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Nazca Lines, Paracas and Ballestas Islands (3 days)

overview

Three Day Paracas from Lima

Over three relaxed days, this itinerary combines Peru’s most iconic coastal and desert wonders. Traveling south from Lima, you begin with a private transfer along the dramatic Pacific coastline to Pisco, where you embark on a spectacular 1 hour 40-minute overflight of the mysterious Nazca Lines—massive geoglyphs carved into the desert by pre-Inca cultures. After the flight, you continue on to the peaceful fishing town of Paracas for an overnight stay by the bay.

The second day is devoted to exploring the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands by boat, where sea lions, penguins, and thousands of seabirds thrive among natural arches and caves. You’ll also glimpse the enigmatic Candelabra geoglyph etched into a coastal hillside. Later, a guided tour through the Paracas National Reserve showcases striking desert landscapes, including Playa Roja and viewpoints for flamingos. The journey concludes on day three with a comfortable private transfer back to Lima, rounding out a scenic and nature-filled coastal escape.

Did you know: We plant two trees per person, per day that you travel with us- making us the sustainable choice.

Trip Highlights
  • Spectacular overflight of the Nazca Lines
  • Wildlife-rich boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seabirds.
  • Scenic exploration of the Paracas National Reserve, including Playa Roja, dramatic desert landscapes, and flamingo viewpoints.
  • Relaxing coastal stay in Paracas, combining oceanfront tranquility with easy access to Peru’s most iconic natural attractions.
Included
  • Private transport throughout
  • English speaking guide
  • Flight over Nazca Lines
  • Ballestas islands boat tour
  • Entrace fees and airport tax
  • Accomodation
NOT Included
  • Personal insurance (strongly recommended)
  • International or domestic flights

Travel along the Pacific coast through the desert where the Dakar rally takes place, to reach the small airport of Pisco with a private transfer, about four hours.

Take a spectacular flight over the famous Nazca Lines, large animal geoglyphs etched into the desert. An unexplained mystery, they are thought to date from pre-Inca civilizations between AD 450-600. The amazing flight lasts around one hour and forty-five minutes.

Then carry on down the desert coast for thirty minutes to your hotel in the fishing village of Paracas.

Summary
  • Transfer to the city of Pisco
  • View the incredible Nazca Lines from the sky

Set out in the morning for Paracas Bay to board a motorboat for the two-hour ride around the Ballestas Islands, located off the coast from Paracas National Reserve, the largest natural sanctuary on the Peruvian coast. These beautiful islands are home to thousands of migratory birds that share their habitat with colonies of bellowing sea lions.

Along the way to the island, you will see a mysterious design, called the Candelabra, a giant three-pronged figure etched into the sandy hill.

Cruise around the islands’ arches and caves watching out for wildlife such as the Guanay cormorant, Peruvian booby, the Peruvian pelican and the Humboldt penguin. The trip will allow you to get fairly close to the wildlife but it is worthwhile to take binoculars. 

Then visit the National reserve of Paracas, including the Playa Roja, the Yumaque, an interpretation centre and flamingo viewpoint.

Return to your hotel afterwards.

Summary
  • Boat tour of the Ballestas Islands
  • Visit Paracs National Reserve

Today your private transfer will take you back to Lima, a trip of about five hours.

Summary
  • Return to Lima
Paracas Beach

Equipment & Packing List

Cultural day trips kitlist

Important Trip Details

Dates
All year Round
Pickup
Lima
TRIP LENGTH
3 days
Difficulty
Easy
Peak Altitude
~200m

See What Past Travelers Have to Say

Peru EXPERTS

I’m not sure anyone knows more about having adventures in the Cusco area of Peru (and beyond) than Amazonas Explorer. Guides are properly trained, itineraries are well-thought-out; the emphasis is on safety but also on FUN! They do the classic trips brilliantly but also have lots of ideas for more offbeat escapades. And they’re a B Corporation, too, so have excellent environmental credentials. Check out Sarah’s adventure, our in depth Sacred Valley Explorer, here.
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