Paracas is a pacific beach town famed for its scenic coastline and wildlife. It's become an increasingly popular foodie destination where you can sample ceviche and other Peruvian cuisine. Home to one of the biggest protected deserts in the Americas, Paracas National Reserve, it's incredible views of desert meeting the ocean are a must see. The Ballestas Islands, also known as Peru's Galapagos, is located off the coast of Paracas. This "Mini-Galapagos" is the natural habitat to hundreds of penguins and sea lions.
The town of Huacachina is an idyllic natural oasis in the middle of the desert. It is South America's only desert oasis. Huacachina has what is considered one of the most beautiful sunsets in Peru, right on top of the incredible sand dunes that overlook the natural oasis.
July 18-21, 2025
Day 1: July 18
Lima - Paracas
6:30am - 7:00am
Depart Lima - We pick up directly from hostels and hotels for safety and comfort. If staying in an Airbnb just email us. Your booking confirmation (ticket) will show you your exact pick-up time (depends on where you are staying!)
8:45am - Breakfast Stop - We stop for the chance to try a unique breakfast straight from the bread ovens of Mirasur – Enjoy some of the freshest baked bread in Peru! (breakfast not included)
11:30am - INCLUDED ACTIVITY
Secret Slave Tunnels – Visit Hacienda San Jose and discover the jaw-dropping secret tunnels. Once used to smuggle slaves, these tunnels can be found below the hacienda, where you will also learn about a darker side to Peruvian history.
1:30pm - Bus arrives to Paracas, a beautiful small town by the sea.
1:30pm until the next day.
Night in Paracas. Walk by the calm beach and catch the beautiful sunset or enjoy some of Peru's tastiest seafood in this small town by the sea.
OPTIONAL EXTRA
Golden Shadows Trek – Tour to the heart of the Paracas National Reserve to experience an unforgettable sunset at Kori-Apu, the Golden Mountain (la montaña dorada). As the sun sets, the rocks along the cliffs light up a golden color, and where even the shadows are aglow, lending to the name of the tour. Your guide can help you book this optional extra or book in advance to secure a spot.
Day 2: July 19
Paracas - Huacachina - Lima
07:15am - We start our day! Meeting point is Hotel Residencial Los Frayles.
Free bag storage.
7:30am - 9:30am - INCLUDED ACTIVITY
Ballestas Islands – 2-hour boat tour of the islands. The Ballestas are a smaller version of the Galapagos, and just as great. You’ll see sea lions, penguins and lots of birds all in their natural habitat. If you’re lucky, you may even see a dolphin or three!
10:00am - 12:00pm - INCLUDED ACTIVITY
Meeting point for departure is Hotel Residencial Los Frayles
Paracas National Reserve – Guided bus tour of one of South America’s biggest protected desert reserves. Stunning Pacific coastline where desert meets ocean.
OPTIONAL EXTRA
Paragliding – The National Reserve is famed for its breathtaking Pacific coastline, so you can imagine the birds-eye views. THE place to fly in Peru! Your guide can help you book this optional extra or book in advance to secure a spot. For more info click here.
OPTIONAL EXTRA
Quad biking tour – Switch up your passenger seat on the bus, for the driver’s seat of an ATV/quad bike! Exhilarating self-drive guided tour of the reserve. Your guide can help you book this optional extra or book in advance to secure a spot.
12:00pm - Depart from Paracas - Meeting point is Hotel Residencial Los Frayles.
1:00pm - INCLUDED ACTIVITY
Pisco Vineyard Tour – see how Pisco, Peru’s national drink, is made from the grape to the bottle and try lots of free samples. Free time to have optional lunch at the Vineyard (not included).
3:00pm - Arrive to Huacachina.
4:00pm - 6:00pm - INCLUDED ACTIVITY
Dunebuggy and sandboarding – 2 hours full of adrenaline. Ride the dune buggies up and sandboard down the biggest dunes in South America. A once in a lifetime experience in the only natural desert oasis in South America.
7:00pm - 11:45pm - Back to Lima
Luxury bus back to Lima. Sit back and relax on the comfortable seats while you enjoy a movie onboard (e.g Mrs. Doubtfire / Forrest Gump / etc.). Or lay back and have a relaxing nap! You will be dropped off directly to your hotel/hostel upon arrival to Lima.
Day 3: July 20
Huacachina - Nazca - Lima
6:45am - Meeting time in Wild Rover Hostel
7:00am - 10:30am - INCLUDED with Nazca Lines
*Private transport from Huacachina directly to Nazca airport with Nazca Shuttle.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY - Approx. 35-minute flight.
Nazca Lines Flight – A flight over the Nazca Lines is the only way to truly appreciate from a unique perspective, the immense scale and intricate details of the famous Nazca Lines, huge geoglyphs etched into the Nazca Desert. Best viewed from the air the Nazca Lines include various shapes such as animals, plants, and geometric patterns, with some of the most famous figures being the monkey, spider, and hummingbird.
Check in and take flight.
12:30pm - Free time in Nazca.
Roam around the desert city and discover some of it's landmarks like Plaza de Armas!
1:30pm - 2:30pm
OPTIONAL EXTRA
Acueductos de Cantalloc – Considered one of the oldest irrigational systems in the world. These ancient water aqueducts built 2000 years ago enabled the Nazca Culture to bring water from the Andes to the Nazca Valley via underground channels, bringing life to the desert lowlands.
3:00pm - 5:30pm - INCLUDED with Nazca Lines
*Private transport from Nazca directly to Huacachina with Nazca Shuttle.
7:00pm - 11:45pm
Luxury bus back to Lima. Sit back and relax on the comfortable seats while you enjoy a movie onboard (e.g Mrs. Doubtfire / Forrest Gump / etc.). Or lay back and have a relaxing nap! You will be dropped off directly to your hotel/hostel upon arrival to Lima.
Day 4: July 21
Lima - Flight Home
What’s Included
832-780-9920
alicia@adventure-now-travel.com
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