Lima to Nazca Lines & Ballestas Islands: Is it the Best Day Trip?

Dreaming of soaring over the mysterious Nazca Lines and getting close, too it’s almost unreal, with the wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, but you’re based in Lima? A day trip covering both might seem like a wild idea, is that not right? I recently did just that, very quickly turning into one epic adventure. So, let me give you a breakdown of the “From Lima: Nazca Lines & Ballestas Islands Day Trip”, covering all the highlights, potential pitfalls, very interesting things, and, arguably, some super useful recommendations. I am thinking, what do you say?

Setting off very early from Lima: The first light of the day

Yep, that’s right, that trip gets going, very early, too it’s almost a rude awakening. You’re picked up, pretty early, from your accommodation in Lima; which is usually around 3:00-4:00 AM, so, in some respects you’re really hitting the road while most folks are just beginning to dream. I found this a bit intense, to be honest, especially since I am really not a morning person, yet, really, that super early start is quite important to squeeze everything into a single day. The drive, mostly, that lasts about four hours, to Paracas. Use this for resting; which I obviously failed to do because I was rather too keyed up for the day ahead. That bus itself was quite comfy; that’s right, reclining seats are available, yet, there were restrooms on board, really providing you with the essentials you might need for a long journey like that.

Ballestas Islands Boat Tour: Mini-Galapagos a little bit close to the Lima coastline

Once in Paracas, the trip kicks into gear. You jump onto a speedboat for a two-hour adventure around the Ballestas Islands, similarly to a local version of the Galapagos. These islands are extremely overflowing with wildlife. You’re looking at tons of birds – so many, you know; the skies get rather dark sometimes – also you could watch some cool, unique species like the Humboldt penguins, those charismatic birds; furthermore, you get some very boisterous sea lions that bask on the rocks, actually, very close to the boats. It’s a nature lover’s dream; you’ll enjoy it like your own personal TV channel, that nature’s way. The boat ride gets you incredibly close to the animals; the smells of the islands are certainly something you are gonna experience, that mix of guano and the ocean, by the way, might not be for everyone, like your grandma’s perfume or not; though, yet, it is absolutely very part of the experience. Believe me.

Flying across the Nazca Lines: Up in the Sky

The climax, pretty amazing and really high-up, the part of this trip is, I’d have to say, flying over the Nazca Lines. That’s right, that involves another bus ride of around 2 hours from Paracas to Nazca. Now, the flight, arguably, is short, some 30-35 minutes; though it’s intense, extremely mind blowing. You’re in a small plane; obviously there is a pilot and co-pilot; there’s about, potentially, just about other passengers. So, you are getting up in the air, that really doesn’t take long; and boom – so, too it’s almost that suddenly, there they are, that enormous geoglyphs etched onto the desert floor. As I was saying, the pilot banks the plane pretty steeply so each side is given the great view; however that can make for a bit of a rocky ride. To be honest, it’s slightly nauseating for some; me included; actually, but that astonishing view makes it worth every single unpleasant bit.

Huacachina Oasis: Last Stop a little bit desert adventure

A fantastic and often, to be honest, completely missed part of some Nazca Lines tours is a stop at the Huacachina Oasis, naturally that it is near Ica. As a matter of fact, after the flight; or even perhaps beforehand, who really knows?; this cute, compact desert oasis feels genuinely unreal. The lake is circled by tall sand dunes, where one gets to take part, first of all, in some heart pounding sandboarding or dune buggy rides. Obviously, I chose the dune buggy; that felt similar to a rollercoaster but right on sand, that is actually so cool; although; after I went sliding down the dunes on a board; that wasn’t as graceful as I thought it’d be. All in all, you can easily spend, actually easily; 1-2 hours enjoying those particular sights and activities. Don’t forget your shades or sunscreen; believe me, you really need these. Seriously.

Food, guidance, and planning: Things you should be doing

Food-wise; clearly most tours have a lunch included. As a matter of fact, the lunches are often in a buffet style; they could have very classic Peruvian dishes available; arguably you’re getting plenty to dig into to help keep the energy up throughout the very long day. The quality is variable, however I will need to say. So, really, I’d advise bringing along, actually along; a few snacks with you in case, in that case the offered meal doesn’t quite meet the grade; by the way. You would need those, to be frank. This way, everyone is fine and happy. From the side of instructions, I will say that it’s good; like you might be in need of it sometimes. So, in that case if your group speaks various different languages; you could discover some parts end up diluted somewhat as the guide swaps languages. Just a quick consideration to have when joining groups of tours with different people in it. If I may say so. As I was saying. Now.

What to bring: checklist with necessities

Motion sickness meds: If you’re even a little susceptible, take something ahead of the Nazca flight, now, just something; even that small plane can indeed lead to stomach turning flips.
Sun protection: Hat, glasses and sunscreen are an extremely must when spending time in Huacachina or sailing at the Ballestas; basically; believe me. That sun shines brilliantly.
Layers: That deserts can get quite cold when night begins or that boat can provide chilly winds; naturally that, so bring layers, finally bring many layers to accommodate conditions of different weather. As a matter of fact.
Local currency: Just for some things such as souvenirs; also any random tips that might happen to pop up; basically; it is worth holding on to some Peruvian Soles. I have to say that, yeah. You may want to bring dollars, although in general having local currency works best, you know that it could turn in your favor.

Pros: Benefits for this trip

Knockout Locations: A killer opportunity, naturally that; to see the famed Nazca Lines plus witness wildlife living large out at Ballestas. What a crazy pairing; don’t you think?
Handy tour: A very planned out way is that all you are required to do; very literally; is just watch from the passenger’s chair and take tons of mind blowing photos; and that is arguably worth gold in some situations; you know.
Good for limited timelines: Now, perfect when needing all of it smushed together so that; too it’s almost magically, to accommodate a tight visit window through Peru.

Cons: Important things to have in mind

Marathon length day: Honestly; a complete wipe out because of how long that goes on that can also turn extremely tiring especially those big transit stints with all of the transfer times added into that time, clearly a very difficult situation. So, really; expect an extensive long travel day.
Quick flyby feeling: If your intention to savor individual destinations intensely just may turn a little rush trip. If that’s alright, then it might not be for you, clearly, especially for destinations as interesting as the Nazca Lines.
Weather affects: Understand the bad weather, naturally; for instance if low fog turns up at Nazca; arguably that might shut your ride down temporarily too. Therefore, clearly it is a potential travel bummer for an otherwise tightly run itinerary that is arguably tough.

Was that journey genuinely worth doing it? My take

After taking one very big breath due a ton of ground traveled throughout one full calendar day from setting off from Lima to getting down those Nazca Lines; next taking flight at Ballestas Islands and finishing through Huacachina; that adventure certainly felt worthwhile if looking forward, specifically to ticking each experience through just when there isn’t too much schedule elasticity offered. Yes you will find longer journeys and in that case if that turns into available; it lets those spots be truly enjoyed. Although when tight with available dates I would without second thoughts say proceed that direction which packs all into single journey – basically a high reward to work trade off; do try getting yourself some motion sickness prevention upfront before flying. As a matter of fact that should become obvious throughout one long whirlwind from Lima towards some unbelievable sights then experiences occurring below those horizons! You heard.

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