See two of Peru’s top attractions in one day on this combination aerial Nazca Lines tour and visit to the unspoiled Ballestas Islands for wildlife spotting. It’s the perfect excursion for Peru visitors short on time, or for those looking to experience two of the country’s top sights in one action-packed day. Start your day with a 4am pickup at your Lima hotel, continuing with a drive along the scenic Peruvian coast towards the town of Paracas. The town is situated on a picturesque peninsula renowned for its wealth of wildlife and gorgeous beaches.
Board a ferry in Paracas for the trip out to the Ballesta Islands, a national reserve that is home to a wealth of marine life, including sea lions and many species of birds. Spend some time exploring these beautiful islands at your leisure, and take a few photos of the intriguing wildlife that populates the rocky shores. You’ll also be able to view the “Candelabra of the Andes,” a 600-foot (180m) painting visible in the mountainside that lines the Bay of Paracas.
Depart from Paracas as you head inland towards the Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage site experts believe was constructed more than 1,000 years ago. Board your aircraft, fitted with a window seat for every passenger, as you soar into the skies above this enigmatic sight for incredible views of the various animal designs down below.
Each of the line drawings you’ll see during your flight has a special significance. The 300-foot (90m) monkey, for example, has only nine fingers, which site experts believe symbolizes the nine months of drought the Nazca people experienced each year. Meanwhile the spider is said to represent water and fertility, as the creature is known to appear just before the annual rainstorms. As for the hummingbird, condor and flamingo, experts suspect the birds’ beaks are aligned to match the angle of the sunrise and sunset during the year’s two solstice events. You’ll also fly above the Nazca lines lizard, which was unfortunately split in two during the construction of the Pan-American highway in 1937.
At the conclusion of your Nazca Lines flight, enjoy an included lunch before starting your return trip to Lima for drop-off at your hotel.
