and coastal ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the 2 Day Tour from Lima: Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Passport for the Flight
You must present your original passport for the Nazca flight check-in—no photocopies accepted.
Motion Sickness Prep
Bring medication or acupressure bands for choppy speedboat rides and small aircraft; seats are guaranteed for the plane but movement can be intense.
Sun and Sand Protection
High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a buff or hat are essential—desert glare and coastal sun combine to intensify UV exposure.
Secure Small Gear
Use zipped packs or dry bags; sand gets everywhere and loose items can be lost during dune buggy runs or on the boat.
Passport / Photo ID
Required for Nazca flight check-in and identity verification.
Closed-toe shoes with good grip
Protects feet on dunes and provides traction for short hikes and boarding.
High-SPF sunscreen & sunglasses
Strong sun and reflective sand make UV protection critical, especially midday.
summer
Light layers and windbreaker
Coastal mornings can be cool from June–August due to garúa fog; layers keep you comfortable across microclimates.
winter