Nazca Lines & Paracas National Reserve

The experience at Nazca Lines & Paracas National Reserve

Fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines and explore Paracas National Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site. A boat trip to the Ballestas Islands offers a great perspective of the desert coastline and up-close viewing of coastal birds, sea lions, and fur seals.

Day 1:

Depart Lima early this morning for Paracas, taking in magnificent coastal desert landscapes along the way. Transfer to the Libertador Paracas, the most luxurious resport spa on the Peruvian coast, and enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local coastal cuisine.

This afternoon you will be transferred to the airstrip in Pisco for your flight over world-famous, mysterious Nazca Lines. Originally thought to be the remains of irrigation lines beyond the verdant Nazca valley, it wasn’t until they were seen from the air that the lines were recognizable as giant animal and geometric figures. The lines are thought to have been etched on the Pampa Colorada sands by several ancient Peruvian civilizations between 900 BC and 630 AD. The airstrip in Pisco permits aerial viewing of the Lines on short, comfortable flights. Later this afternoon return to your hotel and enjoy the sunset off the Pacific coast. Overnight: Libertador Paracas

Day 2:

This morning transfer to the nearby pier in Paracas in time for your boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands. These extraordinary islands are part of the Paracas National Reserve and are teeming with wildlife. Keep your eyes out for thousands of resident and migratory sea birds, such as pelicans, boobies, cormorants, terns and penguins, which share their habitat with herds of sea lions and fur seals. In the summer, condors and flamingoes are also frequent visitors. The famous candlestick design, a Nazca civilization figure etched on the desert face, can also be seen from the boat.

After returning to the mainland, continue exploring Paracas National Reserve with your guide. A UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site, Paracas National Reserve was created in 1975 to protect the fragile Paracas Peninsula, including over 216 species of birds, sea lions, and subtropical desert sand dunes. As you explore the Reserve, learn about pre-Inca cultures such as the Paracas people, who thrived in this rugged landscape over 1000 years ago. Several lookout points allow you awe-inspiring views of desert cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. Late afternoon transfer to Lima. Lunch and dinner on your own.