Itinerary
DAY 0: ARRIVAL IN LIMA – TRANSFER TO HOTEL
Upon arriving in Lima, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to the Miraflores district, one of the city’s most charming and vibrant neighborhoods. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes, offering a first glimpse of the Peruvian capital. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure to relax and prepare for the upcoming adventure, where the enigmatic Nazca Lines and other remarkable highlights of the region await. Overnight at Casa Andina Select Miraflores. (D)
DAY 1: COASTAL WILDLIFE AT PUCUSANA & JOURNEY TO PARACAS
Starting early, you will depart Lima with your private guide and transportation for a scenic drive along the coast. Your first stop is the traditional fishing village of Pucusana, a charming and colorful harbor known for its rich marine life. Here, you will enjoy an unforgettable one-hour boat ride in calm waters, searching for Humboldt Penguins, a variety of sea birds, Surf Cinclodes, sea lions, and other coastal wildlife that thrive among the rocky islets and dramatic cliffs surrounding the bay. Pucusana offers a peaceful, authentic glimpse into coastal life in Peru, making it a delightful start to your journey south.
You will continue traveling along the Pacific Highway, paralleling the ocean and passing beautiful stretches of coastline until reaching Paracas, your beachside home for the next two
nights. Paracas is famed for its serene desert landscapes, stunning ocean views, and proximity to the Paracas National Reserve, a sanctuary for marine and birdlife. Upon arrival, you will check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Relax by the beach, explore the surroundings at your own pace, or simply unwind until dinner is served at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel San Agustin Paracas. (B, L, D)
DAY 2: FLY OVER THE NAZCA LINES & AFTERNOON AT BALLESTAS RESERVE
After breakfast, we will travel south to the town of Pisco. Along the coastal road, your guide may make strategic stops to look for interesting bird species common to this rich marine-desert ecosystem, such as Peruvian Booby, Inca Tern, Gray Gull, Band-tailed Gull, and the elegant Chilean Flamingo feeding in coastal lagoons.
Upon arrival in Pisco, we will head to the airfield from where the small aircraft depart for the Nazca overflight. This unforgettable experience offers a bird’s-eye view of the world-famous Nazca Lines, massive geoglyphs etched into the desert floor whose origin and meaning remain one of archaeology’s most fascinating mysteries. The flight lasts approximately two hours, and the exact departure time will depend on weather conditions.
Please remember to bring your passport, as this is a commercial flight, and all passengers must check in and pass-through security procedures similar to those of a regular airport.
After this thrilling adventure, we will enjoy lunch at a welcoming local restaurant. In the afternoon, we continue to the Ballestas National Reserve, where you will visit the local museum and explore the dramatic coastal landscapes known for their biodiversity. This is an excellent opportunity for birdwatching along the coast, with chances to spot species such as Peruvian Pelican, Guanay Cormorant, and Blackish Oystercatcher.
Return to the hotel for dinner and a well-deserved rest in preparation for the next day’s activities. Overnight at Hotel San Agustin Paracas. (B, L, D)
Note: The morning activity may be rescheduled depending on weather conditions. Guests will remain in the surrounding area until clearance is granted for the scheduled overflight. In some cases, it may be necessary to reverse the order of activities due to weather or temporary airport closures. If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking appropriate medication prior to the flight.
DAY 3: BALLESTAS ISLANDS & PANTANOS DE VILLA MARSHES EXCURSION – RETURN
TO LIMA AIRPORT
We start early this morning as you board a speedboat for an exciting visit to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as “the mini-Galápagos” of Peru. This nickname comes from the islands’ extraordinary concentration of wildlife, thriving colonies of sea lions, thousands of seabirds, Humboldt Penguins, and dramatic rock formations carved by wind and waves. While smaller in scale, the Ballestas offer a similar sense of raw, untouched nature and remarkable biodiversity, making it one of the most memorable coastal experiences in the country.
Finishing the excursion by midmorning, we begin our return journey north toward Lima. Along the way, we stop for lunch before continuing to the Pantanos de Villa Marshes, a protected wetland and a vital stopover for migratory birds. Here, you may observe species such as the Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Great Grebe, Andean Duck, and several herons and shorebirds that thrive in this costal ecosystem.
In the late afternoon, we continue toward Lima, with an estimated arrival around 6:00 PM. You will be dropped off directly at the Lima Airport, marking the end of your Nazca extension. (B, L)
Notes: If you are planning an international connection tonight, we strongly recommend scheduling your outbound flight from Lima after 10:00 PM, allowing comfortable time for check-in and security.
If you require an overnight stay in Lima before your morning flight, we can assist with hotel arrangements. We are also happy to help you plan an additional day should you wish to explore the city’s rich cultural and culinary offerings (extra costs apply).
Important Notes and Information:
Perú – Nazca Lines & Coastal Wildlife – Highlights
° Discover Pucusana’s charming fishing village on a rewarding marine wildlife boat excursion.
° Immerse yourself in the desert beauty and coastal landscapes of Paracas.
° Experience the unforgettable flight over the Nazca Lines, with exceptional aerial views.
° Marvel at the mysterious ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert for millennia.
° Explore rich coastal reserves and wetlands teeming with birdlife.
° Visit the wildlife-packed Ballestas Islands, often compared to a mini-Galápagos.
° Extend your adventure by exploring other captivating, biodiverse regions: Southern Peru – Birds & Andean Heritage, Tambopata National Reserve, the Galapagos Islands, and more!
What’s included:
° Expert guidance
° Transfers and transportation services as described in the itinerary
° Visits and excursions outlined in the itinerary
° One shared-service overflight of the Nazca Lines
° Shared-service speedboat excursion to the Ballestas Islands
° Private boat excursión in Pucusana Bay
° Accommodation in a standard room and meals, as described in the itinerary
° All entrance fees to attractions and reserves
° Drinking water provided during the day
Not included:
° Soft and alcoholic beverages
° Gratuities
° Wi-Fi (due to the remote location of some of the places we will visit, internet connection may be intermittent and low-bandwidth)
° Personal expenses (extra nights, early check-in, late check-out, laundry, gifts, etc.)
° Accommodation and meals not described in the program
° Travel and Medical Insurance ° Domestic and International flights
Notes: Our activities combine birding with historical and cultural exploration. At times, the focus will lean more toward birdwatching or toward history, but many of our outings blend both elements, some of the best birding often occurs around archaeological sites or even in the hotel gardens. Most days begin with breakfast around 6:00 AM, followed by a drive to archaeological sites or birding spots. We will enjoy lunch at local restaurants. Depending on the day, we should be back at the hotel midafternoon; some afternoons will be free for exploration on your own from our conveniently located lodgings. Dinner will be at 7:00 p.m.
most evenings.
° Baggage Allowance for the Nazca Lines Overflight:
At Pisco Airport, passengers are required to present their passport for boarding and to pass through security screening, just as in a regular airport. Please travel light, bringing only essential items such as cameras and personal necessities. Clients are not allowed to bring metal items, backpacks or heavy belongings on the flight. We also recommend having a light breakfast before departure.
° Tour Leader / Guide – Nazca Lines Overflight:
The tour leader/guide does not participate in the Nazca Lines overflight. During the flight, passengers are assisted by the pilot and co-pilot, who provide all orientation and explanations about the geoglyphs as they come into view. Travelers receive headsets to listen to the commentary, guaranteed in both Spanish and English. Your private Neblina Forest guide will remain at the airport and wait for you until you return from the overflight.
Departs: All year round. The tour begins and ends at the Lima Airport.
Grading: Level 1. Easy. This tour does not require long walks. All activities take place at sea level, and walking distances are minimal.
Weather: The region’s location results in an extremely dry desert climate, with virtually no rainfall throughout the year. From June to August, temperatures are cooler, typically ranging from 15–25°C (59–77°F), while the warmest months run from December to March, with temperatures averaging 20–30°C (68–86°F). Despite the generally stable weather, flight operations can occasionally be affected by local conditions. In July and August, strong winds are common and may cause delays. Additionally, morning fog can reduce visibility, often requiring flights to wait until conditions improve.
Clothing: For this itinerary, we recommend packing comfortable, lightweight clothing suitable for warm desert conditions, along with a light jacket or sweater for cooler early mornings and evenings, especially between June and August. Sun protection is essential, so be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. A reusable water bottle, and a small daypack for daily essentials are also advised. For the Nazca Lines overflight, remember that passengers are not allowed to bring backpacks, metal objects, or heavy items on board, so plan to carry only your passport, camera, and other small essentials.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes. Lighter shoes or sandals will come in handy when relaxing around the hotels or walking in the sand.
Conditions:
° Please be aware that the itinerary outlines our planned program of excursions. However, due to adverse weather conditions and other local factors, it may be necessary to adjust the schedule during the course of the tour. Rest assured, any changes will be made to ensure the best possible use of available time and weather conditions. The trip itinerary is created months in advance, and while we make every effort to plan thoroughly, unforeseen changes may arise during the trip. These changes could be caused by weather, road conditions, safety concerns, or other circumstances. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the tour leader(s) to carefully assess and implement suitable alternatives. Any additional costs resulting from these changes will be the responsibility of each individual participant. No refunds will be issued due to changes in the itinerary.
° Please be aware that this is a sample itinerary. We can customize the package based on your request and send you a quote.
° Accommodation options are subject to change based on availability. ° All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
General notes:
° Baggage: The airlines now strictly enforce baggage regulations. Excess baggage charges, which can be substantial, are the personal responsibility of each participant. Please consult your airline to find out specific weight restrictions. Please limit baggage to one piece of luggage, one carry-on bag and one personal bag. As a precaution against lost luggage, we suggest that you pack a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, important travel documents, optics, and any other essential items in your carry-on bag.
° All baggage must be securely packed, and be properly, clearly labeled. Liquid, fragile, perishable and/or other items that are not packed as such will be transported at the guests’ own risk.
° We recommend that you keep important travel documents (passport, visa), important medication and/or valuables on you at all times. These items are the full responsibility of the guest at all times.
° We are not liable for loss or damage to baggage and/or any other personal item during air travel. We are not liable for baggage stored in shore-side facilities.
° We are not liable for the loss of, or damage of, of any aforementioned personal items. We reserve the right to charge for the return of personal items left at the hotels.
° TRAVEL INSURANCE: To protect yourself against unexpected losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance at the time of your deposit. Your policy should provide coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, as well as medical expenses. As this tour travels to remote locations where immediate access to primary medical care may not be available, travel insurance that includes emergency evacuation coverage is required for participation. ° Visa requirements differ by country, nationality of the traveler and duration and purpose of your intended stay. It may be necessary to obtain a visa or an electronic travel authorization in advance of your travel. It is therefore vitally important that you check with your travel agent/consulate/embassy for exact visa requirements.
° Please DO NOT book any flights until the Neblina Forest Team have officially confirmed the tour.