Lima to Nazca: Ballestas Islands, Huacachina Dunes & Nazca Lines Flight

Summary

From Lima’s bustle to Paracas wildlife, Huacachina dunes and the Nazca Lines sky view

You’ll trade Lima’s city buzz for wild coastlines and surreal desert landscapes: cruise past sea lions at Ballestas Islands, race dune buggies through Huacachina’s golden sands, sip pisco at an old vineyard near Ica, then soar above the mysterious Nazca Lines on a scenic flight. It’s four days of sensory overload—ending with more questions than answers about ancient Peru.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first morning — that weird feeling when Lima’s gray haze finally gave way to open desert. We’d barely left Miraflores before our guide, Karla, started pointing out how the city just… melts into sand. The bus was surprisingly comfy (and yes, Wi-Fi actually worked), but I mostly watched the window — endless dunes and flashes of blue ocean. Somewhere around Mirasur we stopped for breakfast; I tried pan con chicharrón because Karla said it’s “the real deal.” The bread was warm from an adobe oven and there was this smoky smell everywhere. It kind of stuck to my hands all day. I didn’t expect that part.

Paracas felt like a different planet — pelicans everywhere and that salty wind off the Pacific. The boat ride to Ballestas Islands is loud (sea lions don’t whisper), but seeing penguins waddling around in Peru was a surprise. Our captain slowed near this giant candelabra shape carved into the cliff — nobody really knows why it’s there. Later, walking along Playa Roja in Paracas National Reserve, red sand got in my shoes and I just let it be. There were moments when everyone went quiet watching waves crash against those wild cliffs. Afterward, we hit Huacachina by late afternoon — a real-life oasis with palm trees and sand as far as you can see.

The dune buggy ride is pure chaos (in a good way). Our driver grinned every time someone screamed going down a dune — I lost my hat on one turn and never saw it again. Sandboarding? Let’s just say standing wasn’t my strong suit but sliding down on my stomach felt like flying for a second. Sunset made everything gold — even people’s faces glowed weirdly in photos. That night by the lagoon, with cold beer and tired legs, I kept thinking how none of this looked real in pictures back home.

Next day we toured an old pisco vineyard outside Ica — you can smell fermenting grapes before you even see them. The owner poured us tiny glasses of pisco crema (dangerously sweet) while explaining how his grandfather built half the distillery by hand. On the road to Nazca, our guide stopped at a random tower so we could squint at three of the famous lines: Hands, Tree, Lizard. But nothing really prepares you for seeing all of them from above during the flight next morning — those shapes stretch forever across empty desert and nobody agrees on what they mean. My stomach flipped more than once up there but honestly? Worth every second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel from Lima to Paracas

• Pickup from Lima hotels
• Travel south along Pan-American Highway
• Stop at Mirasur bakery for breakfast
• Tour Hacienda San José and underground tunnels
• Arrive in Paracas and free afternoon

Day 2 — Explore Paracas and Huacachina

• Speedboat to Ballestas Islands wildlife tour
• Visit Paracas National Reserve viewpoints
• Arrive at Huacachina desert oasis
• Dune buggy ride and sandboarding
• Evening free in Huacachina

Day 3 — Vineyard visit and Nazca journey

• Tour Pisco Nietto vineyard and tasting
• Travel to Nazca with Nazca Lines viewing

Day 4 — Nazca flight and return to Lima

• Flight over Nazca Lines
• Visit Cantalloc Aqueducts
• Bus trip with stop at Huacachina
• Return to Lima and hotel drop-off

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included from Miraflores?

Yes, hotel or hostel pickup is included from Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro areas in Lima.

Do I need my passport for the Nazca Lines flight?

Yes, you must present your original passport at the airport before boarding the Nazca Lines flight.

What animals will I see at Ballestas Islands?

You’ll likely spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and many seabirds during the boat tour.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No set lunch is included each day but there are stops where you can buy local food or optional meals at places like Mirasur bakery or Pisco Nietto vineyard café.

How long does the dune buggy & sandboarding last?

The dune buggy and sandboarding experience in Huacachina lasts about two hours in total.

Is Wi-Fi available on all buses?

Yes—high-speed Wi-Fi is available onboard Peru Hop buses throughout your journey.

Can children join the sandboarding activity?

The minimum age for dune buggy and sandboarding is 7 years old.

Are there any health restrictions for this trip?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers due to some bumpy rides and activities.

What’s included

Your four-day journey includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Lima; comfortable Peru Hop transport with high-speed onboard Wi-Fi; guided tours at Ballestas Islands by speedboat; entrance to Paracas National Reserve; adrenaline-filled dune buggy and sandboarding session at Huacachina; guided visit with tastings at an artisanal pisco vineyard; scenic flight over the Nazca Lines (with private shuttle); plus free time to explore local food spots along the way before heading back to Lima in comfort.