Ask anyone in Peru the most bizarre site they’ve ever seen or heard of, and good chances are they’ll say the Nazca Lines.
Etched into the remote desert within Southern Peru, the Nazca Lines remain one of the world’s biggest unsolved mysteries, dating back more than 2000 years. This makes them a perfect addition to any trip in Peru, both for taking unforgettable photos as well as learning more about the country’s ancient history.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Nazca Lines of Peru. This includes the history and why you should visit this impressive spectacle, as well as how you can best organize your own trip here.
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Quick Answer: The Nazca Lines of Peru are massive, humans-made lines measuring up to a combined total distance of 1300 km.
Thought to have been created over 2000 years ago by an ancient civilisation from Peru’s arid south, scientists to this day are still unable to conclude exactly who made these giant structures and why they created them. However they have remained untouched for all of this time, and have been perfectly preserved due to the absence of rain in the region.
The Nazca Lines cover a flat area of over 50km2, and depict many types of animals and plants when seen from above. This includes the Condor and Spider (which are two of the most famous), however a good eye will also be able to spot others such as the Dog, Astronaut, Hummingbird as well as the Monkey.
Whilst still officially unsolved, there is a lot that we now know about the Nazca Lines including when they were made and how they were formed.
These giant lines and formations date back to between 500B.C. – 500A.D. which is around 1500-2500 years ago. It’s most widely agreed that the Nazca civilization created these designs, who once flourished in the region.
They most likely made these in order to appeal to their gods and deities for water, given that droughts are a common issue in this region.
The Nazca Lines were created by the removal of the top layer of rock (between 10-15 inches), which has a dark red appearance due to an abundance of iron oxide in the ground.
This then revealed the lighter coloured surface below, which made a perfect contrast for creating the shapes that we see today. Most likely upon discovering the difference in rock colors, the Nazca then decided that this would be the perfect place to create these unique figures.
The reason that the Nazca Lines have stayed in perfect condition since their creation is due to the absence of rains and winds in the area, which would have otherwise caused erosion to take place.
It’s also been reported that the Spanish did also discover these during their conquest of Peru, however decided to leave these as they were. And given that they had previously destroyed other ruins and sites throughout the country, they most likely left these as they couldn’t see the images as we can now see them from above today.
Here we will now explore some of the very best reasons to visit the Nazca Lines, and why you must include a tour here when exploring the southern regions of Peru!
All over the country we can find incredible ancient ruins such as those of Caral, Machu Picchu and Kuelap. These are all spread out over the coast, Andes and Amazon Jungle, and are all linked with important civilisations such as the Inca and Moche cultures. However, still very little is understood about the Nazca Lines, and today nobody knows 100% for sure who created these lines and for what purpose. This means that when we visit them, we will feel an unmatched level of curiosity as we witness one of Peru’s most hidden secrets.
There are two main ways of seeing the Nazca Lines. The first is to head to the outpost tower in the desert, which whilst still good, only offers a limited view over the hieroglyphs. The other way is to board a small aircraft flight in Nazca or Pisco airport, where you will have jaw-dropping 360° views of the lines from above. Here your pilot will fly you around each of the different hieroglyphs, giving you the best view of each whilst explaining the history and beliefs of each design. You can check out our one day tour which includes an overflight from Pisco Airport (which is easier to get to from Lima, with all private transport included).
There are a total of 300 different geometric shapes and designs within the Nazca Desert, with 70 of these representing a variety of different animals and plants. This includes formations of the Condor, the Dog, the Spider, the Hummingbird and the Lizard. There is even a figure of what looks like an Astronaut or Humanoid, which has given rise to plenty of conspiracy theories about ancient life and possible contact with extraterrestrial beings. Some of the very biggest designs can measure up to an impressive 370m, meaning we can see them clearly when flying over them. Below you can see a detailed map of the different hieroglyphs found around the Nazca Lines.
Whilst the Nazca Lines rightfully steal all of the thunder, there are many other great things to see and do nearby. As many of the overflights take-off from Pisco airport (such as ours), it makes for a great opportunity to see nearby attractions in the Ica region. Huacachina is one of these, which is home to some of the tallest sand dunes in South America. It’s also a really popular place to try out Sandboarding and head on an adrenaline-pumping buggy ride. Another worthy site is Paracas, where we can see various marine animals within the Paracas National Reserve.
Overlooked by many who prefer the large historic centers of cities like Lima, Cusco and Arequipa, Nazca also has its own charming center which is worth walking around. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of it all, where there are various traditional restaurants to eat at. Nazca is also well-known for its beautiful textiles and pottery, and there are many workshops where you can participate in making colorful weaves. It’s also a great place to buy a ceramic souvenir, which is created using the same ancient techniques that the Nazca civilization once used.
Whilst most of the hype and energy is focused on the Nazca Lines themselves, we often forget that we are in a pretty cool desert at the same time! Most focus their time around the giant dunes of Huacachina where you can go Sandboarding, however the Nazca Desert is still impressive in its own right. With a total length of 15 miles, this desert has a dark red surface which is made up of different rocks and subsoils. Much of this was cleared by humans as they created the Nazca Lines, however the scenery we can see today is very unique and perfect for a photo.
Whilst the Nazca Lines rightfully steal the show, the surrounding region does also have some other impressive sites worth seeing. The first is the Chauchilla Cemetery, which houses many pre-Hispanic mummies in almost perfect condition. Over a thousand years old, the bodies here are some of the best naturally-preserved in all of Peru. Another site worth seeing is the Cahuachi Archaeological Ruins, which has several pyramids and thrived between 100 B.C. to 700 A.D. You’ll need more time in Nazca to see these (at least 2 days), so you may want to plan an extra day if these take your fancy!
The Nazca Lines are located within the region of Nazca in Southern Peru, roughly 446 km south of Lima. They are roughly halfway between the capital and Arequipa, although it’s much easier if heading from Lima (given there are more tour options including a same-day tour). Below we’ll explore your options for reaching the lines from Lima.
In our experience, the best way to reach the Nazca Lines is to head on a tour from Lima. There are different options such as a day tour, where you will visit other important sites around the Ica region without losing time.
Here at TravelBuddiesPeru, we offer the most complete day trip to the Nazca Lines which comes with a variety of perks. Firstly you will have comfortable and private transport to and from Lima, which includes air-conditioning. You will also visit other memorable sites such as the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina (with the option to go Sandboarding).
This is by far the best option for those in Lima that want to see all of the above sites in one day, which is otherwise impossible to do independently and hard to find elsewhere. You’ll also be traveling with one of our expert guides, who will ensure that you’ll have the best experience possible whilst exploring all of the top highlights of these regions.
If you prefer to organize everything by yourself and use public transport, you can then head independently to the Nazca Lines from Lima.
You’ll first need to take a bus from Lima to Nazca, with the majority leaving from the different terminals in La Victoria (different providers include Turismo Tacna and Transportes Moquegua, who have multiple departures throughout the day). It will take roughly 8 hours, and whilst they have comfortable seats they may or may not have air-conditioning.
Once you’ve arrived in Nazca, you’ll now need to find a place to stay. Whilst you can take your things with you directly to the airport, it’s not recommended since you’ll need to leave them there (you won’t be able to bring your luggage on the small aircraft).
From here you can then either book an overflight tour or a different tour to the observation towers with local providers. You’ll need to check whether they include all transport, as well as the costs since they can vary.
As Nazca is located within the desert, the weather doesn’t really vary that much throughout the year.
Levels of rainfall remain minimal throughout the year, with between 0-0.3 inches expected for the entirety of each month. Average daily temperatures hover between 66-75°F, with highs of 84°F and lows that drop as low as 59°F in the evening.
The most popular months to visit the Nazca Lines are between December to March, given wind conditions are at their calmest which leads to a better flying experience. Aside from this, these months are actually a great time to visit Peru as a whole – since Lima will be warmer, as well as there being less crowds in other destinations such as Cusco and Arequipa.
When it comes to choosing the time of day for your Nazca Lines flight, the morning and early afternoon is by far the best time. This is because the skies will be at their clearest, allowing for the most optimal viewing conditions of the ancient hieroglyphs. Anything after isn’t recommended, given clouds can obscure views. Here at TravelBuddiesPeru, we always aim for our flight times to either be in the morning or early afternoon to guarantee the best flight experience possible.
Once you’ve decided that you want to visit the Nazca Lines during your trip to Peru, now is the time to work out how you will fit it into your plans.
Firstly you’ll want to consider how much time you have to visit this site when in Lima. For example, if you will only be in the capital for a short while (or have a flight booked soon to head elsewhere such as Iquitos or Cusco), then a day trip makes the most sense to guarantee everything in just one day. Our Nazca Lines Day Tour will be the perfect option for you in this case, which includes quick and comfortable transport to and from Lima. You’ll also get to visit Paracas and Huacachina on the tour too as an extra bonus!
It’s important to know that the city of Nazca is located quite far from Lima (roughly 7 hours away), so if heading independently then you’ll be best to book a night bus. These can often be cold at night, so you’ll want to make sure you bring a jumper and blanket on-board. You’ll also want to book your ticket online, which will cost more however will guarantee your journey. If you do go independently, then you’ll also need to pre-book your Nazca Lines flight time and accommodation, both of which may be subject to availability depending on when you will be heading to Peru.
Below we’ll now share our very best tips for visiting the Nazca Lines, and what you need to know in order to have the most enjoyable experience possible.
One of the most common issues we’ve seen when visiting the Nazca Lines is sickness during the overhead flight. Given we will be flying in a small plane with just a few seats, it means it will be much more maneuverable compared with a larger commercial jet. This means the pilot will be turning quicker and also at more steeper angles – which can cause vertigo. If you’re prone to travel sickness or have issues with vertigo, then it’s good to know that bags are provided on the flight in case you feel ill. As well as this, just try to breathe slowly and deeply, and let us know before so we can provide extra support for you during the flight.
Once you’ve booked your tour (or decided to venture solo from Lima), you’ll now want to make sure you have everything you need before heading to the Nazca Lines. First and most importantly, you’ll need your Passport (or relevant ID issued from your country) to be able to board the flight at the airstrip in Nazca. If you don’t bring this then you will most likely be denied boarding onto the plane. Other things we suggest bringing include lots of water, snacks, as well as a good camera or phone for taking photos and videos. It’s also a good idea to bring a power bank to ensure you’re fully charged during the day, given you may want to see other things whilst out and about in the region. You can read more about what to bring on the Nazca Lines Flight.
Once you’ve prepared all of the above, on the day of your tour you’ll want to make sure you dress appropriately for the most comfortable experience. Given Nazca is located within the desert, it means the climate will be arid with very hot temperatures. For this reason, be sure to wear light clothing such as a t-shirt, vest, shorts as well as comfortable shoes. A hat is also recommended, and especially so if you’ll be heading to the observation tower which is right out in the desert. Make sure you also put plenty of sunscreen on to prevent getting sunburns too!
The Nazca Lines is one of the more popular experiences to do when in Peru, and as a result can often be quite busy. Whilst there are numerous small planes that take-off throughout the day, at certain times of the year spaces can fill-up quite quickly. For this reason we recommend booking as soon as possible to guarantee your overflight of the Nazca Lines. Having said that we can still take last minute booking and make it work, however if you can then it’s always best to book more in-advance just to be safe.
And that’s all for our ultimate guide to visiting the Nazca Lines in Peru.
These formidable ancient hieroglyphs remain one of Peru’s biggest unsolved mysteries, which still puzzle researchers to this day. Here you can head on a panoramic overhead flight to view dozens of giant designs, which can range from Condors and Monkeys to the unusual Humanoid creation.
In this guide we’ve covered everything you need to know about visiting the Nazca Lines, including what you can see here, how to get to Nazca as well as our own top personal recommendations.
Are you looking to visit the Nazca Lines from Lima? Then check out our all-inclusive one day tour, which includes all transport, a boat ride around the memorable Ballestas Islands as well as a Sandboarding trip in the oasis of Huacachina.
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