Located in southern Peru's desert plains, this ancient site contains more than 300 massive ground drawings, including the famous monkey, spider, and hummingbird geoglyphs.
Nazca, a desert city in southern Peru, draws travelers to its mysterious desert etchings known as the Nazca Lines. You can fly over massive geoglyphs like the 440-foot condor and 150-foot spider, explore pre-Inca water tunnels at Cantalloc Aqueducts, or climb Cerro Blanco - South America's highest sand dune at 6,800 feet. The desert floor holds more than 800 straight lines and 70 animal and plant figures, created between 500 BC and 500 AD.
Viewing the Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines cover 175 square miles of desert. You'll see hundreds of geometric patterns and animal designs etched into the red-oxide rocks. A 30-minute flight tour costs between $70-100 depending on the season. The planes circle over the monkey, hummingbird, spider, and other major figures. If you prefer staying on the ground, climb the 43-foot observation tower for a view of the Tree and Hands geoglyphs.
Flight Tour Information
Book your flight between 7:00 and 9:00 AM when calm air and clear skies create ideal viewing conditions. The aircraft accommodate 4-6 passengers, and you'll pay a 30-soles airport tax before departure. Bring your passport and keep your schedule flexible - weather can lead to cancellations. Weight restrictions limit passengers to 210 pounds each.
Getting to Nazca
You'll find Nazca 450 kilometers south of Lima on the Panamerican Highway. Cruz del Sur and Oltursa buses run direct routes throughout the day, taking 6-7 hours. Bus tickets range from 60 to 170 soles, with prices varying by service class and departure time. Walk 5 minutes from the bus terminal to reach the city center, or take a 3-sole taxi ride.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
The desert sees less than 4mm of rain per year. Summer (December to March) temperatures reach 90°F (32°C) by mid-day. Winter brings 80°F (27°C) days and 55°F (13°C) nights. You can see the lines in any season, but expect more tourists and higher prices during summer.
Beyond the Lines
Walk through the Cantalloc Aqueducts to see the stone-lined channels that still transport water today, built by Nazca engineers. The Maria Reiche Museum displays detailed line maps alongside Nazca-period tools and artifacts. Visit the Chauchilla Cemetery to see pre-Inca mummies in their original positions, with ceramic pieces and textiles nearby.
Recent Discoveries
In 2024, Yamagata University researchers used AI technology to find 303 new geoglyphs. These include detailed figures of parrots, cats, monkeys, and killer whales - some extending over 300 feet in length. These findings add to the known collection of figures across the desert plateau.
Where to Stay and Eat
Several hotels sit within a 10-minute walk from the bus terminal. Casa Andina Standard rooms include air conditioning and private bathrooms, starting at $80 per night. Brabant Hostel charges $15 for dorm beds with breakfast included. Try local dishes like lomo saltado and ceviche at La Choza. Mom's Cafe serves American-style breakfasts and Peruvian coffee from 6:00 AM.
