Nazca Lines Travel Guide: Flight Experience, Where to Stay, and Recommended Tours in Peru

The Mysterious Nazca Lines

Nazca is located about 1.5 hours south of Ica and is known for its amazing and mysterious Nazca Lines and the geoglyphs of Nazca. There are hundreds of individual figures, ranging in complexity from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, and lizards.

There are also several hundred lines that run through this region, and each line stretches from a few metres to hundreds of metres. Many of these lines are perfectly straight, as if a ruler was used to draw them, which is one of the reasons they are considered such a mystery. Some of the geoglyphs, such as the hummingbird, also include straight lines extending more than a few metres. How was it possible to draw such perfectly straight lines on the ground at such a massive scale? Again, how these straight lines were made so precisely remains a mystery.

The mystery deepens because the Nazca Lines cannot be recognized as coherent figures except from the air. Since it is presumed that the Nazca people could never have seen their work from this vantage point, there has been much speculation about the builders abilities and motivations. So while standing on the ground, how were these figures actually made?

Another reason adding to their mystery is that these lines have not been disturbed by wind, rain, or other natural factors Even though this is a desert that receives very little rainfall, they have remained undisturbed for about 1500 years. It is believed that these symbols were drawn for religious purposes, while other theories suggest that the locals drew these figures based on the birds and animals they saw around them. The region is still famous for condors, the largest flying birds in this region.

Our Journey from Ica to Nazca

We started our journey from Ica via the Pan American Highway. It took about an hour and a half drive to reach Nazca. The drive was smooth, passing through long desert stretches along the highway.

Once we arrived in Nazca, we were transferred to the airfield for our scheduled flight over the Nazca Lines.

Flying Above the Mystical Geoglyphs

We booked our flight through Viator, and it was operated by a qualified company using the latest models of planes for this experience. We were asked to wait at the airfield, and it was extremely hot in July, so we grabbed some water from the convenience stores there and drank it. After about 30 minutes, we were called to board the flight.

Once we boarded, there were three of us, another family of two, a pilot, and a copilot. The seating was arranged to balance the weight, so it is not always possible to sit together with your family. Shekar was seated in the front, while Varun and I were seated at the very end of the plane.

We were given safety instructions, and then we took off. For the first few minutes, we flew over green cultivation lands, and then we flew over the plateau. We learned that this plateau stretches about 50 miles between Nazca and Palpa, the two big towns in this region. Soon, we could see the vast brown desert below us.

The pilots tried to provide details about the flight whenever possible. We were now flying over the Nazca Lines. We were able to see the Humming Bird, the Condor and other Geoglyphs clearly. At this point, the plane started turning and twisting, and suddenly we all began to feel very dizzy.

Within a few minutes, the pilot performed a nose dive, and some of us started throwing up. For us, it was the effect of drinking too much water before boarding the flight. Luckily, we were prepared with the bags that had been given to us before boarding.

We managed to look through the window, but we were too dizzy to take many pictures. Varun felt fine throughout the flight and kept taking pictures, which I am sharing in this post. He managed to click some good shots while seated in the middle.

The pilots gave us some cotton soaked in a liquid herbal medicine, which we could smell to help prevent nausea during the flight. We were able to regain control and enjoy the last few minutes of the flight. From above, it was clear and impressive to see the Nazca Lines and the geoglyphs.

We spent about 30 minutes flying over the Nazca Lines, and the total flying time was around 45 minutes before returning.

Even with the dizziness, we felt that the Nazca Lines and the geoglyphs are truly impressive looking archaeological gems of the world.

Visiting Palpa

Later, we drove south on the Pan American Highway and reached Palpa, another small town. Here, we walked on a hill for about 15 minutes to reach a site where some of the ancient geoglyphs are located. The Palpa Geoglyphs are often confused with the Nazca Lines and the geoglyphs in Nazca due to their close proximity. However, they are not the same. Palpa Lines are believed to be created by Paracas culture much earlier than Nazca and they are mostly on mountains and hills. While the Nazca lines are on flat plains and believed to be created much later by people of Nazca culture.

At this location, we were able to get a closer look by walking near the geoglyphs of Palpa. We could see how these drawings were made and observe how they have remained undisturbed by time.

It was a great day, and we felt thrilled that we were able to visit the Nazca Lines, one of the archaeological wonders of the world.

Where to stay

Before choosing a hotel, it helps to know the main cities where you can base yourself. You can stay in Ica and do a day trip to Nazca, or start in Ica, visit the Nazca Lines, and stay overnight in Nazca. Alternatively, you can stay in Nazca and explore the Nazca Lines from there.

Recommended Hotels

• Hacienda Majoro Boutique & Resort (Where we stayed) A perfect place to visit Nazca and relax in the evening, with beautiful grounds and a pool. The property is full of history and style, decorated with a blend of Inca heritage and colonial European influences. The hotel sits on expansive grounds with orange trees heavy with fruit, and llamas and peacocks roam freely. A small hill near the dining area features waterfalls flowing gently, adding to the charm. The hacienda is a 5-minute drive from the airport and has been beautifully converted into a hotel, combining old-world charm with modern comforts.

Don Agucho Hotel A new hotel that is very clean and conveniently located close to the Nazca Lines.

Tours We Recommend

• There are many tours that combine Huacachina and Nazca in a single itinerary. However, both are desert regions, and it’s easy to get tired and worn out. Each place also offers a lot to do, so trying to cover both in one day can feel rushed.
• Our recommendation, especially for travellers with kids, is to explore Huacachina and Nazca on separate days, and plan your transfer back to Lima on the third day.
• Here are a few tours we suggest:
• Nazca Lines Overflight from Nazca
• Nazca Lines Tour from Ica
• If flying isn’t for you (especially with all the twists and turns of the aerial tour), you can still explore the Nazca Lines by land with a guide.
• If you are planning to stay in Nazca and enjoy a relaxed vacation, you can book this shuttle transfer from Ica to Nazca

Tips and FAQ

Tips and FAQ for Travellers

Keep your camera ready

The plane flies over each geoglyph for only a few seconds. Although the flight circles back, everything happens quickly. There is no preferred seat since the plane turns so both sides get views.

Book through verified companies

Booking the tour through Viator is safe, as they work with reliable tour operators and bus companies that offer secure services.

Avoid heavy meals or flying on an empty stomach

The flight spins in all directions and performs nose dives, which can cause dizziness. Take motion sickness medicine to avoid nausea.

Check weather conditions before booking

Especially check wind levels, as rides may get cancelled. Although we did not see cancellations during the summer months, it is always better to confirm.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes

It is summer and very hot, and with all the twists and turns during the flight, you will want to feel comfortable.

Bring enough water

There are stores at the airfield that sell bottled water, but it is slightly expensive. Take small sips often to avoid dehydration.

Plan for extreme heat

Most travellers visiting Peru align their trip with Machu Picchu. If visiting between June and September Nazca will be very hot since it is a desert. Be prepared for it!

Keep your passport handy

You may need it during registration at the airfield before boarding. If you book through Viator, the tour operators may collect passport copies in advance, but always confirm if you need to carry a physical copy.

If you feel sick mid flight, inform the pilot

They have a liquid medicine soaked in cotton that you can smell to help prevent vomiting. However, it is better to request it early, as once the flight begins the pilots are focused on safety.