ICA 2D/1N

Programme  2D/1N

An hour's drive along the Pan American highway takes the visitor south to Ica, a verdant oasis and home of Peru's famous pisco grape brandy. Ica also houses a fine archaeological museum and two of Peru’s finest resort hotels

The flight over the Nazca Lines will surely be a highlight of this 2-to-3 day desert excursion south of Lima. But in addition to the Nazca Lines, other wonders are in store, including the Paracas wildlife sanctuary and the home of Peru’s signature alcoholic beverage – pisco.

Paracas, 150 miles south of Lima, is home to Peru's largest coastal wildlife sanctuary. Within it are the Ballestas Islands, home to thousands of resident and migratory sea birds, including pelicans, boobies, cormorants, terns and penguins that share their habitat with herds of sea lions and fur seals. In the summer, condors and flamingoes are also frequent visitors to the bayshore. Paracas boasts a charming hotel that is ideal for a quick stopover or a weekend getaway.

DAY 1 / LIMA - ICA
Drive 310 km. (194 miles) south along the Panamericana highway from Lima to Ica, through arid desert and lush coastal oasis. Arrive in Ica at midday for a short tour of the city. In the afternoon, fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines. Overnight at Las Dunas Resort.

DAY 2 / ICA - PARACAS - LIMA
Drive 60 km. (37 miles) north to Paracas for an excursion by boat to the Ballestas Islands to view thousands of birds, sea lions and fur seals in their natural surroundings. The famous candlestick design, a Nazca civilization figure etched on the desert face, can also be seen from the boat. In the afternoon, a relaxing drive back to the hotel in Lima. (B)
* Daily departures.
* Seat-in-bus available with tour restrictions.