Wildlife & Culture: Peruvian Desert Adventures

We’re delighted to welcome you to Lima, our capital city. One of our guides will meet you at the airport, with transfers arranged to your hotel. You’ll have the chance to rest or take in the beautiful vibe of the city, before meeting your tour leader for an in-depth brief, covering your adventures ahead. Take in Lima’s nightlife and culinary delights and enjoy an overnight stay before the tour begins in full on day two!

Stretch those limbs and let’s get started! You and Lima are about to get acquainted. The day begins with a trip to Huaca Pucllana, the city’s most sacred place. See this great clay pyramid in Lima’s Miraflores district and discover its history as a ceremonial and administrative center. Move on to explore the city’s downtown and colonial heritage, visiting some of the city’s oldest streets and treading in the footsteps of the Spanish Conquistadors. Take in the Government Palace, Plaza Mayor, the cathedral and beautiful San Martin Square, before winding down in the sublime culture of Barranco, Lima’s bohemian quarter. Take a moment to catch your breath, before transferring to the bus station for the next stage of your journey. Travel to Paracas where you’ll spend the night dreaming of penguins and other exotic creatures!

After breakfast, pack your belongings and don’t forget your camera! You’ll embark on a gorgeous boat trip from Paracas to the Ballestas Islands, sailing on tranquil and vivid blue waters. Look out for El Candelabro en route, a magnificent geoglyph crafted into the coastal hillside, likely built by ancient people as a beacon for those at sea. Once at the islands you’ll have the pleasure of meeting sea lions, boobies, penguins, pelicans and many other sea birds, before an excursion to Paracas National Reserve. Enjoy more wildlife and breathtaking scenery in this special conservation area and see the amazing Catedral rock formation and La Playa Roja, a red-sanded volcanic beach. Shake off your sea legs with a late-afternoon transfer to Ica Huacachina for some much deserved R&R.

Visit local artisan craftspeople, the perfect place to snap up a unique souvenir or two! You’ll also be taken on a stroll through the region’s vineyards, where grape-based Pisco brandy is made, learn about the blending process and get to try it for yourself. In the afternoon you’ll be able to explore the amazing village of Huacachina for yourself. Housing around 100 locals, it sits in a vast bowl of desert dunes and is centered around a beautiful blue lagoon. Sand buggies and boards can be hired, or why not bathe in the water — it’s believed to have magical healing powers! Finally, wind down with another overnight stay.

After an overnight stay in Huacachina, board the bus to take you back to Lima. You’ll see some beautiful sights along the way and be able to reflect upon your adventures. Upon arrival, you’ll be provided with a transfer to Jorge Chavez Airport. We hope you’ve enjoyed our beautiful part of the world, and remember to come and see us again soon!