Hotel Pickup and Pan-American Drive

The journey begins early with door-to-door pickup from hotels or hostels in Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro. Travel is aboard a Peru Hop bus equipped with free high-speed Wi-Fi. Along the route, Lima’s urban area transitions into expansive coastal desert landscapes while heading south on the Pan-American Highway. Pickup time is confirmed the day before via Viator chat.

Mirasur Bakery Rest Stop

Mid-morning, there is a break at Mirasur, a bakery and rest area just off the highway. It is recognized for bread freshly baked in adobe ovens and offers a chance to enjoy a simple breakfast like the locals. Visitors may sample coffee accompanied by either sweet tamales or a pork belly sandwich known as pan con chicharrón, while watching the bakers at work.

30 min

Hacienda San José Tour

Visit Hacienda San José, a well-preserved 17th-century estate formerly a large plantation worked by enslaved Africans. The tour includes the main house and a descent into secret underground tunnels spanning 17 kilometers, once used to smuggle enslaved people inland. The guide provides historical context on Afro-Peruvian culture, music, and identity.

120 min

Paracas Arrival and Free Afternoon

After a culturally rich morning, arrival is in Paracas, a quiet fishing town and gateway to natural sites along the Pacific coast. The afternoon is open for walking along the waterfront malecón, enjoying a pisco sour by the beach, or sampling fresh ceviche at restaurants near the harbor. Guests interested in further activities can inquire with their guide about additional options such as trekking the Golden Shadow route or walking along the red-sand beaches within the reserve.

120 min

Ballestas Islands Speedboat Ride

At 8:00 am, a speedboat departs across the Pacific toward the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as Peru’s Galápagos. These rocky islets support abundant wildlife including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and thousands of seabirds nesting in the area. En route, passengers will see the enormous Candelabra geoglyph etched into the cliff face, an ancient symbol that has intrigued archaeologists for many years.

120 min

Paracas National Reserve Visit

From 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, explore the Paracas National Reserve, one of South America's largest coastal protected areas. Visit viewpoints such as La Catedral rock formation, Playa Roja (Red Beach), and salt flats. An optional quad biking tour through the reserve is available upon inquiry with the guide on the day.

120 min

Pisco Vineyard Tour and Tasting

Visit a pisco vineyard in the Ica Valley, known as one of the oldest artisanal producers of Peru’s national spirit. The guided experience includes explanations of grape harvesting, fermentation, copper-pot distillation, and bottling. Guests walk through grape fields, observe antique distillery equipment, and smell the fermenting fruit. Afterwards, a tasting session features various Piscos, including aged and infused types, plus Pisco crema, a sweet local specialty. There is free time to relax in the shaded garden café and an optional lunch is offered with meals such as local carapulcra served with sopa seca or wood-roasted chicken.

120 min

Huacachina Oasis and Dune Activities

Arrive late afternoon at Huacachina, a natural desert oasis surrounded by palm trees and dunes. Take a dune buggy ride over dunes up to the height of a 10-story building. Afterwards, sandboard down the slopes lying on the belly for safety. At sunset, the sand glows gold. Overnight is spent in Huacachina, with options to explore after dark, have a drink, dinner by the lagoon, or relax under the stars.

120 min

Nazca Lines Viewing Tower Stop

Depart around 2 pm for Nazca. Visit the Nazca Lines Viewing Tower to see three of the famous Nazca Lines free of charge. A dinner stop is included before arriving at accommodation.

240 min

Nazca Lines Scenic Flight

At 11:00 am, take a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines. From the air, observe over a dozen large geoglyphs including the Monkey, Hummingbird, Condor, Astronaut, and Tree. Each figure spans hundreds of feet and is best appreciated from above, revealing their scale and precision.

40 min

Cantalloc Aqueducts Visit

After landing, the itinerary proceeds to the Cantalloc Aqueducts, a pre-Inca hydraulic system built by the Nazca Culture over 2,000 years ago. This network of spiral-shaped tunnels underground transported fresh water sourced from the Andes across the arid valley. Visitors can walk alongside the still-functioning channels, go down into one of the spirals, and discover how stone construction, gravity, and airflow combined to enable farming in one of the driest areas on the planet.

60 min

Return Bus to Lima via Huacachina

At 3:00 pm, board the Peru Hop bus with high-speed Wi-Fi to travel back through the Ica desert toward Huacachina. There is a short stop to stretch or get a snack before continuing on to Lima.

Return to Lima by Peru Hop Bus

At 7:00 pm, board the Peru Hop bus back to Lima. Relax during the journey after four days of travel, including Paracas and Nazca. Arrival in Lima will be late evening with drop-off at the hotel or hostel.