Nazca Lines & Huacachina: Day Trip Flight, Buggy & Sandboard

Summary

Fly above Nazca Lines then ride dunes at Huacachina oasis

You’ll fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines from above, share stories with your guide over breakfast in Nazca, race across the Huacachina dunes by buggy, and try sandboarding as the sun sets over the Peruvian desert. Expect moments that surprise you—and maybe even change how you think about ancient mysteries.

What’s the experience like?

It’s barely sunrise when we pile into the van outside Lima—everyone’s still half-asleep, clutching coffee. Hours later, the desert opens up, all pale gold and silence. In Nazca, our guide Julia chats with the café owner about which bread is freshest (she was right; it’s fluffy and warm). The airfield feels casual but there’s a buzz—people craning necks to spot tiny planes. I’m not great with heights, honestly, but once we’re up there? The Nazca Lines just appear—giant hummingbird, monkey, hands—etched into nothingness. It’s weirdly quiet in the plane except for someone behind me whispering “is that really a spider?”

Back on solid ground, lunch is loud and full of laughter—Julia insists I try ají sauce (“just a little,” she warns). We talk about how nobody really knows why the lines are there; she shrugs and says her grandmother thinks it’s aliens. I like that better than any official theory. Then we’re off again—the drive to Huacachina is dusty and long but you can see dunes rising like waves. The oasis pops up out of nowhere: green water ringed by palms and little boats bobbing around.

The buggy ride is pure chaos—in a good way. Our driver yells something in Spanish as we hit the first drop and everyone screams or laughs or both. Sand gets everywhere (I’m still finding it in my shoes), but standing at the top of a dune at sunset—sky going orange, wind whipping past—I just sort of forget everything else for a minute. Sandboarding is harder than it looks; I wipe out twice but don’t even care. Heading back to Lima after dark, everyone’s quiet again but this time it feels different—like we’ve all seen something strange together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nazca Lines and Huacachina Oasis Tour

• Depart Lima at 4:00 AM
• Arrive in Nazca at 11:00 AM
• Breakfast in Nazca
• Check in for Nazca Lines flight at 11:30 AM
• Fly over Nazca Lines (35 minutes)
• Lunch in Nazca at 1:30 PM
• Travel to Huacachina at 2:30 PM
• Arrive in Huacachina at 4:30 PM
• Buggy tour and sandboarding at 5:00 PM
• Watch sunset in Huacachina at 6:00 PM
• Return to Lima at 7:00 PM

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Lima to Nazca Lines & Huacachina take?

The full day trip lasts around 15 hours including travel time from Lima.

Is pickup included for this Nazca Lines & Huacachina tour?

Yes, tourist transport with pickup is included for this tour.

How long is the Nazca Lines flight?

The flight over the Nazca Lines lasts about 35 minutes but can vary due to weather or logistics.

Are meals included on this tour?

No, meals are not included; you’ll have time for breakfast and lunch at local restaurants in Nazca.

Is sandboarding difficult for beginners?

Sandboarding can be challenging at first but guides help beginners get started safely.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and transportation options accommodate wheelchairs.

What should I bring on this day trip?

Bring comfortable clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and extra camera battery for photos.

Do I need to book flights over the Nazca Lines in advance?

Yes, it’s recommended to book your flight over the Nazca Lines ahead of time.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Lima in tourist transport with an official local guide throughout. You’ll experience a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines plus all equipment for buggy rides and sandboarding at Huacachina before heading back to Lima together in comfort.