From Lima: Ballestas Islands and Nazca Lines Day Trip

Setting out on a day trip from Lima to the Ballestas Islands and Nazca Lines offers travelers an unforgettable experience. This full-day excursion provides the opportunity to encounter diverse wildlife, marvel at the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph, and witness the impressive geometric figures etched into the Peruvian desert. With hotel pickup, transportation, and a guided boat tour, it’s a seamless way to explore these renowned natural and cultural wonders. But the day’s adventures have only just begun.

Contents show

Key Points

A full-day tour from Lima exploring the Ballestas Islands and Nazca Lines, priced from $520 per person with a maximum of 4 participants.
Includes hotel pickup, boat tours, flights over the Nazca Lines, Peruvian lunch, and a Spanish-speaking driver throughout the day.
Recommended to bring sunglasses, a hat, a camera, and sunscreen, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Motion sickness medication is suggested for those prone to seasickness, and a valid ID or passport is required for the Nazca Lines overflight.
Not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, or those prone to seasickness, and no smoking or touching plants is allowed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour is a full-day excursion from Lima that takes visitors to explore the Ballestas Islands and witness the awe-inspiring Nazca Lines.

A full-day excursion from Lima to explore the Ballestas Islands and witness the awe-inspiring Nazca Lines.

Priced from $520 per person, the tour lasts one day and is limited to a maximum of 4 participants. A live guide is available in both Spanish and English.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, a "reserve now, pay later" option is offered.

This comprehensive tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, boat tours, flights over the Nazca Lines, and a local Peruvian lunch.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Paracas

Itinerary

Participants depart from Lima in a comfortable vehicle, kicking off the day’s activities.

They’ll take a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, spotting wildlife and the Candelabro geoglyph.

Next, they’ll fly over the famous Nazca Lines, marveling at the enormous geometric figures and animal shapes.

After, they’ll enjoy a Peruvian cuisine lunch in Nazca.

Finally, the group will return to Lima, concluding the day’s adventures.

The itinerary packs in must-see sights, immersing participants in Peru’s natural wonders and rich cultural heritage.

Inclusions

This tour includes a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Lima and transported to Paracas. The Ballestas Islands boat tour and Nazca Lines overflight are both covered, along with all associated taxes.

Seamless transportation from Lima to Paracas, with Ballestas Islands boat tour and Nazca Lines overflight included.

Lunch at a local Nazca restaurant featuring Peruvian cuisine is provided. Transportation from Paracas to Nazca and back to Lima is also included.

A Spanish-speaking driver will accompany you throughout the day. With these inclusions, you can focus on experiencing the highlights without worrying about logistics.

Preparation and Recommendations

What should participants bring on this day trip? The tour recommends packing essential items like sunglasses, a hat, a camera, and sunscreen.

Comfortable clothes and shoes are also a must, as the activities involve walking. Plus, it’s wise to bring motion sickness medication for those prone to seasickness, as the boat tour of the Ballestas Islands may cause discomfort for some.

Remember to bring a valid ID or passport, as it’s required for the Nazca Lines overflight. Following these simple preparation tips will ensure a comfortable and memorable day exploring Peru’s natural wonders.

More Great Tours Nearby

Restrictions

While this day trip offers an exciting opportunity to explore Peru’s natural wonders, there are certain restrictions in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, or those prone to seasickness. Smoking and touching plants are also prohibited during the tour. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the tour operator has implemented the following restrictions:

| Restriction | Reason |

|————-|———|

| Not suitable for pregnant women | Health and safety |

| Not suitable for individuals with back or heart problems | Health and safety |

| Not suitable for those prone to seasickness | Health and comfort |

| No smoking | Safety and environmental |

| No touching plants | Environmental protection |

There's plenty more to explore in Paracas

Getting to the Ballestas Islands

The tour departs from Lima, and participants are transported in a comfortable vehicle to Paracas, the starting point for the Ballestas Islands boat tour.

This 2-hour drive covers a distance of approximately 260 km, with scenic views along the way.

Upon arrival in Paracas, you will:

Board a boat for a 2-hour tour of the Ballestas Islands, known as the "Poor Man’s Galapagos"
Observe a diverse array of marine wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and countless seabirds
See the Candelabro geoglyph, a mysterious symbol etched into the cliffs
Enjoy the stunning natural landscapes and unique geological formations of the islands

Exploring the Nazca Lines

After the boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, you will be transported to the town of Nazca to explore the famous Nazca Lines.

They’ll take a flight over the desert, soaring above the enigmatic geoglyphs – vast geometric designs and depictions of animals, plants, and other figures etched into the earth centuries ago.

The bird’s-eye view allows visitors to fully appreciate the sheer scale and precision of these mysterious features.

Following the Nazca Lines overflight, the group will enjoy a local Peruvian lunch before the return journey to Lima, completing this comprehensive day trip.

Returning to Lima

Following the Nazca Lines overflight and lunch, the group would board their vehicle for the return trip to Lima.

The journey back offered one last chance to soak in the vast, rugged landscapes of southern Peru. The drive was approximately 3.5 hours, providing ample time for rest and reflection:

Passing through the arid Peruvian highlands, dotted with cactus and scrubland
Spotting local wildlife like alpacas and vicuñas grazing by the roadside
Admiring the changing vistas as the scenery transitioned from desert to lush, green valleys

Arriving back in Lima, refreshed from the day’s adventures and ready to explore more of Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour package does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. Lunch at a local restaurant in Nazca featuring Peruvian cuisine is included in the tour itinerary. Outside food and beverages are not permitted during the tour.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Tour Package?

The tour package doesn’t offer an option to upgrade. It’s a fixed-price day trip with the inclusions listed. Travelers can’t bring their own food and drinks, but the tour includes a lunch at a local restaurant in Nazca.

How Are the Safety Measures Implemented During the Tour?

The tour includes safety measures like limited group size, free cancellation, and restrictions for certain health conditions. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring necessary items like sunscreen. The tour guides also prioritize safety throughout the day’s activities.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Activities?

Customers can extend the tour to include additional activities, but they’ll need to check with the tour operator as availability and pricing may vary. Some optional add-ons could include hiking, cultural visits, or extended boat tours.

Is There Any Flexibility in the Tour Itinerary to Accommodate Personal Preferences?

While the tour has a set itinerary, there may be some flexibility to accommodate personal preferences. Travelers should discuss any special requests or needs with the tour operator when booking to see if accommodations can be made.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Lima to the Ballestas Islands and Nazca Lines promises an unforgettable experience. Travelers will witness diverse wildlife, explore the mysterious geoglyphs, and enjoy a delicious Peruvian lunch. With hotel pickup, transportation, and a guided boat tour, this tour provides a seamless and immersive way to discover these remarkable natural and cultural wonders. It’s an opportunity to create lasting memories of Peru’s captivating landscapes and heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: