Oddities of Peru's South Coast
Nazca Desert & Arid Coast 11 days Charm & Character

Oddities of Peru's South Coast

Between desert and ocean, in the footsteps of geoglyphs and forgotten peoples of the Peruvian coast

FromUS$2,250per person
17 years of local expertise5/5 (72 reviews including 70 Google)

Duration

11 days

From

US$2,250/pers.

Ideal seasons

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Style

Guided tour

Comfort

Charm & Character

Travelers

Couple, Solo, With friends

The spirit of travel

The stages of your journey

D1–3
LimaHotel Antigua Miraflores
D4–5
ParacasParacas Guest House
D6
IcaChez Luis | Chez l'habitant
D7
HuacachinaCamping
D8–11
NazcaHôtel Alegria

Highlights

Nazca Lines Overflight
Canyon Los Perdidos
Glamping desert Huacachina
Ballestas Islands
San Fernando Reserve
Pisco Tasting

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Welcome to Lima!

Cusco → Lima

1h30580 km

Welcome upon your arrival in Cusco and transfer to your hotel.
Night at Llipimpac Guesthouse in a standard room.

Hotel Antigua Miraflores
Jour 2
D2

Guided tour of Lima's historic center by bike

Ready to explore the historical and cultural richness of Lima while visiting its iconic landmarks? Join our downtown Lima tour!
This 6-hour adventure will take you to the heart of the city, starting with the Miraflores district. You will discover the majestic Lima's Plaza de Armas and witness the spectacular Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Presidential Palace. Explore the fascinating history of the city by visiting the Aliaga House, the Lima Art Museum and the Santo Domingo Church.
Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch in the historic center of Lima and be amazed by the impressive architecture and landscapes. To conclude, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the picturesque waterfront promenade, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
This tour is the ideal opportunity to discover the vibrant culture and history of Lima, with the explanations of our expert guides who will offer you a unique insight into its past and present. From the grandeur of the Plaza de Armas to the charms of the waterfront promenade, this experience is an unforgettable journey to the heart of Lima.
Join us for this unique and memorable adventure, and let us reveal the best of Lima to you!
Night at Hotel Antigua Miraflores in double room.
Included: site entrance(s), equipment rental, English-speaking guide, private excursion, room & breakfast

Hotel Antigua MirafloresBreakfast
Jour 3
D3

Callao: Immersion in Local Gastronomy

We invite you to Callao for an immersive gastronomic experience, centered on the rich heritage of local fishing. You will have the opportunity to meet owners of small businesses, including passionate fishermen, who will take you out on a boat and share their unique culture and cuisine.
From La Punta to Monumental Callao, you will discover Callao's captivating architecture, a blend of old and modern styles that reflects Spanish colonial heritage as well as the city's contemporary evolution.
Night at Hotel Antigua Miraflores in a double room.

Included: English-speaking guide, Meals, private excursion, room & breakfast

Hotel Antigua MirafloresBreakfast
Jour 4
D4

Route to Paracas and Discovery of Morón Lagoon

Lima → Paracas

4h260 km

Private bus transfer from Lima to Paracas, with a stop near the magnificent Morón Lagoon, nestled in the heart of the dunes.
On the way from Lima to Paracas, we will make a stop to visit the Pachacamac site, the most important ceremonial center on the Peruvian coast during the pre-Inca and Inca periods. This sacred place was occupied over the centuries by several Andean civilizations, such as the Lima, the Wari, the Ichma, and finally the Inca Empire, while maintaining its role as a religious center around the Oracle of Pachacamac.
We will explore different pyramidal temples from several periods, such as the Adobitos Temple, the Old Temple, the Painted Temple, and the Sun Temple. Besides the ruins, we will visit the museum on the site, which displays pottery, textiles, shells, stone ornaments and the wooden idol of Pachacamac, discovered during the 1938 excavations.
Night at Paracas Guest House in a standard room.
Included: private transport, site entrance(s), private excursion, English-speaking guide, room & breakfast

Paracas Guest HouseBreakfast
Jour 5
D5

Ballesta Islands and Paracas National Reserve

Early in the morning, we will embark for the Ballestas Islands, renowned for hosting numerous seabirds and marine mammals, including the famous Humboldt penguin. We will return to the port around 10am.

Golden Shadow Trek: Transfer to Paracas National Reserve. We will begin the hike from Playa Playón to explore the cliffs and enjoy the spectacular landscapes offered by this natural reserve. You will have time to take photos and admire the sunset, the highlight of this experience. The hike ends at Playa Mendieta, where a transfer will take you back to your hotel in Paracas.
Duration: 3 hours
Night at Paracas Guest House in standard room.
Included: site entrance(s), group excursion (English-Spanish), private transport, English-speaking guide, room & breakfast

Paracas Guest HouseBreakfast
Jour 6
D6

From Paracas to Ica: Tambo Colorado and Pisco Discovery

Paracas → Tambo Colorado

1h2070 km

Located on the right bank of the Pisco River valley, Tambo Colorado was one of the most important Inca sites on the Peruvian coast. Built in reddish adobe, which earned it the name "Colored Temple", the site, remarkably well preserved, is a testament to the genius and adaptability of the Incas to their environment.

Away from major tourist circuits, this site is a true hidden treasure of southern Perú, offering a unique discovery experience.

Tambo Colorado → Paracas

1h2070 km

Paracas → Huacachina

1h3075 km

A private driver will take you from Paracas to Huacachina, with a stop at a winery where the famous Pisco, Peru's national spirit, is produced!

Huacachina → Ica

15min5 km

We will begin with a screening telling the story of Tacama and explaining the winemaking process. You will visit the classic cellar, discover our modern facilities and witness the winemaking stages. We will also present you with the architecture and history of the property, a living example of the traditional Peruvian coastal hacienda with its patio, chapel and bell tower.

Ica → Ica

You will have the opportunity to visit a unique underground cave in Pérou, 7.5 meters deep. The visit will conclude with a tasting led by a sommelier, featuring three premium products accompanied by an individual cheese board.

Standard Room: Night at Luis's.


Included: site entrance(s), private excursion, private transport, English-speaking guide, excursion, dinner, room & breakfast

Chez Luis | Chez l'habitantBreakfastDinner
Jour 7
D7

Lost Canyon and Night in the Huacachina Desert

Ica → Huacachina

15min5 km

This morning, you'll depart in a private vehicle for a wonderful excursion into the Ocucaje desert, discovering the Canyon de Los Perdidos.
This impressive gorge in the heart of the desert invites you to explore it at your own pace, accompanied by your driver. Your lunch will be served as a box lunch.
Return to your hotel in the afternoon.
We offer an exciting tour in the Huacachina desert, with a personalized circuit in terms of speed to adapt to our clients' preferences. Stops are planned to practice sandboarding as well as our EXCLUSIVE SANDTUBING SERVICE.
After sunset, we will arrive at DUNA CAMP, our exclusive campground, designed to make your experience unforgettable. A private chef will be waiting for you to introduce you to the smoked flavors of our grill. The bonfire will be the ideal place to enjoy the evening.
Our imported Arabic tents will be set up and ready to welcome you for a unique experience in the desert.
Included: lunch, local guide (canyon perdidos), private transport, dinner (excluding beverages), English-speaking guide (buggy), site entrance(s), equipment rental, night camping

CampingBreakfastLunch
Jour 8
D8

Glamping in the Ica Desert

Huacachina → Nazca

2h15145 km

The following day, departure from the desert is normally scheduled for 08:00; if another time is necessary, it will need to be coordinated in advance.
You will then be transferred to Casa Duna, where showers and breakfast will be provided to conclude this experience.
A private driver will take you from Huacachina to Nazca, center of the important civilization of the same name.
Along the way, you will stop to visit the various viewpoints allowing you to observe the geoglyphs of Palpa and the famous Nazca lines.
Night at Hotel Alegria in a standard room.
Included: private transport, site entrance(s), room & breakfast

Hôtel AlegriaBreakfast
Jour 9
D9

Overview of the Nazca Lines

You will embark on a spectacular flight over the Nazca Lines, a unique experience to admire these mysterious geoglyphs from the air.
You will dive into Nazca civilization by visiting the Cahuachi ceremonial site, whose function remains mysterious. You will also be impressed by their advances in agronomy, illustrated by their vast irrigation systems. Finally, you will discover their ceramic art by visiting a workshop that reproduces ancestral manufacturing techniques.
Night at Hotel Alegria in a standard room.

Included: excursion, transport, airport taxes, site entrance(s), private excursion, private transport, English-speaking guide, room & breakfast

Hôtel AlegriaBreakfast
Jour 10
D10

4x4 Excursion in San Fernando Reserve

We set off in a 4x4 to reach the Pacific Ocean and the superb San Fernando Natural Reserve, a still little-known place. There you will have plenty of opportunity to observe penguin colonies, sea lions and, with a bit of luck, condors!
Overnight at Hotel Alegria in a standard room.
Included: excursion, English-speaking guide, room & breakfast

Hôtel AlegriaBreakfast
Jour 11
D11

Nazca: Cantalloc Aqueducts and Chauchilla Cemetery

You will explore the Cantalloc Aqueduct and visit the Paredones Ruins, witnesses to the engineering feats of the Nazca civilization.

Discover the Chauchilla Cemetery and its mummies, then participate in a pottery workshop to learn more about ancestral craft techniques.

Then transfer to Nasca bus terminal.
Included: site entrance(s), excursion, transport, English-speaking guide, private transfer departure

Breakfast

Price per person

2 pers.US$2,690/pers.
3 pers.US$2,520/pers.
4 pers.US$2,440/pers.
5 pers.US$2,340/pers.
6 pers.US$2,295/pers.
7 pers.US$2,280/pers.
8 pers.US$2,250/pers.

Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.

This trip can be tailored to your preferences

This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.

Not included

  • International flights
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Personal Expenses

Included

  • Accommodations and breakfasts mentioned in the program
  • Meals mentioned in the program
  • Activities & Site Entrance Mentioned in the Program
  • Excursions
  • English-speaking guide
  • Private transfer as mentioned in the program

Practical Information

Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.

The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.

See our specific terms of sale for full details.

In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
  • Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
  • Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.

The information below concerns entry requirements for tourism stays in Peru. Entry regulations may change, so we recommend you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.

Passport

To enter Peru, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).

Tourism stay without a visa

Entry requirements depend on your nationality. You must verify the visa requirements and any visa exemptions applicable to you with the embassy or consulate of Peru in your country of residence.

Generally, immigration authorities may request:

  • an exit ticket from the country (return flight or onward travel),

  • proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,

  • confirmation of an accommodation booking for the first nights.

Health and vaccinations

Vaccination requirements depend on your nationality and the regions you plan to visit. However, certain vaccinations are strongly recommended according to the areas visited:

  • yellow fever is recommended for travelers going to the Amazon regions and low-altitude areas (below 2,300 m); an international vaccination certificate may be required upon entry if you are arriving from a risk country,

  • updating routine vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid fever, tetanus) is advised.

Precautions against malaria are recommended in certain regions of the Peruvian Amazon. Consult a doctor or international vaccination center before your departure.

Travel with children

Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.

When a minor travels without one or both parents, Peruvian authorities may require a notarized parental authorization, ideally translated into Spanish. Additional requirements may apply depending on your country of residence.

Entry requirements verification

Entry conditions may vary according to your nationality. You must check with the embassy or consulate of Peru in your country of residence to verify the specific requirements that apply to you.

To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have assistance and repatriation insurance as well as foreign medical expenses coverage.

Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.

CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!

Choose the plan that suits you best:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire

Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedure for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.

Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.

Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insurance

Frequently asked questions

Visitors can stay in Peru without a visa. A valid passport for at least 6 months after entry is required. The immigration form (TAM) is now electronic and must be completed upon arrival. Before booking your trip, check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the Peruvian consular authorities.

Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.

You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.

For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 160 and 270 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1400 euros round-trip) are additional. Access to Machu Picchu (permit, train, bus) represents a separate budget.

Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.

Absolutely. We adapt each trip to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.

It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.

In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.

Payment is generally made in two installments.

Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.

Lionel, Explorer of the Andes and Forgotten Worlds
17years of expertise

Let's talk about your adventure — Lima Pacific Coast

Explorer of the Andes and Forgotten Worlds, based in Cusco

“
Peru often feels like traveling through several worlds in a single trip. Each region tells a different story, with its own landscapes, traditions, and its own way of experiencing time.

— Lionel

APST Guarantee Secure Payment 24/7 Assistance★ 5/5