Nazca Lines & Ballestas Islands Private Tour From Lima

Exploring the captivating wonders of Peru’s ancient Nazca Lines and the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands is a must-do for any traveler. This private tour from Lima promises an unforgettable adventure, blending breathtaking aerial views with a serene island excursion. From the iconic geoglyphs to the abundant marine life, this full-day experience offers a unique glimpse into Peru’s remarkable natural and cultural tapestry. Strap in for an immersive journey that’ll leave you mesmerized and eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• A full-day private tour from Lima that explores the Ballestas Islands and the Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Includes a scenic drive to Paracas, a ferry trip to the Ballestas Islands for wildlife viewing, and an aerial overflight of the Nazca Lines.
• Offers an opportunity to see the "Candelabra of the Andes" geoglyph and significant cultural designs like a monkey, spider, and hummingbird.
• Lunch, expert local guide, and round-trip transportation are provided, with additional costs for Pisco airport tax and Nazca Lines overflight fee.
• Not recommended for children under 8 or those with serious medical conditions, and departure flights should not be booked on the same day.

Tour Overview

This full-day private tour from Lima takes travelers to explore the Ballestas Islands and marvel at the Nazca Lines.

Visitors begin with a scenic drive to Paracas, then take a ferry to the Ballestas Islands, a marine sanctuary home to diverse wildlife like sea lions and exotic birds.

Visitors begin with a scenic drive to Paracas, then take a ferry to the Ballestas Islands, a marine sanctuary home to diverse wildlife like sea lions and exotic birds.

After, they’ll fly over the Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage site, viewing significant cultural designs from a Cessna aircraft.

The tour includes lunch, an expert local guide, and round-trip transportation from the hotel, with an early 4 am pickup.

It’s an approximately 16.5-hour experience not to be missed.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour’s key highlights include exploring the Ballestas Islands, a marine sanctuary teeming with diverse wildlife like sea lions and exotic birds.

Visitors can spot the "Candelabra of the Andes," a massive geoglyph carved into the mountainside.

The highlight is the aerial tour over the enigmatic Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring massive designs of a monkey, spider, and hummingbird.

These ancient geoglyphs offer a breathtaking aerial perspective and insight into the sophisticated culture that created them centuries ago.

The tour provides an immersive experience of Peru’s natural and cultural wonders.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a scenic drive along the Peruvian coast to Paracas. Guests then take a ferry trip to the Ballestas Islands, a marine sanctuary home to diverse wildlife. The "Candelabra of the Andes," a 600-foot painting on the mountainside, can be seen during the crossing. Next, travelers board a Cessna aircraft for a flight over the Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring significant designs like the monkey, spider, and hummingbird, each with cultural meanings. Lunch is provided post-flight before returning to Lima.

| Destination | Activity | Duration |

| — | — | — |

| Paracas | Scenic drive | – |

| Ballestas Islands | Ferry trip, wildlife spotting | – |

| Nazca Lines | Aerial overflight | – |

| Lima | Lunch, return to hotel | – |

Ballestas Islands: A Marine Sanctuary

After the scenic drive along the Peruvian coast, guests embark on a ferry trip to the Ballestas Islands, a marine sanctuary home to diverse wildlife.

This wildlife-rich archipelago offers opportunities to spot sea lions, exotic birds, and the "Candelabra of the Andes," a 600-foot geoglyph painted on the mountainside.

Visitors can observe the islands’ abundant marine life from the ferry, taking in the sights and sounds of this unique natural wonder.

The Ballestas Islands visit provides a captivating introduction to Peru’s natural wonders before the aerial tour of the Nazca Lines.

Nazca Lines: Aerial Exploration

After the ferry trip to the Ballestas Islands, guests embark on the highlight of the tour – an aerial exploration of the Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Soaring over the desert in a Cessna aircraft, visitors marvel at the massive geoglyphs etched into the earth centuries ago.

They’ll witness the famous designs, including the iconic monkey, spider, and hummingbird, each with profound cultural significance.

The aerial perspective provides an unparalleled view of these intriguing archaeological wonders, leaving guests in awe of the ingenuity and mystery surrounding the Nazca civilization that created them.

Inclusions and Additional Costs

Although various tour inclusions and additional costs are involved, the package generally covers the essential elements of the Nazca Lines and Ballestas Islands experience. The tour includes admission to the Ballestas Islands, Nazca Lines overflight, an expert guide, private transportation, and lunch. Additional costs include the Pisco airport tax (approximately $5) and the Nazca Lines overflight fee (approximately $15). Gratuities and alcoholic beverages are not included in the package price.

| Inclusions | Additional Costs | Not Included |

| — | — | — |

| Ballestas Islands admission | Pisco airport tax (approx. $5) | Gratuities |

| Nazca Lines overflight | Nazca Lines overflight fee (approx. $15) | Alcoholic beverages |

| Expert guide, private transportation, lunch | | |

Traveler Recommendations

This tour may not be suitable for all travelers. It isn’t wheelchair accessible, and passengers must have a valid passport.

The aerial tour of the Nazca Lines isn’t recommended for children under 8 or those with serious medical conditions. Motion sickness precautions are advised, and travelers should consider medication before the flight.

Lastly, it’s important to note that departure flights shouldn’t be booked on the same day as the tour, as the long duration may cause delays or disruptions.

Reviews and Feedback

According to mixed reviews, the tour highlights excellent wildlife experiences at the Ballestas Islands and awe-inspiring views of the Nazca Lines.

However, some travelers note the need for better organization and communication from the tour operators. Early start times and potential for motion sickness during flights are common concerns.

While seating arrangements can affect visibility, the tour is considered a worthwhile experience for those wanting to see two of Peru’s top attractions in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Private Tour?

This is a private tour, so the group size is determined by the number of travelers booking the tour. The tour description does not specify a set group size, indicating it can accommodate a flexible number of participants.

Are There Any Child-Friendly Activities During the Tour?

The tour is not recommended for children under 8 years old due to the Nazca Lines overflight. However, the Ballestas Islands portion offers opportunities to spot diverse marine life, which could be of interest to families with older children.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

The tour duration can’t be extended as it’s a fixed itinerary. However, travelers can explore the sites at their own pace within the allotted time. Early departure time may not suit young children, so this tour may not be the best option for families with kids.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to your preferences. The tour operator typically allows travelers to modify the itinerary, activities, and duration to fit their needs and interests, though there may be additional costs involved.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation policy typically allows for full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Closer to the tour date, there may be partial refunds or no refunds, so it’s best to check the specific policy when booking.