Nazca Lines Tour
Length: 3 Days/2 Nights from Lima
Season: Year-round
The mysterious lines etched into the coastal plains near the town of Nazca have fascinated scientists, archaeologists and visitors for decades. In 1901, extensive excavations determined that inhabitants who drew these lines were a separate culture, distinct from their predecessor, the Paracas culture. Best viewed on a Nazca Lines tour from the air, figures such as the monkey, fish, hands and whale are highlights, as are Peruvian coastal communities, the pre-Inca archaeological site of Pachacamac and the northern extension of the Atacama Desert.
Day-by-Day Itinerary:
DAY 01: LIMA/ICA
We begin by driving 3.5 hours south through the Pacific coastal desert to Ica, visiting the extensive pre-Inca archaeological site of Pachacamac en route. We arrive to Ica after having lunch at a typical seafood restaurant, and check into the Resort Hotel Las Dunas. In the afternoon we visit the Regional museum which houses a good collection of textiles, ceramics and artifacts from the Paracas, Nazca and Inca cultures. Dinner included at the hotel. (L,D)
DAY 02: NAZCA/LIMA
Board a Cessna (or similar small aircraft) for a 40 min flight to the Nazca Plains to view the mysterious drawings in the desert. The overflight takes about 25 minutes. There is much circling, so a motion sickness remedy and early breakfast is advised. We’ll return to Ica, drive back to Lima, stop en route for lunch, and visit a typical vineyard for which this region is famous. Overnight at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Hotel at the Lima airport. (B,L)
DAY 03: LIMA/USA (or elsewhere in Peru)
Transfer to the airport and check-in assistance for the flight back to the USA. (B)
Prices from:
$2,150 p.p.d. for 2 participants
p.p.d. = per person double or triple occupancy
Notes on the Itinerary: Extension prices include the overflight of the Nazca Lines in a 4-12 seat plane, private guide/escort from Lima, hotel accommodations based on double occupancy at the facilities listed or similar, meals as indicated, entrance fees and private transportation/driver as described above. The extension cost does not include any other flights within Peru or services, meals or accommodations not described. Visibility may not be optimal as the Cessna planes have small windows and some travelers may be seated in the center row. Reservations are not available in advance for window seating, seats are assigned onsite. Depending on logistics, this extension may be operated using the Hotel Paracas Resort or La Hacienda Hotel in Paracas and the nearby Pisco airfield for the Nazca overflight instead of Ica.
Inclusions/exclusions and how to sign up