Follow the different ‘Hopstages’ of our route to see the different highlights at each of our destinations.
Hopstage 1 :
AREQUIPA TO NAZCA TO HUACACHINA
After the wonderful white city of Arequipa, it’s time to move further up Peru towards the incredibly hot and picturesque Huacachina. But first, enjoy seeing the famous Nazca lines for yourself from the viewing tower free with your Peru Hop pass.
Top Things To Do In Nazca & Huacachina
Explore the only desert oasis in South America
Visit a Pisco Vineyard and learn all about how the national drink of Peru is made
Camp overnight in the dunes and gaze at the stars
Relax by the pool and soak in the heat of the desert
Nazca Flights Flight: The best way to fit the Nazca flight tour into your trip from Cusco to Lima is by hopping off in Nazca at 4:00 pm, spending the night and then taking the flight early the following morning. In the afternoon, you can then hop on the next Peru Hop bus coming through Nazca or if you prefer, you can make your own way to Huacachina in time for the sandboarding tour in the afternoon and continue to Paracas the same day.
Dunebuggy and Sandboarding: Guaranteed to be one of the biggest adrenalin rushes you will have in your life! Dune Buggy through the dunes of the desert, sandboard down and finish it all off by taking some stunning snaps of the desert sunset at the end. The tour begins at 16:00pm and lasts 2 hours.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departures: EVERY DAY
Departures From: Any hotel/hostel in central Arequipa.
Departure Time: 05:45am
Arrival Time: 19:15pm
Note:
Recommended Nights in Huacachina:
We recommend staying 1 night in Huacachina. This way you can enjoy looking at the stars from the desert oasis during the night and also experience the fun day time activity of a dune buggy and sandboarding tour! We can help you book your accommodation.
Note: We do not recommend spending time in Nazca as there is not much to do, but your ticket does allow you to hop off in Nazca and get on the next bus if you so wish.
Drop-offs:
Huacachina is a small town, where the bus can only drive on one street. Wild Rover Hostel is our drop-off point and is less than a 5 min walk from all other popular hostels and hotels.
Hopstage 2 :
HUACACHINA TO PARACAS
Paracas is only a short one hour 15 min journey from Huacachina but feels like travelling from one paradise to another. Leave the only desert oasis in all of South America and arrive at the quaint cultural home of the National Reserve.
The Cultural Route
Take a tour of a boutique Pisco vineyard to discover how Pisco, the national drink of Peru, is made. Best of all, get lots of free samples of pure pisco, sweet wine, and Pisco baileys! The tour begins at 11:00am so we will do the tour during the day and return to Huacachina for some time before departing at 18:30pm to Paracas.
Top Things To Do In Paracas
Rent normal bikes or quad bikes and drive around the desert
Paraglide over Peru’s largest protected natural habitat
Practice kite surfing on the waves that crash against the desert
Chill out by the pool or at the beach that stays sunny all year round
Enjoy Ceviche, the national dish of Peru, on the rooftop of Restaurant Paracas – with one of the best views of the city (exclusive discount when you show your Peru Hop wristband)
Paracas National Reserve where the desert meets the sea, a truly unbelievable sight (free with your Peru Hop wristband)
Ballestas Islands: See Paracas wildlife such as penguins, sea lions, marine birds and sometimes even dolphins or whales. The tour of the ‘poor man’s Galapagos’ lasts about 2 hours and begins at 08:00am or 10:00am.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departure: EVERY DAY
Departures From: Wild Rover Hostel (within close walking distance of most hotels/hostels in Huacachina).
Departure Time: 19:00pm
Arrival Time: 20:30pm
Note:
Recommended Nights in Paracas:
We recommend staying at least 1 night in Paracas. This way you will have the chance to experience the Ballestas Islands boat tour, seeing the wild marine animals and visit the Paracas National Reserve, where the desert meets the sea. We can help you book your Paracas accommodation onboard.
Drop-offs:
Paracas is a small town, where the bus can only drive on one street. Hotel Frayles is our drop-off point – 1 minute walk from all popular hotels and hostels.
Hopstage 3 :
PARACAS TO LIMA
Finally, leave the hot relaxing beach town of Paracas for the huge busy city by the sea, Lima. Only 4 hours away but like entering a whole new world.
The Cultural Route
See for yourself where the desert meets the sea at Paracas National Reserve on our way back to Lima. Check out our Instagram for some pics of this unbelievable spot that comes free with your Peru Hop wristband.
Before arriving in Lima, we’ll have one more stop at the most fascinating, infamous, and historical spot yet – Hacienda San Jose. A beautiful estate hiding secret underground tunnels dating back from the XVII century, once used to smuggle slaves.
Top Things To Do In Lima
Do a tour or rent bikes yourself and cycle along the beautiful cliffside in Miraflores
Paraglide over Peru’s capital city and see the skyscrapers and ocean from a birds-eye view
Visit the vastly interesting Historical center of Lima
Walk through the enchanting water fountain park at Circuito mágico Del agua and watch the spectacular evening light show
Larcomar: Built into the side of the cliff and mostly underground, this mall makes for quite the sight. It has incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and is perfect to spend an afternoon shopping.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departure: EVERY DAY
Departures From: Residencial Los Frayles (within close walking distance of most hotels/hostels in Paracas).
Departure Time: 15:30pm
Arrival Time: 22:00pm
Note:
Recommended Nights in Lima:
We recommend staying at least 2 night in Lima. This way you will have the chance to see the center and cycle around the area of Miraflores or do one of the many other activities this city offers.
Drop-offs:
Any hotel/hostel in Miraflores or Barranco. Selected points in downtown (old town) Lima.
