Peru – Nazca Lines & Coastal Wildlife

Upon arriving in Lima, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to the Miraflores district, one of the city’s most charming and vibrant neighborhoods. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes, offering a first glimpse of the Peruvian capital. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure to relax and prepare for the upcoming adventure, where the enigmatic Nazca Lines and other remarkable highlights of the region await. Overnight at Casa Andina Select Miraflores. (D)

Starting early, you will depart Lima with your private guide and transportation for a scenic drive along the coast. Your first stop is the traditional fishing village of Pucusana, a charming and colorful harbor known for its rich marine life. Here, you will enjoy an unforgettable one-hour boat ride in calm waters, searching for Humboldt Penguins, a variety of sea birds, Surf Cinclodes, sea lions, and other coastal wildlife that thrive among the rocky islets and dramatic cliffs surrounding the bay. Pucusana offers a peaceful, authentic glimpse into coastal life in Peru, making it a delightful start to your journey south.

You will continue traveling along the Pacific Highway, paralleling the ocean and passing beautiful stretches of coastline until reaching Paracas, your beachside home for the next two nights. Paracas is famed for its serene desert landscapes, stunning ocean views, and proximity to the Paracas National Reserve, a sanctuary for marine and birdlife. Upon arrival, you will check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Relax by the beach, explore the surroundings at your own pace, or simply unwind until dinner is served at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel San Agustin Paracas. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will travel south to the town of Pisco. Along the coastal road, your guide may make strategic stops to look for interesting bird species common to this rich marine-desert ecosystem, such as Peruvian Booby, Inca Tern, Gray Gull, Band-tailed Gull, and the elegant Chilean Flamingo feeding in coastal lagoons.

Upon arrival in Pisco, we will head to the airfield from where the small aircraft depart for the Nazca overflight. This unforgettable experience offers a bird’s-eye view of the world-famous Nazca Lines, massive geoglyphs etched into the desert floor whose origin and meaning remain one of archaeology’s most fascinating mysteries. The flight lasts approximately two hours, and the exact departure time will depend on weather conditions.

Please remember to bring your passport, as this is a commercial flight, and all passengers must check in and pass through security procedures similar to those of a regular airport.

After this thrilling adventure, we will enjoy lunch at a welcoming local restaurant. In the afternoon, we continue to the Ballestas National Reserve, where you will visit the local museum and explore the dramatic coastal landscapes known for their biodiversity. This is an excellent opportunity for birdwatching along the coast, with chances to spot species such as Peruvian Pelican, Guanay Cormorant, and Blackish Oystercatcher.

Return to the hotel for dinner and a well-deserved rest in preparation for the next day’s activities. Overnight at Hotel San Agustin Paracas. (B, L, D)

Note: The morning activity may be rescheduled depending on weather conditions. Guests will remain in the surrounding area until clearance is granted for the scheduled overflight. In some cases, it may be necessary to reverse the order of activities due to weather or temporary airport closures. If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking appropriate medication prior to the flight.

We start early this morning as you board a speedboat for an exciting visit to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as “the mini-Galápagos” of Peru. This nickname comes from the islands’ extraordinary concentration of wildlife, thriving colonies of sea lions, thousands of seabirds, Humboldt Penguins, and dramatic rock formations carved by wind and waves. While smaller in scale, the Ballestas offer a similar sense of raw, untouched nature and remarkable biodiversity, making it one of the most memorable coastal experiences in the country.

Finishing the excursion by midmorning, we begin our return journey north toward Lima. Along the way, we stop for lunch before continuing to the Pantanos de Villa Marshes, a protected wetland and a vital stopover for migratory birds. Here, you may observe species such as the Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Great Grebe, Andean Duck, and several herons and shorebirds that thrive in this costal ecosystem.

In the late afternoon, we continue toward Lima, with an estimated arrival around 6:00 PM. You will be dropped off directly at the Lima Airport, marking the end of your Nazca extension. (B, L)

Notes: If you are planning an international connection tonight, we strongly recommend scheduling your outbound flight from Lima after 10:00 PM, allowing comfortable time for check-in and security.

If you require an overnight stay in Lima before your morning flight, we can assist with hotel arrangements. We are also happy to help you plan an additional day should you wish to explore the city’s rich cultural and culinary offerings. (extra costs apply).