Nazca Lines

The basics

There are two main categories of Nazca Lines tours: from an airplane tour and from an observation tower. The tower is accessible from the Pan-American Highways and allows for views of two mysterious shapes from above: hands and a tree. Bus tours often stop here for a look at the lines, but those with more time and a bigger budget may want to book a flight.

Air tours typically last 30 minutes and fly over 15 shapes, including the famous geoglyphs of a dog and an “astronaut.” It’s best to book in advance, as flights to this top attraction fill up quickly. Guided day trips around Nazca can include stops at local attractions including Huacachina Oasis.

Things to know before you go

• Request a morning flight (before 10:30am) for the best visibility.

• Book Nazca Lines tickets for tours early, as it’s one of the top attractions in South America.

• If visiting on a cruise, look for shore excursion tours to the site.

• Those flying in from another country may want to bring cash for the airport tax (sometimes included in tours).

• Nazca Lines flights operate from Nazca, Ica, Lima, Paracas, and Pisco, with flights from further destinations offering faster and more convenient transportation at higher prices.

How to get there

While it’s possible to take a public bus from Lima to the high desert of southern Peru, it’s faster to get to the Nazca Lines via a 7-hour tourist shuttle. Look for tours that include round-trip transportation from Lima for convenience. If coming from Cusco, it’s best to fly to Pisco or Lima and take a shuttle from there; those coming from Arequipa can take a long bus ride to Nazca or fly to Pisco or Lima first. The Maria Reiche Neuman Airport is only used for viewing the Nazca Lines.

When to get there

Tours of the Nazca Lines run year-round. You may get better views during the dry months, from June through August, but crowds will be smallest in early spring and fall.

The Pampa Lines

Though less famous, the Pampas de Jumana Lines are almost 1,000 years older and depict equally astonishing subjects, including people and a complex calendar. Some tours offer hour-long flights over both sites.

Ways to explore

There are two ways to see the Nazca Lines: from an airplane during a scenic flight or from an observation tower. The tower is accessible from the Pan-American Highway and offers a view of a handful of geoglyphs, but those with more time and a bigger budget may want to book a flight. Air tours typically last 30 minutes and fly over 15 shapes. Many day trips from Lima combine the lines with a stop at Huacachina, a desert town famous for its vivid green oasis.

Accessibility

Both the observation tower and many aircraft require climbing steps and fitting into tight spaces, which renders them mostly inaccessible.

Age limits

Different flight companies might have different age limits, so check before you book.

What to pack

If you’ve booked a flight, don’t forget to bring your passport or another valid ID for airport check-in.

What to wear

Wear shoes with a good grip if you’re planning to climb the observation tower.

Not allowed

Drones, walking on the lines

Amenities

At Nazca Airport, you’ll find restrooms, snack kiosks, and some souvenir shops.

Address 

While it’s possible to take a public bus from Lima to the high desert of southern Peru, it’s faster to get to the Nazca Lines via a tourist shuttle. Look for tours that include round-trip transportation from Lima for convenience.

Driving

If coming from Cusco, it’s best to fly to Pisco or Lima and take a shuttle from there; those coming from Arequipa can take a long bus ride to Nazca or fly to Pisco or Lima first. The roads leading to the lines can be tough to navigate, so it’s better to minimize time on the road.

Public transportation

From Nazca town, there aren’t any buses that go to the lines directly; you’ll have to visit as part of a tour.

Best times to visit

Mornings are typically the best time to fly over the Nazca Lines, as winds tend to be calmer and visibility is better.

Best days to visit

Visit on a weekday for the best chance of a shorter wait for the observation tower.

Best months to visit

Nazca is part of Peru’s coastal desert region, which is driest (and therefore ideal for flights) from May through September.

Special events

This significant site is often involved in celebrations of International Archaeology Day in Peru in October.