Peru Holidays: Nazca, Ica and Ballestas Islands

The Nazcas had a highly developed civilisation which reached its peak about AD 800. Their decorated ceramics, woodcarvings and adornments of gold are on display in many of Lima's museums.
The mysterious Nazca Lines are maybe the biggest astronomy book in the world. Cut into the stony desert, the Nazca lines are not only parallels and geometrical but also figure shapes of dogs, monkeys, birds, spiders, trees.... Most of these huge designs drawn in the desert are visible only from the air.
On the way to Nazca we visit the Ica Oasis and the Ballestas island to visit our sea lions friends.

Day 1:
Just after lunch, we drive from Lima to Paracas Peninsula (3 hours), the greatest natural reserve on the Peruvian Coast. The area is particularly famous for its birdlife and its marine animals. The birds nest on offshore island in colonies numbering thousands of individuals, and the many species observed include pelicans, gulls, Humboldt penguins and Chilean flamingoes. We visit the natural and archaeological highlights of the peninsula before driving to the small fishing village of Pisco. The vineyards around produce the grape used in the "Pisco Sour" elaboration. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 2:
Early wake up to board a 20 seat-boat sailing towards Ballestas Islands. The islands are know as the Peruvian Galapagos due to the huge colonies of sea lions and sea birds inhabiting the islands. Drive to Ica where we may make a short stop. It is a small colonial town and an oasis set within the arid coastal desert. The town is surrounded by immense sand dunes, palm fields an vineyards. In the afternoon, we resume our journey to Nazca. Overnight in Hotel.(B)

Day 3:
Nazca is maybe one of the most amazing pre-Inca sites on the coast. In the afternoon we fly over the enigmatic Nazca lines and time permitting, we visit the Chauchilla tombs, an amazing open-air cemetery, and the Nazca Aqueduct, still in use. 6 hour drive back to Lima and arrive at around 6 pm.(B).

The order of the excursions may be reversed to fit better with your other arrangement in Peru or depending on local conditions

Tour Tariff - Private Departures
N° of Participants	1	2	3	4	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 379	$ 313	$ 294	$ 291	$ 36
EUR	€ 315	€ 260	€ 244	€ 242	€ 30
GBP	£ 212	£ 175	£ 164	£ 163	£ 20

(*) Price last updated on 04 January 2003. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .
(**) Departures with 3 participants include a triple room unless a single supplement is paid.

Included in price:
Land transportation in bus, professional English-speaking local guides, meals indicated on the itinerary entrance fees, accommodation at selected standard class hotel with private bathroom, (superior and deluxe class available upon request)

Not included:
Meals not stated in itinerary, items of personal nature, tips, beverages.

Nazca, Ica and Ballestas Islands

Nasca - Ica - Paracas

Peru