Review: Lima, Ica, Paracas & Nazca 3-Day Adventure

So, you’re thinking of escaping Lima for a few days and exploring the desert coastline? I hear you! I did the ‘Lima Ica Paracas Nazca 3d2n’ thing a while back, and I’m so excited to walk you through what it’s really like. Actually, this adventure is packed with incredible sights and some pretty thrilling activities.

View the complete list and travel insights here

Day 1: From Coastal Lima to the Shores of Paracas

The kickoff? Expect an early morning pickup in Lima. I remember thinking, “This is early!”, yet it is totally worth it for what’s to come. The drive is fairly scenic, yet mostly just a way to get from point A to point B. I actually took the chance to catch a few extra winks! First stop: Paracas. Once you’re there, it’s almost as if the air changes, that coastal vibe hits you immediately.

What comes next, you ask? You could hop on a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, sometimes called the “Poor Man’s Galapagos.” These islands? Totally teeming with wildlife! Think hundreds, if not thousands, of birds screeching, playing, and diving, plus sea lions lounging about like they own the place. By the way, be prepared for the smell; it’s strong, very strong, yet that’s just part of the experience. Oh, and keep an eye out for the Paracas Candelabra etched into the cliffs; it’s like your initial mystery of what else this excursion has to offer.

The afternoon? Free to wander around Paracas. Maybe grab some ceviche at a local spot – very yum! Or simply chill by the water. You’ll find some pretty decent sunsets, more or less ending a pretty eventful day before heading to your accommodations for the night. I opted for a smaller boutique hotel, just because I felt it offered more local character than the big chain spots.

Day 2: Desert Oasis of Huacachina and Nazca Flight Prep

Day two, and prepare for some thrills. The drive from Paracas to Huacachina is not too long, really, and soon enough, you will notice a little something almost magical on the horizon – Huacachina, that tiny oasis surrounded by massive dunes. Trust me, it is like something out of a movie.

Dune buggy time! That’s almost surely the highlight for most folks. Buckle up tight! Anyway, these buggies are not playing around. The rides are full-throttle over these crazy dunes; the drop-offs are pretty steep, and you will find yourself screaming. Good screams, though. Next comes sandboarding. It may look easier than it is, yet who cares? Just give it a go! Rent a board (very affordable), get some wax on it, and try to glide down those dunes. I confess, I mostly slid down on my bum, yet I sure had the laughs.

Ica is right there. Many tours involve a stop to a local pisco distillery or a winery. Sample some of Peru’s national drink. After that it is a time to settle into your hotel in Nazca, so you’re ready for the flight over the Nazca Lines the next morning. Get some sleep; early wake-up call coming!

Read the full travel breakdown here

Day 3: The Mysterious Nazca Lines and the Return to Lima

Early morning flight over the Nazca Lines. It’s advisable to go early, arguably before the winds pick up and make for a bumpy ride. I get the window seat, so worth it, right? Be prepared for the small plane; it does get thrown around a bit.

These lines? Something so awe-inspiring that’s etched into the desert floor! The pilot banks the plane so everyone gets great views of the figures: the hummingbird, the monkey, the spider, and so on. I’m being serious; these designs will inspire so much wonder about who made them and why. I was mesmerized. Take a motion sickness pill beforehand, alright? Many folks feel queasy; it really can affect your capacity to properly admire this experience.

After the flight, the trip heads back to Lima. A pretty lengthy bus ride, admittedly. You’ll get back in the evening, naturally a bit tired, but definitely buzzing from all you’ve experienced over these three days. Personally, I felt pretty content just looking through all the pictures I had accumulated in my camera as well as on my phone.

Things To Consider Before You Go

• Altitude: The altitude should not pose significant problems, however, take it easier as a matter of course if you’re not used to it, especially in Nazca.
• Sun Protection: The desert sun may be pretty harsh! Don’t even leave home without high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Basically, I packed and brought extra and had to buy more.
• Motion Sickness: This is just if you’re prone, that is. Bring motion sickness medicine for the Nazca Lines flight and perhaps even for the dune buggy ride.
• Cash: Some smaller vendors and local eateries might only take cash, so take a bit along.
• Layers: The weather is often variable, right? Layering is almost a game plan, notably when visiting the coast.

Is this 3-Day Tour worth it?

I guess you’re really asking, “Should I even take this tour?” A very, very clear “Yes!” Even if you are kind of short on time and want to pack in a big variety of Peru’s diverse landscape, history, with some major adrenaline rushes, too, do it. True, there’s a good deal of bus riding, and it does involve early starts, yet what you see and what you experience is nothing short of amazing. Really!

This short trip just has such a great combo of natural beauty, strange historical sights and pure adventure. I came back really buzzing from all the stuff I’d seen and done, in fact. You probably will too.

Anyhow, so go get ready for Peru’s coastline.