The town of Nazca is synonymous with its greatest attraction: the Nazca Lines. These ancient glyphs are so big that they’re best viewed from high above in a plane and their mysterious origins capture the attention of travelers from around the globe. Take off on a flyover tour of the iconic Nazca Lines and dive deeper into the region’s compelling history with more of our private and small group Nazca tours.
Take a flyover tour to see the Nazca Lines. Why these enormous glyphs were etched into the desert floor remains a mystery.
See two Nazca glyphs atop this metal tower. While flight tours are regarded as the best way to observe the Nazca Lines, the Observation Tower is a backup option if you want to stay grounded.
Dr. Reiche dedicated her life to the study and preservation of the Nazca Lines. You cannot visit Nazca without hearing her name. Visit the Maria Reiche Museum, Planetarium Maria Reiche, and the airport bearing her name.
Ceramics and textiles on display at the Antonini Archeological Museum offer valuable sources of information about the pre-Inca civilization of Nazca.
Hotel Viñas Queirolo offers its guests a beautiful vineyard and breathtaking scenery, making it the perfect place to relax. Featuring outdoor pools, delicious food, and comfortable accommodations, Hotel Viñas Queirolo is a great 4-star hotel option in Ica, Peru.
4.7 | ExceptionalLet us welcome you to a little slice of paradise. Located in the beautiful town of Ica, this hotel features a nice inside garden and a spanish-style courtyard area. The tranquil rooms are equipped with air conditioning, WiFi, and stunning exterior views. Take a dip in the pool or enjoy some sun by the lagoon.
3.7 | ExcellentPeru is filled with archaeological ruins, scenic landscapes, and delicious flavors. Must-see places in Peru include:
Peru is filled with archaeological ruins, scenic landscapes, and delicious flavors. Must-see places in Peru include:
Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in four or two days. The Inca Trail is a 500-year old pathway where the elite Incas once entered into the “Lost City of the Incas”. Plan with your Peru for Less travel advisor in advance, Inca Trail permits tend to sell out even 6-months in advance.
Step into the lush Peruvian Amazon Rainforest and witness a spectacular array of wildlife in its natural habitat. Lodges in Puerto Maldonado are ideal for excursions and daily activities. Those looking for a more luxurious Amazon experience would love an Iquitos Amazon River cruise. Colorful macaws, giant tarantulas, and playful river otters are among the sights you’ll behold.
Cusco city has it all, archaeological ruins, colonial buildings, top-rated restaurants, and countless places to explore. Your Cusco City Tour will take you to the top highlights like Sacsayhuaman, Q’enko, the Cusco Cathedral, and more.
Sail on the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca and step on the reed Uros and Taquile floating islands. Some of the best weavers are found in this area so pick up some Peruvian textiles here for unique souvenirs.
Lima is a mixture of modern city living and historical significance. Here you’ll find Central restaurant (ranked #6 by 50 Worlds Best), UNESCO World Heritage sites like Historic City Center with the San Francisco Convent, and the best shopping in Peru.
The Nazca Lines are mysterious geoglyphs and geometric shapes drawn onto the desert floor hundreds of years ago by the Nazca culture. Little is known about them nevertheless, the Nazca Lines inspire awe in those who take a flight over them.
Arequipa is a picturesque town and also the second-largest city in Peru. Local markets, beautifully built colonial architecture, and El Misti volcano are among the things you’ll see while walking the cobblestone streets of the white city.
Yes. For Peru for Less, safety is of utmost importance. Pilots are highly experienced and complete yearly simulator training. Each aircraft undergoes maintenance and complies with safety regulations and policies issued by Peru’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, or Dirección General de Aviación Civil (DGAC). A first-aid kit, oxygen system and fire extinguishers are aboard each aircraft.
The Nazca Lines are about 6 hours (260 miles or 419 km) by car from Lima.
The fastest way to see the Nazca Lines from Lima is to take a bus or private car from Lima to Pisco (3–4 hours). You’ll board the flight at the Pisco airport and fly the remaining distance (about 45 minutes) to the Nazca Lines. Alternatively, you can drive further to airports in Ica or Nazca for a shorter plane ride to the geoglyphs.
1-2 days. As Nazca overflights operate from morning to early afternoon, an early bus leaving Lima around 6:00 a.m. is necessary to get to the airport on time for an overflight the same day. After the flight it is possible to take a bus back to Lima, but we recommend an overnight in Paracas to split up the long bus journeys and to take advantage of the activities available in Paracas.
We recommend staying in nearby Paracas instead of Nazca or Ica. Paracas has a lot more hotel options, as well as activities, than the latter two cities. Our top Paracas hotels include:
A Nazca overflight is best done in the morning to early afternoon. Wind conditions are often too strong to operate during the afternoon and evening.
A Nazca overflight allows you not only to see the famous Nazca Lines but also the beautiful desert and vineyard scenery that extends from Lima to Nazca. The geoglyphs you’ll view from the plane include: the whale, monkey, condor, hummingbird, spider, dog, hands, tree, astronaut and trapezoid, as well as some geometrical shapes.
The Nazca observation tower is an alternative to see the Nazca Lines for those who don’t want to fly. However, views are not nearly as impressive. You’ll see the tree and the hands, albeit obliquely.
Yes. We recommend opting for the Nazca overflight for this once in a lifetime tour of the Nazca Lines. A flight will allow you to see significantly more of the lines than the observation tower. However, passengers prone to motion-sickness or nervous about the small plane may be better off visiting the observation tower.
Nazca overflights are done in Cessna Grand Caravan aircrafts which are small, 12 passenger planes. In order for everyone on the flight to get outstanding views of the geoglyphs the plane will tilt and turn frequently throughout the ride. Taking anti-nausea medication before the flight is recommended.
All passengers will be weighed before the flight. Any passengers weighing more than 220 lbs (100 kg) will need to pay for an additional seat.