Cantalloc Aqueducts (Acueductos de Cantalloc)

The basics

While you can’t go inside the aqueducts (they’re still used for irrigation by local farmers), you can admire the spiraling stonework from the outside. Admission tickets to the Cantalloc Aqueducts also grant you entry to other Nazca archeological sites, including the Paredones adobe ruins and El Telar, a mysterious geoglyph. Scenic flights over the Nazca Lines typically pass over the aqueducts, but they’re best seen up close on a guided tour.

Things to know before you go

• The aqueducts are completely exposed to the desert heat, so wear plenty of sunscreen and a hat.

• There’s very limited signage at the aqueducts, so it might be worth doing a bit of research beforehand for context if you’re exploring alone.

• There are a handful of hotels near the aqueducts, but don’t expect much in terms of stores—it’s a good idea to bring water.

How to get there

The Cantalloc Aqueducts are on the outskirts of the desert town of Nazca. From the Plaza de Armas in the center, they’re a 10-minute drive. While you could walk, it’s not recommended due to heat and safety concerns; taxis are cheap and fast and are the next best option after visiting as part of a tour with included transportation.

When to get there

The archeological site is open daily from morning to late afternoon. Thanks to its desert climate, Nazca is a year-round destination—it sees almost no rainfall, so there’s never really a bad time to visit. December through March is peak season, when it’ll be busiest.

How to see the Nazca Lines

The extraordinary Nazca Lines have baffled archeologists and historians for centuries. There are only two ways to see the UNESCO-listed geoglyphs etched into the desert—during a scenic flight or from a lookout tower. The flights typically last 30 minutes and let you appreciate the grand scale and artistry of the lines, which depict animals, birds, and insects.