Nazca Lines Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Mysterious Nazca Lines in Peru draw the attention of every traveler visiting this country. We couldn't miss the flight over Nazca Lines, although it was over our budget. Here's our Nazca Lines travel guide, including tips on how to visit independently, tours, where to stay, or what to expect. In a nutshell, here's everything you need to know before Nazca Lines flight.
When we landed after the morning flight over the Nazca Lines, we couldn't be happier to stand again on the firm ground. It was kind of a relief.
I think it took us the whole afternoon to get over nausea and to realize how amazing thing we've just experienced. We don't want to put you off from taking a flight over Nazca Lines at the very beginning of this travel guide.
Rather the opposite, but we also don't want to conceal the fact that this trip is not for travelers with the weak stomach.
But you know how it is when you decide you need to see something - everything goes aside, and in this case, we simply accepted the fact that we will likely be sick as we could not imagine leaving Peru without seeing the famous geoglyphs.
We only hoped that we would be able to enjoy the geoglyphs, take a few photos and maintain our dignity. To give you the context - we are prone to motion sickness on the bus or boat, so our fears were justified.
We wanted to experience the flight over Nazca Lines, and to make it happen, we had to step outside our comfort zone as many times before on our year-long South America trip.
And as many times, it paid off, and we were rewarded by an experience we would never forget.
In this travel guide, we share information about Nazca Lines the same as tips we think you need to know before booking the flight.
From how to book a flight, what company to choose, budget alternatives, where to stay, or how to get, we've got you covered.
NAZCA LINES
You've probably already heard about Nazca Lines as it is a unique site, unmatched anywhere in the world, and from time to time, scientists find a new formation.
In fact, together with Machu Picchu and Chan Chan, Nazca Lines are one of the most important archeological sites in Peru.
But nothing can still prepare you for seeing formations from above, and immediately thousands of questions will start popping in your head. No worries.
You'll learn all about the Nazca Lines in this post, and we hope our photos will inspire you to include this archeological site on your Peru travel itinerary.
Peru is an incredibly diverse country, and ancient Nazca Lines just prove this fact.
The only downside is that this activity is quite expensive - definitely more expensive than was our daily South America budget. This time we decided to break our internal rules and splurged.
On the other hand, if you're traveling on a shoestring without the possibility to spend more than usual, no worries. There's a budget-friendly way how to get the most of the Nazca Lines given the circumstances.
WHAT ARE NAZCA LINES
What we like the most about Nazca Lines is how the formations and the reasons for their creation still remain a mystery, although an uncountable number of scientists try to decipher their origin for more than 90 years already.
In today's over-informed society, it is quite an exception, and travelers from all around the world can let their imagination run wild and make up their own theories.
One of the most important Nazca Lines fact that is known for sure is that lines were made by Nazca people (old pre-Inca civilization) and are approximately 2000 years old!
The Nazca Lines are geoglyphs and large trenches drawn across the Nazca desert.
There are thousands of lines and geoglyphs depicting animals, plants, or humans, but the flight will take you around approximately 12 the most famous ones. Although the exact purpose is still unknown, many theories are offering several explanations.
Some theories say Nazca people drew lines with astronomical and cosmological purpose some say that lines show directions where the water is (it had to be important for Nazca people as until now water in this area is a valuable commodity), or the most supported theory says people at that time walked along the lines as part of religious rites.
And of course, the theory that aliens did it cannot be missing on the list.
Unfortunately, Nazca people hadn't left any writing records about their actions, so we can only guess.
Nazca Lines were first mentioned in the book in the 16th century but were not further studied until the 1930s when Peruvian military pilots could spot them better from above.
Interestingly, Nazca Lines, thanks to its position, constant climate, and lack of rain, were naturally preserved until today.
Nazca people created the lines by scraping off the top layer by removing the oxidized dark layer to reveal a yellow and lighter subsoil underneath.
This colored pampa floor lies only 10 - 15 centimeters below the top layer, but it is enough, and the lines are very clearly visible from above.
The recent climate changes are the biggest threat for the Nazca Lines, but the government, together with the UNESCO organization, works hard to protect this mysterious sight.
THE BEST WAYS TO SEE THE NAZCA LINES
You have two options on how to see the Nazca Lines: viewing tower or taking a flight.
We have a personal experience with the flight, and after this experience, we had zero motivation to go to the viewing tower.
On the other hand, if you want to save money, it is definitely important to know about this alternative and make your own informed decision.
It is possible to visit the viewing tower independently, while for obvious reasons, the flight needs to be booked via a tour agent.
VIEWING TOWER
For those traveling on a strict budget or for those who are afraid of flying in small planes and still don't want to miss seeing Nazca Lines is the viewing tower the perfect solution.
You can climb the 13 meters high tower and observe three of Nazca figures for a small fee, S/.3 To get to the tower on cheap, take a bus from outside Cruz del Sur bus station for S/3.
After experiencing the flight over Nazca Lines, we are unfortunately convinced that arriving in Nazca to see the lines only from the viewing tower is not that spectacular and not worth the stop.
The perspective is really different from the plane and you will miss a lot.
We saw a few photos from the viewing tower, and to be honest, we found them very underwhelming. Yes, the flight over the Nazca Lines costs around $80, but it is not a fortune compared to all travelers' expenses while visiting Peru.
Although we are budget travelers ourselves, in this case, we would strongly recommend you to go for the more expensive option that will provide you with a completely different Nazca Lines experience.
FLIGHT
The most popular option and the way to see the iconic geoglyphs the best is flying over Nazca Lines. Price varies from $70 - $100 (depends on the season and your negotiation skills) for 30 minutes flight. Plus, you must pay tax at the airport, additional S/30.
The capacity of planes differs from 6 - 12 passengers (every traveler has a window). We flew in the smallest one and can't recommend it enough as the check-in and the whole tour was smooth.
The flight tour includes pick up and drop off in the hotel, so you can choose the right hotel without thinking about the location much.
The flight was incredible and let us fully appreciate the scale of gigantic geoglyphs and lines, which are also for their uniqueness protected by UNESCO.
Nowadays, the Nazca Lines' biggest threat is climate change and human development, such as Panamericana road crossing the desert (and even splitting some geoglyphs and lines in the middle!).
A few years ago, many companies were offering flights, and many aircraft that did not have an appropriate technical check could run the flights, which caused a significant number of planes crashes - since then, the situation has changed.
The government of Peru stepped in and imposed tighter regulations, so only a fraction of companies could carry on in their business.
We flew with AeroParacas, one of the most reputable companies you can find in Nazca town, and everything went smoothly.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE NAZCA LINES FLIGHT
As we want you to have the best experience possible, here we would like to sum up how to proceed when booking the flight.
Once you arrive in Nazca, shop around and find the company that suits you the best.
Do not go only after the lowest price - safety always goes first, so choose a company with many reviews and a great reputation.
Because the plane is really small (and not that stable) and the pilot makes several sharp turns to ensure everyone on each side of the plane sees perfectly, we must warn you that you can feel a bit nauseous during this half an hour.
It does not matter what's your seat number; every passenger has a window.
You have two options - it is possible to choose a 30-minute flight, and you'll see 12 formations or a flight that takes 40 minutes and adds another two or three formations.
If not pressed for time, go for the morning flight - the visibility is better, and the wind usually picks up later in the afternoon.
Although Nazca is an all-year-round destination, it can get misty in the afternoon. And if it's sunny, the lines in the afternoon fade a bit because they turn from white to red-hot, and the contrast is a bit lower on photos.
Do not eat breakfast, or eat only a little before the flight. Maybe we are overreacting, but we are glad we did not have breakfast before our flight because we really did not feel well.
If you take an early morning flight, you still should be back in your hotel to have your breakfast after.
Pick up and drop off are included.
You will need to pay a departure tax at the airport.
It is also necessary to bring a passport.
It is better to travel with someone you know - when one feels sick, the other can take over and take photos - this way, you won't lose the precious photo op.
Your flight can be postponed depending on the schedule and weather.
Last but not least, there's a weight limit, 95 kilograms. Although Peruvians are not exactly sticklers for the rules, this is not the case, and we had to step on the weight.
In case you're heavier, you will be asked to pay for two seats so the safety limit won't be exceeded, and tour operators won't lose money.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
READ MORE:
The Ultimate Guide to Cusco: Explore the Ancient Incan Capital
8 Best One-Day Trips from Cusco
Colca Canyon: Is It Worth a Visit For a Day?
Pacaya Samiria National Reserve: Camping in the Amazon
Lima in One Day: Best Things to See and Do
A Complete Guide to Hiking Laguna 69: The Most Popular One Day Trek in Peru
WHERE TO STAY IN NAZCA
Nazca town has a very compact city center with a great choice of hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies.
As most of the travelers visit the city solely because of the flight, the best thing is to book a room within walking distance to the bus terminal and the main strip that is lined with restaurants and travel agencies.
We've handpicked the best three hotels in Nazca for every type of traveler.
Budget | Nasca Travel One Hostel - We stayed in this nice family-run hostel and think it's a great choice for all budget travelers. The room was clean, breakfast good for the price, and they can arrange tours for you.
Mid-range | Hotel Sol del Sur - Nice hotel just two minutes' walk from the main bus terminal in Nazca. The rooms are modern, clean, and the staff very helpful.
Mid-range | Casa Hacienda Nasca Oasis - There is a great refreshing swimming pool on-site, a beautiful garden, and clean and spacious rooms. The location is quiet and relaxing.
TOURS
Although it is possible to book your flight once you arrive in Nazca, it is also possible to make a reservation in advance, in case you are on a tight itinerary.
If your Peru itinerary is super-packed, another alternative is to take a tour from the capital city Lima.
The truth is that it is a really long day, but on the other hand, you will kill two birds with one stone.
TOUR FROM NAZCA
Nazca Lines Tour | If you prefer to have everything planned or don't like haggling, you can book the tour from the comfort of your home before your trip to Peru.
This tour includes everything you would expect, a pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Nazca, a professional tour guide, and a 30-minute flight.
TOUR FROM LIMA
Nazca Tour from Lima | You can still see the amazing Nazca Lines on a day trip from Lima even if you are not planning on going to Nazca town at all.
You will fly over Nazca Lines, visit Huacachina Oasis, a beautiful lagoon surrounded by palm trees, ride a buggy and enjoy sandboarding on the dunes.
It will be a long day and a truly unforgettable experience.
WHAT TO PACK
If you're prone to motion sickness, you might want to take a motion sickness pill and a vomit bag with you. Also, knowing that you have done everything you could make an awful situation a little less stressful.
We took a motion sickness pill and didn't have breakfast before the flight to have everything covered.
Not sure it actually worked, but we don't want to know how it would have looked like if we had eaten before.
Except for the gear mentioned above, you do not need much. Grab your travel camera with telephoto lens, water bottle, and that should be all.
After the Galapagos Islands cruise, we became experts on preventing motion sickness and tried an awful lot of things. You can choose from the list below what could work the best for you.
Vomit Bag | The best part about it is that you can use it almost anywhere, on the bus, boat or plane. Or you can bring a regular plastic grocery bag, just make sure there are not any holes in it.
Motion Sickness Pills & Anti-Emetic Device & Ginger Gum & Wrist Band & Motion Sickness Patch | Yes, all these things can drastically improve your 30 minutes flying experience.
We've also created Packing List for South America to help you figure out what to bring and what to leave behind.
HOW LONG TO SPEND IN NAZCA
Is there anything else to do in Nazca except for the Nazca Lines? Well, not that much and therefore most of the visitors spend in the town only one night.
However, we created this post what to do in Nazca for those of you, who have some extra time.
We arrived early in the morning, spent the night there, and the next day we booked a night bus to Arequipa.
That's why we basically had two full days. As we did not want to just waste our time, we booked the tour the next day and visited Cantalloc Aqueduct, Chauchilla Cemetery, and Cahuachi Pyramid.
The most common way how to visit these sights is to hire a driver, and you can create your own itinerary.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
