The Ballestas Islands, often dubbed the "Peruvian Galapagos," offer a thrilling encounter with abundant marine life. Visitors can then venture inland to the renowned Ica region, where they’ll savor a delightful lunch and wine tasting at a local vineyard. The journey continues to the enchanting Huacachina oasis, surrounded by towering sand dunes, providing opportunities for sandboarding and an off-road adventure. But the real highlight awaits as travelers soar over the enigmatic Nasca Lines, marveling at the immense and intricate geoglyphs that remain a mystery to this day. It’s an adventure that promises to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- This full-day tour from Lima takes visitors to the Ballestas Islands, also known as the ‘Peruvian Galapagos,’ to observe diverse marine life in their natural habitat.
- The tour then moves inland to the renowned Ica region, where participants enjoy a delightful lunch and wine tasting at a local vineyard.
- Visitors can explore the enchanting Huacachina oasis, capturing stunning photos, sandboarding down the dunes, and embarking on an off-road adventure across the shifting sands.
- The tour culminates with a thrilling aerial overflight over the enigmatic Nasca Lines, enabling participants to marvel at the immense geoglyphs and their intricate designs.
- Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation is provided, with hotel pickup from various locations in central Lima and drop-off at the Lima Airport.
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Ballestas Islands: Wildlife Haven
The Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the ‘Peruvian Galapagos,’ teem with an abundance of marine life, including a diverse array of seabirds, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins.
This guided boat tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe these captivating creatures in their natural habitat. Sailing along the rugged coastline, one can spot colonies of Peruvian boobies, pelicans, and guanay cormorants nesting on the dramatic cliffs.
The highlight, however, is the chance to witness the playful antics of the resident sea lions as they bask in the sun or frolic in the waves. This wildlife-rich experience is sure to leave a lasting impression on nature enthusiasts and photography buffs alike.
Ica Region: Vineyards and Tastes
After exploring the marine wonders of the Ballestas Islands, the tour moves inland to the renowned Ica region, where visitors can indulge in the rich winemaking heritage of Peru.
The itinerary includes a delightful lunch and a chance to visit a local vineyard for a wine tasting. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the region’s viticulture and sample some of the finest Peruvian wines.
From robust reds to crisp whites, the tasting allows travelers to appreciate the diversity and quality of the country’s wine offerings. This stop in the Ica region provides a delightful contrast to the earlier wildlife encounters, offering a chance to savor the flavors that make Peru’s culinary scene so captivating.
Huacachina Oasis: Dunes and Adventures
Next, the tour takes visitors to the enchanting Huacachina oasis, a true desert oasis nestled among towering sand dunes. Here, they’ll have the chance to capture stunning photos and embark on an exhilarating guided tour, exploring the unique landscape by sandboarding down the dunes and experiencing an off-road adventure across the shifting sands.
| Activity | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Guided Tour | 1 hour | Included |
| Sandboarding | 1 hour | Included |
| Off-Road Adventure | 1 hour | Included |
The Huacachina oasis offers a thrilling and unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the serene beauty of the desert and embrace the adrenaline-fueled activities that make this destination truly unique.
Nasca Lines: Aerial Wonders
Following the guided tour of Huacachina’s dunes, the tour moves on to the aerial wonders of the Nasca Lines.
Visitors will soar over the enigmatic geoglyphs, marveling at these immense designs etched into the desert floor centuries ago. The Nasca Flights provide a bird’s-eye view of these remarkable ancient drawings, which include:
- Depictions of animals like the hummingbird, spider, and monkey
- Geometric shapes and lines spanning miles across the arid landscape
- Intricate symbols and figures whose true purpose remains a mystery
These airborne adventures offer a unique perspective on one of the world’s most perplexing archaeological marvels, leaving visitors in awe of the Nasca people’s astounding achievements.
Pickup and Transport Arrangements
The tour package includes hotel pickup from central Lima locations, ensuring a seamless start to the journey. Travelers are transported in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles throughout the excursion, allowing them to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive to the various destinations.
| Pickup Location | Pickup Time | Drop-off Location | Drop-off Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Radisson | 7:00 AM | Lima Airport | 6:30 PM | 11.5 hours |
| Hotel Hilton | 7:15 AM | Lima Airport | 6:45 PM | 11.5 hours |
| Hotel Sheraton | 7:30 AM | Lima Airport | 7:00 PM | 11.5 hours |
| Hostal Miraflores | 7:45 AM | Lima Airport | 7:15 PM | 11.5 hours |
| Airbnb – Miraflores | 8:00 AM | Lima Airport | 7:30 PM | 11.5 hours |
The transportation provided ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing travelers to focus on the remarkable sights and activities ahead.
Activities and Inclusions Overview
This two-day tour from Lima offers an immersive experience, providing travelers with a diverse array of activities and inclusions throughout the journey.
The itinerary includes a guided tour and sailing adventure to the Ballestas Islands, where visitors can observe an array of marine life, including penguins, sea lions, and seabirds.
In the Ica Region, travelers will enjoy a delectable lunch and an opportunity to indulge in a wine tasting experience.
The highlight of the trip is the visit to the stunning Huacachina oasis, where guests can partake in sandboarding, off-road adventures, and a guided tour of the picturesque desert landscape.
Plus, the tour includes a breathtaking helicopter flight over the mysterious Nasca Lines.
Weight and Age Restrictions
While the tour offers a comprehensive experience, there are certain weight and age restrictions in place for participants. Travelers must be under 220 lbs (100 kg) and can’t be over 80 years old to join the activities.
Plus, babies under 1 year aren’t permitted on the tour. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests during the various activities, such as sandboarding and the helicopter flight over the Nasca Lines.
Guests over 95 kg will also be charged an additional fee. These restrictions are in place to provide the best possible experience for everyone on the tour. Participants should keep these guidelines in mind when booking their trip.
Cancellation and Payment Policy
Travelers can cancel their tour reservation up to 24 hours in advance with no penalty, allowing for a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy provides peace of mind for those with unpredictable schedules or emergencies.
The tour can be booked now, but payment isn’t required until later. This ‘reserve now, pay later’ option makes it easier to secure a spot without immediately committing funds.
The tour is priced at £291.72 per person, a reasonable rate considering the inclusions and experiences offered.
- Flexible 24-hour cancellation policy
- ‘Reserve now, pay later’ booking option
- Competitive price of £291.72 per person
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Number of People Required for the Tour?
The tour does not have a minimum number of people required. The price is quoted per person, and the tour is available for single travelers or groups of any size, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Are There Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?
The tour doesn’t offer any special discounts for children or seniors. The price listed is the same for all participants regardless of age. However, there are some restrictions on weight and age for certain activities.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Special Needs?
The tour can be customized to accommodate special needs. Travelers should contact the tour operator to discuss any requirements, such as accessibility needs or dietary restrictions, to ensure the tour meets their individual needs.
What Should Participants Bring for the Day’s Activities?
Participants should bring sun protection, such as sunscreen and a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera to capture the day’s highlights. They should also pack light layers for varying weather conditions throughout the tour.
Is It Possible to Extend the Tour for an Additional Day?
Yes, it’s possible to extend the 2-day tour for an additional day. Travelers can add an extra day to explore more of the Ica region or visit other nearby attractions like the Paracas National Reserve.
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Recap
This tour offers a unique glimpse into Peru’s natural and cultural wonders.
Visitors can observe abundant marine life on the Ballestas Islands, indulge in the Ica region’s vineyards, and explore the captivating Huacachina oasis.
Visitors can also marvel at the enigmatic Nasca Lines from the air.
With comprehensive transportation and activity arrangements, this excursion provides an unforgettable opportunity to discover the diverse treasures of Peru’s southwest.