Lima, Nazca Lines & Huacachina: Was This Tour Amazing? A Review

Dreaming of soaring over mysterious geoglyphs and shredding sand dunes all in a single day? Then, it’s almost like you’ve stumbled across the “From Lima: Enigmatic Nazca Lines & Huacachina Tour with Sunset.” Yet, should you spend your precious vacation time on it? Well, that’s a question I’ll answer as honestly as I can here, by giving you my thoughts after experiencing it myself.

Early Start and the Long Ride there

Now, prepare yourself, the tour does start very, very early. Pickups usually commence around 4:00 AM. In fact, that early wake-up is arguably the biggest drawback, but think of it this way, you need time to travel! After all, the Nazca Lines are very, very far away from Lima. Then again, you can always catch some extra sleep on the bus, since most operators offer comfy seats. The bus trip takes about four hours south to Paracas, which then acts as a launching point.

The ride there does go by quickly too, or that’s been my experience anyway. That is because, you see so many cool things as you drive along the coast! First, the landscape gradually transforms as you leave Lima’s urban sprawl, changing from city views to scenic desert vistas and dramatic cliffs that meet the Pacific Ocean. Still, seeing small towns gives you a sense of local life in Peru. Of course, some tours have a guide who offers commentary, pointing out spots of interest and throwing in info about the area’s background. At the end of the day, use the time to rest so, you’re ready to enjoy all that’s waiting!

Paracas: Gateway to Adventure

Then, Paracas. It’s a charming coastal town, sort of like a springboard for some exciting experiences. You’ll probably use it as a stop to stretch your legs, grab some coffee, and perhaps hop on a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands. So, in some respects, it is a worthy excursion.

That’s true, the Ballestas Islands are a popular choice for those wanting to see tons of wildlife. Yet, nicknamed “the Poor Man’s Galapagos,” these islands are loaded with sea lions, penguins, and all kinds of birds. Typically, the boat trip lasts two hours. Seeing all the wildlife close is actually something! And the strangely-shaped cliffs add a special feel to the whole thing.

The Nazca Lines Flight: What to think of before getting airborne

Next up, arguably the main event. That’s the flight over the Nazca Lines! Basically, it is about a 90-minute drive from Paracas to the Nazca airport. Understandably, it’s an amazing experience.

Then, you’ll want to be aware, that the planes are typically very small, seating about a dozen people. Now, some folks might feel a bit anxious when they get on, but that nervousness usually vanishes once you’re in the air and taking in the unbelievable sight below. What’s unbelievable about it? Actually, these geoglyphs were drawn into the desert surface ages ago. Nobody can seem to agree on why that was. Yet, you’ll see images like the hummingbird, monkey, spider, and other strange shapes, displayed clearly from above. Seriously, it’s amazing how well-preserved they are.

That said, know that the flights can be, well, bumpy too. In the end, the pilots will bank pretty hard so passengers on either side can take their picture. That being the case, if you have some motion sickness, that could get to you. That can get to you really quick. Anyway, taking some seasickness medicine beforehand is almost definitely a great move. Moreover, taking photos through the windows can be challenging, that is because the sun can cause intense glares, which kind of ruins the shot. In that situation, focus on simply enjoying this unforgettable scene instead of trying to be the next Ansel Adams.

Huacachina: The Desert Oasis is Surreal

After the flight, prepare to travel onward to Huacachina, which is truly an oasis that you must see! Then, it’s almost like its shimmering waters are framed by huge sand dunes, Huacachina is a little village built around a lagoon.

That being the case, what most people do is go sandboarding and ride dune buggies. And, seriously, that’s quite an experience. Then again, if you are more chilled out you could kick back by the lagoon, go pedal-boating, or just enjoy the vibe.

But anyway, the dune buggy rides are really something, almost like a rollercoaster. What you do is drive up and down some gigantic dunes at crazy fast speeds, and the guides love doing stunts that’ll make you shout. I guess it’s more fun than frightening! What’s more, sandboarding can be very tricky to handle, especially for total newbies. Basically, you lie on your belly and just try to steer with your feet, that’s pretty much all you can do! Arguably, getting sand everywhere is pretty much unavoidable at this point, so you’ll be shaking it out of your clothes for days to come.

Sunset Views and the Ride Home

Catching the sunset in Huacachina is truly one of those unforgettable moments, I guess. Basically, watching the sun lower down over the dunes while they turn all different shades is beautiful and calming. To be honest, it’s the perfect way to relax a bit after such a crazy day.

As I was saying, the tour often includes a final meal at a local restaurant before starting the drive back to Lima. Expect that journey to be every bit as long as the first. I recommend that you bring a travel pillow. Really, catching some sleep during that nighttime return is going to do you a lot of good.

So, Should You Book The Tour or what?

Let me say this; doing a full-day tour from Lima to the Nazca Lines and Huacachina is, really, a great way to see some of Peru’s famous spots if you don’t have the time to go backpacking all over the country. Then, you should ask yourself whether you’re okay with the early start and really long travel times, because that is definitely part of it. Besides, remember the motion sickness part with those small planes going every which way.

That being the case, if seeing the Nazca Lines has always been on your bucket list and you’re game for a busy, adventurous day, then that this tour may just suit you. By the way, I would look at the tour operator good reviews, paying close attention to safety records and how up to date their equipment is.