The mysterious Nazca Lines are one of the most sought-after experiences in Peru, and even today we still don’t know their real origins or who created them.
If you are considering a visit, then you may have heard that you can see them from the ground instead of using an overflight. Now whilst certainly doable, there are certain drawbacks to be aware of before doing so.
In this guide we’ll look at whether you can visit the Nazca Lines from the ground, and the pros and cons of seeing them this way. We’ll also explore the option of joining an Nazca Lines overflight from Lima which has distinct advantages, and why it is better for an overall experience of these ancient creations.
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Quick Answer: There are as many as 300 giant shapes within the Nazca Lines, and many of these geometric figures can be as large as 1200 ft in length. They are all also found within a large area of 50km2 within the Nazca Desert.
Now there is the Nazca Lines observation tower which is located in the middle of the desert, that many head to in order to get a glimpse of these different ancient Nazca symbols. And yes you can definitely see different lines this way, however it’s very difficult to make out the overall larger figures from the ground given how big they are.
So overall yes, it is possible to make out different lines and have a faint view of the Nazca figures from the ground, however your overall perspective is going to be limited from the observation tower. And that’s without mentioning all of the walking you’ll have to do in the hot desert sun to reach the tower.
The Nazca Lines are located within the remote Nazca desert, and most first head here to head on a local flight around these ancient creations. It’s important to note that there are buses heading from Lima to Nazca, however they take roughly 8 hours – meaning a day trip will not be possible.
It is also possible to see the Nazca Lines with a flight departing from the town of Pisco, which is just a couple of hours away from Lima. This way you can effectively see the Nazca Lines from Lima in one simple day, where the flight will help you save time whilst ensuring you still see all of the incredible geoglyphs with a perfect 360° view from above.
Heading on a Nazca overflight from Lima is by far the best way to see the lines, where it’s easy to make out all of the incredible shapes including the Condor, the Hummingbird and the Dog.
You’ll board a private small aircraft, where your pilot will show you all of the different creations whilst freely being able to show you the very best angles from above. This way it will be very easy to get unforgettable videos and photos of the Nazca Lines.
The other benefit of heading on a Nazca Lines overflight is for the overall convenience that you will have. Firstly you won’t need to walk for hours in the hot desert, where you’ll then have to climb the observation tower. Secondly, these tours tend to have everything organized for you including transport to and from the aircraft.
Here at TravelBuddiesPeru, we go one step further as our Nazca Lines Flight Tour instead departs from Pisco Airport, which is much closer to Lima. This way you’ll spend minimum time in a vehicle, and more time spent enjoying the ancient symbols and incredible landscapes that this region has to offer.
As a useful reference, below we’ve compiled everything you need to know about both options in a clear comparison table. This will hopefully make it easier for you to pick the best choice for your own trip to the Nazca Lines.
Overall we can see that a Nazca Lines Overflight is the clear winner. Despite it costing more, overall it will give us the best experience and will leave us with no regrets!
| Observation Tower | Nazca Overflight | |
| 👀 Visibility | 3/10 | 10/10 |
| 🔧 Practicality | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| ✈️ Comfort* | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| 🗿 Learning The History | 4/10 | 10/10 |
| 💵 Cost** | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Overall: | 5.6/10 | 8.6/10 |
*It’s also important to mention that some people may feel a bit nauseous on the flight. However the pilot will ride slower if you are prone to any kind of travel sickness, and there are bags provided on the flight.
**With regards to the cost, this is just for the experience itself. If heading to the observation tower, you’ll also need to spend on a bus to get to Nazca, as well as a taxi from the city. The Nazca Lines tour already includes all transportation and additional costs!
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about whether you can see the Nazca Lines from the ground, and what the best alternatives are.
As mentioned before, it’s possible to view the Nazca Lines from the observation tower within the Nazca Desert. You’ll first need to head to the city of Nazca (which is roughly an 8 hour bus from Lima), and then take a taxi out to the towers in the middle of the desert. It’s important to note that the observation tower only offers a 45° angle of the Nazca Lines at best, so you won’t be able to see them as you have done in photos taken directly from above.
With a good eye it is possible to faintly see some of the Nazca Lines on Google Earth, however it’s difficult to really see the lines or images pop. This is because the software used by Google Earth heavily distorts areas right on the Earth, as well as sometimes making lines wider than normal. However we can very much guarantee that they are still here and remain in perfect condition as they were first made!
And that’s all for our guide to seeing the Nazca Lines from the ground.
With their true origins still unknown, these unforgettable ancient symbols are a must-see once you arrive into Lima. Now whilst you can see them from the ground by climbing an observation tower, your views will always be limited from below. Instead it’s much better to head on an overflight, which is more comfortable and offers unparalleled 360° views from above.
Are you looking to experience the very best of Lima and Peru’s South? Then take a look at our Incredible Day Tour, where you’ll fly over the Nazca Lines, visit the giant sand dunes of Huacachina and also sail over to the memorable Ballestas Islands just off of Paracas.
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