



by Peru Hop
This 3-day group tour starts with a roundtrip flight over the Nazca Lines, allowing a clear view of these large desert geoglyphs from the air. The tour includes a scenic 2-hour boat trip around the Ballestas Islands in Paracas Bay, where participants can see sea lions, penguins, and various marine birds. In the desert oasis of Huacachina, there is a 2-hour dune buggy ride combined with sandboarding, ending with a sunset toast. The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off in Lima, private shuttle transfers to and from Nazca (without a guide), and visits to several sites including the Secret Slave Tunnels at Hacienda San José and the Paracas National Reserve with a bilingual guide. Transport is by bus equipped with air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and Wi-Fi (only available through Peru Hop). Food, accommodation, entrance fees, and optional tours like the Nazca Cantalloc Aqueducts are not included. Passengers must present their original passport for the Nazca flight, and those over 95 kilograms are required to book an extra plane seat. Children must be at least 7 years old to join the buggy and sandboarding activities. The bus returns to Miraflores around 11:30 pm to midnight, and the tour uses luxury buses for long transfers. During Easter weekend and Peru's Independence Day, the schedule adjusts with an earlier pickup by one hour.
Lima Central District Pickup
The journey begins with a pickup from accommodations located in Lima’s main neighborhoods, usually Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro. The guide will communicate the exact pickup time in advance through Viator chat. Travelers board the Peru Hop bus, which has high-speed Wi-Fi, enabling them to stay connected while departing Lima and traveling south along the Pan-American Highway with views of the coast.
Mirasur Bakery Breakfast Stop
Mid-morning, there is a stop at Mirasur Bakery, a well-known roadside location with wood-fired ovens and fresh buttery bread. Guests can enjoy a light local breakfast such as Peruvian tamales, warm chicharrón, or fresh juice while viewing farmland with the Andes mountains in the background.
30 min
Hacienda San José Slave Tunnels
Visit the 17th-century Hacienda San José, once a large sugar plantation and now a hotel, where underground slave tunnels remain intact. With a guide, explore the 17-kilometer network of tunnels used to evade anti-slavery patrols. Learn about how these tunnels influenced Afro-Peruvian culture and traditions.
120 min
Paracas Coastal Town Arrival
Arrive in Paracas around 1:30 PM. The afternoon is free for walking along the beach, eating fresh seafood, or choosing optional activities such as the Golden Shadow Trek, a cliffside hike with ocean views. Paracas serves as the base for the next day’s marine excursion.
120 min
Ballestas Islands Speedboat Ride
Depart at 7:30 AM on a speedboat to the Ballestas Islands, a marine sanctuary. Along the way, observe the Candelabra geoglyph on coastal cliffs. At the islands, see Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and various coastal birds in their natural environment, surrounded by rock formations and waves.
120 min
Paracas National Reserve Tour
Between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, participate in a guided exploration of the Paracas National Reserve, among the largest protected coastal deserts in South America. Observe the golden sand dunes that meet the deep blue Pacific Ocean, examine ancient fossils, wind-carved rock formations, and beaches where flamingos feed peacefully. The guide provides information about the distinct geology and ecology of this landscape resembling a Martian environment.
120 min
Ica Region Scenic Drive
Around 12:00 PM, depart Paracas on the Peru Hop bus for a scenic journey through the Ica region. By 1:00 PM, arrive at a traditional vineyard. Along the way, take in views of desert valleys and vineyards bordered by dry mountains, forming a green oasis within the arid surroundings.
60 min
Ica Vineyard Tasting and Lunch
Visit a historic vineyard in Ica to sample Peru’s national spirit, pisco, along with locally produced red and white wines. Gain insight into the traditional process of distillation from the vineyard to the glass. Following the tasting, enjoy lunch at a local bodega offering coastal cuisine influenced by Andean flavors, including tamalitos, grilled meats, and creamy ají sauces.
120 min
Huacachina Oasis and Dune Activities
Reach the Huacachina Oasis by 4:30 PM, which is South America’s only natural desert lagoon, surrounded by palm trees and encircled by tall sand dunes. Experience a dune buggy ride across the largest sand dunes on the continent, then try sandboarding down the slopes in standing, sitting, or face-first positions. Spend the night with free time to relax, enjoy a drink by the lagoon, dine at a rooftop bar, or socialize with others while listening to local desert music.
120 min
Early Transfer to Nazca
Depart early for Nazca with a private transfer. Be ready outside Wild Rover Huacachina at 6:45 AM; the shuttle leaves promptly at 7:00 AM. The 3-hour journey passes through southern Peru’s arid landscapes, desert plateaus, and distant Andes views. It is recommended to bring snacks and water.
180 min
Nazca Lines Aerial Tour
Arrive in Nazca around 10:30 AM and check in at Nazca Airport. Around 11:00 AM, board a small plane for a flight over the Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs over 1,000 years old. Spot figures like the Monkey, Hummingbird, Astronaut, Condor, and Spider. The pilot maneuvers the plane for optimal viewing while the guide explains theories about their origin.
40 min
Optional Cantalloc Aqueducts Visit
From 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, there is an optional visit to the Cantalloc Aqueducts, pre-Incan hydraulic stone structures that channel underground water through the desert. This excursion provides additional insight into Nazca civilization beyond the Lines.
60 min
Return to Huacachina
At 3:00 PM, passengers board a shuttle for the return trip to Huacachina, expected to arrive around 6:00 PM. This time can be used to rest, organize photos, or reflect on the experience of viewing ancient geoglyphs from the air.
180 min
Bus to Lima
At 7:00 PM, passengers board the Peru Hop bus equipped with Wi-Fi for the final journey to Lima. The trip lasts about 4.5 hours, with arrival scheduled around 11:30 PM at the original pickup or designated drop-off point.
300 min