- Country
Peru - Departure
Nazca - Arrival
Lima - Theme
Explorer
Day 1. The mysterious Nazca Line
- Destination
Nazca - Hotel
Casa Andina Standard - Attractions
Nazca Lines
We start off with a lecture at the archaeological Museo Antonini (which boasts an original pre-Columbian aqueduct running through the back garden, plus reproductions burial rituals and a scale model of the Nazca Lines). Afterward, we head to a viewpoint to observe a portion of the Nazca Lines: a lizard, a tree, and hands. Optionally, you can choose to take a small-airplane flight over the Nazca Lines (30 minutes in duration). We make this optional because it’s not always possible to fly – due to the weather– but more often than not, it IS an option. We don’t want to disappoint you, though, with something outside our control. Please let us know when you make your reservation and we will book a flight for you*. After lunch, it’s time to visit the Cantallo Acueducto (Paracas culture) just outside town and the popular Cementerio de Chauchilla, which has on display bones, skulls, and mummies. Overnight in Nazca.
Day 2. Ica and the Huacachina Oasis
- Destination
Ica - Hotel
Curasi - Attractions
Huacachina Oasis
We set off for a short ride (about one hour) to the Huacachina Oasis, and drop our baggage at the hotel. Next, we go to the Ica Regional Museum where we will view interesting artefacts of the pre-Inca Paracas culture. Then, we move to the outskirts of Ica to visit the Pisco artisanal production facilities. Here, a local guide will show us the traditional Pisco-making process in “bodega”, followed by a delicious Pisco tasting!
We have a lunch break and head to Huacachina to relax and enjoy a free afternoon in this very romantic spot. You can enjoy a Pisco Sour and explore the lagoon before dinner. For those who want a little more adventure, dune buggies tours can be arranged. Sand boarding, too, is at its best at Huacachina and is one of the ultimate sports in Peru. We can book these services for you; just let us know.
Overnight stay in Huacachina.
Day 3. Ballestas Islands, Reserva Nacional de Paracas – Lima
- Destination
Lima - Hotel
Britania - Attractions
Ballestas Islands
Early in the morning, we go to Paracas (a ride of approximately two hours). Upon arrival, we begin our boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands; be ready for astonishing scenery, intense colours, and a cobalt-blue sea. Here, we observe sea lions, boobies, pelicans, penguins, and other sea birds. En route to the islands, we glimpse a geoglyph carved on the sand: the mysterious Candelabro.
We continue our day with a trip to the Reserva Nacional de Paracas. Located just beyond the village of Paracas, we will see La ‘Catedral’, la Playa Roja, and various fossils. La Catedral is a rock formation caused by erosion of the sea and wind, which has a concave shape that is reminiscent of the domes of cathedrals. La Playa Roja, the Red Beach, is laden with reddish rocks that give it its famous name. The fossil site is a small area near the entrance to the reserve where you can observe small mollusc fossils in excellent condition, even though they are millions of years old.
After experiencing the natural jewels of Paracas, we are on our way to the City of Kings, Lima. We arrive in the early evening.
Overnight stay in Lima
Day 4. Lima, the City of Kings
- Destination
Lima - Hotel
End of the Tour - Attractions
Lima City Tour
First, we start with a panoramic view of Plaza San Martin and the main square where we will visit the Cathedral, which contains a religious art museum within. Then, we continue to the Convent and Church of San Francisco: known as one of the greatest monumental complexes of Colonial art. In between the two sites, our guide will explain the history of the surrounding buildings: The Government Palace and the City Hall. The tour continues with a view of the Huaca Pucllana, an archaeological site built in the 4th century AD and considered a holy place by the Incas.
Then we visit the modern lifestyle of Lima, starting with the trendy area of San Isidro, Parque El Olivar (El Olivar Park), adorned with olive trees imported from Spain in the 15th century. Next, we head to one of the most iconic sites for Limeños, the Parque del Amor (The Park of Love), which is situated on a cliff, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Designed with lovers in mind, the Parque del Amor is built with colourful mosaic tiles and centered around a large statue of two lovers embracing one another.
We finish our morning excursion at the Museo Larco. Built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid-shaped building, the museum’s new galleries exhibit the finest and most comprehensive Peruvian pre-Columbian gold and silver collection in the world, as well as the renowned erotic pottery collection.
Our tour ends with a tasty lunch. We leave you at the hotel of your choice. Please let us know if you need assistance with airport transfers, hotel bookings, or supplementary tours.
usd 450
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