Ica / Nazca / Paracas (3D)
For this Nazca Lines Tour we head south from Lima along the Pan-American highway to the city of Ica. From Ica, you will take an exciting flight over this beautiful desert landscape and the famous Nazca Lines (50 minute flight included in price). It is believed the Pre-Inca Nazca culture drew these representational figures and lines in the desert. The mystery of their meaning and function is only compounded by the fact that they can only be viewed, in their entirety, from the air. In Ica you can relax by the pool or climb the dunes to go sandboarding. During your return ride to Lima, you will stop for a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands (“Mini-Galapagos”) to observe the birds and marine life of Paracas National Reserve. Though Ica is only 4 hrs from Lima, our Nazca Lines tour feels worlds away.
**Optional – 2 Day Ica / Nazca (omits extra night and Paracas)
Itinerary
Ica / Nazca / Paracas (3 Day)
DAY 1: LIMA – ICA
Ica Accommodations
Morning transfer to bus station for tourist class bus to the city of Ica (191 miles / 308 km south of Lima - approx 4 hrs). After checking into your hotel you will have the rest of day free to relax by the pool or choose an optional activity (on your own): ride in a dune buggy or surf the giant sand dunes nearby. Overnight Las Dunas. (B)
DAY 2: ICA – NAZCA OVERFLIGHT – ICA
Ica Accommodations
In the morning we will transfer to the airport to take a small (one engine) plane to Nazca and fly over the mysterious Nazca lines (50 min total). These drawings were made in the sand over 2,000 years ago. You will see gigantic geometrical lines resembling a landing field and over 32 figures including a monkey, spider, condor, reptile, fish, hummingbird, etc. Afternoon city tour of Ica includes visits to Huacachina oasis lagoon, Regional Museum and a traditional Pisco winery. Overnight in Ica. (B)
DAY 3: ICA – PARACAS – LIMA
After breakfast we transfer to Paracas for a morning cruise to the Ballestas Islands (90 min). Often referred to as the "Mini Galapagos", here you can see penguins, sea lions and more than 60 species of sea birds. On the way you also will see the "Candelabro" a large, mysterious sand design that can be seen only from the sea or sky. Afternoon return by tourist class bus to Lima (approx 3 hrs - arrival 6pm). Meet and transfer to your hotel or airport. (B)
Key: (B)reakfast, (L)unch, (D)inner
Pricing and Details
PRICING
EXTENSION COST: (per person / 2 passenger minimum - with custom dates)
Ica/ Nazca/Ballestas (3D)
$675 (3 star superior hotel)
Optional - Ica/ Nazca (2D)
$495 (3 star superior hotel)
Price includes: Bilingual guides on trek for all tours as noted, all airport/hotel transfers, Nazca overflight, all land transport during the itinerary, cost of entry for all scheduled tours/treks and archaeological sites, all hotel accommodations, all meals as noted, Nazca Flight (50 minutes approx), accommodations and support staff on trek.
Not included: Meals not noted, Ica airport tax ($12, subject to change - to be paid at the airport), (unless otherwise noted), personal expenses (tips and gratuities, alcoholic beverages, medical or travel insurance, laundry, airport taxes, etc.).
Single Supplement (hotel/lodges): Trip cost is based on twin shared hotel accommodations, a single supplement charge is assessed for those traveling alone or preferring single hotel/cabin accommodations.
