Dramatic desert cliffs meeting the Pacific Ocean in the Paracas National Reserve and Ica Peru

Coastal Wildlife & Desert Oases

Luxury Paracas & Ica Tours

Where the endless Pacific Ocean collides with the golden dunes of one of the driest deserts on Earth.

An Oasis of Wildlife and Golden Sands

Where the Desert Meets the Ocean

Just 3.5 hours south of Lima lies a region of dramatic natural contrasts. The Paracas National Reserve and the Ica Desert form a coastal sanctuary where the waves of the Pacific Ocean carve red-sandstone cliffs out of endless golden dunes—offering an idyllic, sun-drenched escape before ascending into the Andes.

Off the coast of Paracas, the Ballestas Islands teem with South American sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and marine birdlife. Just an hour inland, hidden among towering dunes, lies the emerald lagoon of the Huacachina Oasis, alongside historic Ica Pisco vineyards and the aerodrome for Nazca Lines panoramic flights. Explore our 1 to 3-day coastal expeditions below or experience them in our 10-Day Nazca Lines to Machu Picchu Package and 10-Day Romantic Andean Honeymoon.

Elevation

Sea Level to 400 m

Best Time

Year-Round (Sunny)

Status

Protected National Reserve

Curated Itineraries

Paracas, Ica & Huacachina Experiences

The Great Southern Expedition 3-Day Paracas, Ica, Huacachina and Nazca Lines Tour

Coastal Expedition

The Great Southern Expedition: Paracas, Ica & Nazca

Lima – Ica & Huacachina Oasis – Nazca Overflight – Paracas & Ballestas

Embark on a comprehensive 3-day coastal and desert journey from Lima. Experience Huacachina Oasis dune buggies, a panoramic flight over the UNESCO Nazca Lines from Ica, and a morning boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands in Paracas.

3 Days / 2 Nights 2 Nights Hotel Included

Starting from

$699 USD

per person

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Nazca Lines Panoramic Overflight from the Ica Aerodrome

Nazca Lines: Panoramic Aerial Expedition

Lima – Ica Aerodrome – Nazca Desert Overflight

Soar above the enigmatic Nazca Lines on a full-day expedition from Lima via Ica. Marvel at 12 giant geoglyphs etched into the desert floor—including the Hummingbird, Monkey, and Condor—from a guaranteed window seat.

Full Day Panoramic Window Flight

Starting from

$434 USD

per person

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Private Nazca Lines Flight and Huacachina Oasis Dune Buggy Tour from Lima

VIP Exclusivity

Exclusive Nazca Enigma & Huacachina: Private Tour

Private Transfer from Lima – Ica Overflight – Huacachina Oasis Dunes

Experience a 100% private chauffeured full-day expedition from Lima. Soar over the UNESCO Nazca Lines from Ica, ride V8 desert dune buggies across the golden dunes of the Huacachina Oasis, and savor a traditional regional lunch.

Full Day Private Transport & Flight

Starting from

$622 USD

per person

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2-Day Ballestas Islands Wildlife and Nazca Lines Overflight Tour

Nature & History

Desert & Marine Wildlife: Nazca & Ballestas

Lima – Ica Overflight – Paracas – Ballestas Islands

A captivating two-day journey combining the aerial mystery of the Nazca Lines with the marine biodiversity of the Ballestas Islands in Paracas. Spot Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and the coastal Candelabro geoglyph.

2 Days / 1 Night Flight, Hotel & Boat Tour

Starting from

$537 USD

per person

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2-Day Private Paracas, Ica and Nazca Lines Luxury Coastal Expedition

Signature

Ultimate Coastal Luxury: Nazca, Ica & Paracas

100% Private Transport – Ica Aerodrome – Paracas & Ballestas Islands

The definitive 2-day private coastal escape from Lima. Travel in your own private chauffeured vehicle, fly over the Nazca Lines from Ica, relax at a luxury resort, and sail to the Ballestas Islands in Paracas.

2 Days / 1 Night 100% Private Coastal Expedition

Starting from

$866 USD

per person

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Paracas, Ica & Huacachina Travel FAQ

How far are Paracas and Ica from Lima?

Paracas Bay is located 250 km (3.5 hours) south of Lima along the modern Pan-American Highway, while the city of Ica and the Huacachina Oasis sit just 1 hour further south (approximately 4.5 hours total from Lima).

When is the best time of year to visit Paracas, the Ballestas Islands, and Huacachina?

Paracas and Ica enjoy a desert microclimate with over 320 days of sunshine per year, making them an ideal year-round escape—even during Lima's overcast coastal winter months (May to November). Morning boat departures (8:00 AM) to the Ballestas Islands ensure the calmest ocean conditions.

Can we fly over the Nazca Lines directly from Ica?

Yes. All our Paracas and Ica expeditions depart for the Nazca Lines overflight directly from the Las Dunas aerodrome in Ica aboard modern Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft, saving you 5 to 6 hours of extra round-trip driving down to Nazca town.