How to Organize a Visit to the Nazca Lines
How to Organize a Visit to the Nazca Lines
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to organize a visit to the Nazca Lines:
1. Decide on the Type of Tour
There are different ways to visit the Nazca Lines. You can opt for an aerial tour (by plane) or a land excursion (visiting the viewpoints). You can also combine both experiences.
Aerial Tour: This is the most popular option, as it allows you to see the figures in their entirety from the air. The flights last between 30 to 40 minutes and are conducted in 4- to 12-passenger planes.
Land Tour: If you don’t want to fly, you can visit the viewpoints along the Pan-American highway, where you can see the Nazca figures from the ground.
2. Decide How to Get to Nazca
Nazca is about 6 hours by bus from Lima, and you can get there by bus or flight from Pisco Airport, which is about 3 hours from Lima.
Bus: Several companies like Cruz del Sur offer comfortable, direct services from Lima to Nazca.
Flight from Pisco: If you prefer not to spend so many hours on a bus, you can fly from Pisco Airport, which is closer to Lima and offers short flights to Nazca.
3. Book Your Flight or Tour
If you decide to take the aerial tour, it’s important to make a reservation in advance, as flights can fill up quickly, especially during high season. You can book directly with local agencies like Get2Peru, who organize the whole trip, including transportation from Lima or your preferred location, flights, and local guides.
Book in advance: If you’re traveling during peak season (holidays, long weekends), it’s recommended to book at least a couple of weeks in advance.
Flight: When taking the flight, make sure to reserve a window seat to enjoy the best views.
4. Choose the Best Time to Fly
The best time to fly is early in the morning, as the weather conditions tend to be more stable. Flights are typically conducted between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
Morning: Avoid midday flights, as heat can affect visibility and the stability of the flights.
5. What to Bring for the Visit
Although it’s a short excursion, it’s important to be prepared for the desert conditions and the flight.
Comfortable and light clothing, but with sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen).
Water and snacks (especially if you opt for the long bus trip).
Camera to capture the breathtaking views from the air.
Motion sickness medication (if you’re sensitive to flying in small planes).
6. Take the Land Tour (if you’re not flying)
If you prefer not to fly or if time doesn’t allow, you can opt for a land tour. From Nazca, you can visit the viewpoints of the most famous figures, such as:
Lizard Viewpoint
Hands Viewpoint
Tree Viewpoint
These viewpoints are along the Pan-American South Highway, offering an overall view of the figures, though not as detailed as the aerial views.
7. Consider a Full Tour
Some agencies, like Get2Peru, offer complete packages that include not only the flight over the Nazca Lines but also a tour of the Palpa Lines, which are older and lesser-known, and a visit to other nearby attractions like the Cantalloc Aqueducts and the Maria Reiche Museum.
8. Return to Lima or Continue Your Journey
Once you’ve enjoyed the Nazca Lines, you can return to Lima or continue exploring other parts of Peru. Many tours include transfers to Ica, Paracas, or even Arequipa, if you have more time to travel.
Summary of Steps to Organize Your Visit:
Choose your tour type: aerial (flight over the lines) or land (viewpoints).
Decide how to get to Nazca: bus from Lima, flight from Pisco, or flight directly to Nazca.
Book in advance: especially if you’re taking the flight.
Choose the best time: morning flights are the best.
Prepare what you need: comfortable clothing, water, camera, and sunscreen.
Take the tour: either aerial or land.
Consider additional tours: visit the Palpa Lines or the Cantalloc Aqueducts.
Return to Lima or continue traveling: depending on your itinerary.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to organize a visit to the Nazca Lines:
1. Decide on the Type of Tour
There are different ways to visit the Nazca Lines. You can opt for an aerial tour (by plane) or a land excursion (visiting the viewpoints). You can also combine both experiences.
Aerial Tour: This is the most popular option, as it allows you to see the figures in their entirety from the air. The flights last between 30 to 40 minutes and are conducted in 4- to 12-passenger planes.
Land Tour: If you don’t want to fly, you can visit the viewpoints along the Pan-American highway, where you can see the Nazca figures from the ground.
2. Decide How to Get to Nazca
Nazca is about 6 hours by bus from Lima, and you can get there by bus or flight from Pisco Airport, which is about 3 hours from Lima.
Bus: Several companies like Cruz del Sur offer comfortable, direct services from Lima to Nazca.
Flight from Pisco: If you prefer not to spend so many hours on a bus, you can fly from Pisco Airport, which is closer to Lima and offers short flights to Nazca.
3. Book Your Flight or Tour
If you decide to take the aerial tour, it’s important to make a reservation in advance, as flights can fill up quickly, especially during high season. You can book directly with local agencies like Get2Peru, who organize the whole trip, including transportation from Lima or your preferred location, flights, and local guides.
Book in advance: If you’re traveling during peak season (holidays, long weekends), it’s recommended to book at least a couple of weeks in advance.
Flight: When taking the flight, make sure to reserve a window seat to enjoy the best views.
4. Choose the Best Time to Fly
The best time to fly is early in the morning, as the weather conditions tend to be more stable. Flights are typically conducted between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM.
Morning: Avoid midday flights, as heat can affect visibility and the stability of the flights.
5. What to Bring for the Visit
Although it’s a short excursion, it’s important to be prepared for the desert conditions and the flight.
Comfortable and light clothing, but with sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen).
Water and snacks (especially if you opt for the long bus trip).
Camera to capture the breathtaking views from the air.
Motion sickness medication (if you’re sensitive to flying in small planes).
Passport or Id is mandatory copies are not accepted.
6. Take the Land Tour (if you’re not flying)
If you prefer not to fly or if time doesn’t allow, you can opt for a land tour. From Nazca, you can visit the viewpoints of the most famous figures, such as:
Lizard Viewpoint
Hands Viewpoint
Tree Viewpoint
These viewpoints are along the Pan-American South Highway, offering an overall view of the figures, though not as detailed as the aerial views.
7. Consider a Full Tour
Some agencies, like Get2Peru, offer complete packages that include not only the flight over the Nazca Lines but also a tour of the Palpa Lines, which are older and lesser-known, and a visit to other nearby attractions like the Cantalloc Aqueducts and the Maria Reiche Museum.
8. Return to Lima or Continue Your Journey
Once you’ve enjoyed the Nazca Lines, you can return to Lima or continue exploring other parts of Peru. Many tours include transfers to Ica, Paracas, or even Arequipa, if you have more time to travel.
Summary of Steps to Organize Your Visit:
Choose your tour type: aerial (flight over the lines) or land (viewpoints).
Decide how to get to Nazca: bus from Lima, flight from Pisco, or flight directly to Nazca.
Book in advance: especially if you’re taking the flight.
Choose the best time: morning flights are the best.
Prepare what you need: comfortable clothing, water, camera, and sunscreen.
Take the tour: either aerial or land.
Consider additional tours: visit the Palpa Lines or the Cantalloc Aqueducts.
Return to Lima or continue traveling: depending on your itinerary.