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The Nazca Lines are one of Peru’s great mysteries. And on my 3 week trip around the country, I was keen to see these strange, enormous geoglyphs for myself.
Stretching across the desert in shapes of hummingbirds, monkeys and abstract patterns, the Nazca culture created these etchings more than 1,500 years ago. However their purpose is still debated — religious offerings, astronomical calendars, or even water rituals. Nobody knows. Whatever the reason, they’ve endured centuries of change, remaining etched into the sand thanks to the arid desert climate.
But here’s the real question: are the Nazca Lines worth visiting?
Having seen them both from the viewing tower and the air, here’s my honest take, along with everything you need to know before deciding.
How to see the Nazca Lines
There are two main ways to experience the Nazca Lines — each with very different price tags and comfort levels.
By plane
The classic option is a 40–45 minute flight in a small propeller plane where you’ll see 12–15 geoglyphs as pointed our by the pilot. With headsets and a paper guide, he’ll help you to spot them on the ground as you zoom past.
Now I’ve done a similar experience over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter – no issue. But let me tell you this plane journey is not for the faint hearted. Aside from being absolutely tiny (two to a row), the pilot tilts the aircraft from side to side so passengers on can get a view.
As a motion sickness girlie, I was already reasonably nervous before the flight. But despite not being sick, it was still reasonably terrifying. An opinion that was shared by 50% of our tour group.
What’s important to know if that the staff are lovely and will reassure you beforehand, handing out cocoa leaves to anyone who needs them. There’s also sick bags on board and the time does ‘fly by’ reasonably quickly. So if like me, you’re counting down the minutes until you land – it’s not the worst thing in the world!
Is it safe to fly over the Nazca Lines?
Yes — the flights are considered safe and are tightly regulated by Peru’s aviation authorities. Pilots are highly experienced in navigating the desert conditions and provide full briefings before take-off.
How much is a Nazca lines flight?
Flights cost around $80–120 USD plus a small airport tax, but most people see them as part of a wider tour. I joined a 2-day Peru Hop trip from Lima ($270) which included:
A stop at the Ballestas Islands in Paracas (known as the Poor Man’s Galápagos).
An overnight stay in Huacachina with dune buggy rides and sandboarding.
The Nazca Lines flight, plus hotel pick-up and drop-off in Lima.
By observation tower
If flying isn’t your bag, you can still see a selection of the geoglyphs from a metal viewing tower along the Pan-American Highway. Entry is just a couple of dollars, and you’ll spot figures like the Tree and the Hands.
It’s not as dramatic as seeing the sheer scale of the lines from above, but it’s a good alternative. Peru Hop’s longer journeys (for example between Huacachina and Arequipa) make a quick stop here, so you can tick it off without much effort.
How many days do you need in Nazca?
For most travellers, 24 hours is more than enough. You can fly above the Lines in the morning, visit the observation tower, and still see the main sites around town.
If you want to dig deeper into the area’s history and culture, you could stretch your stay to 2–3 days. Extra activities include visiting the Cantalloc Aqueducts, Chauchilla Cemetery, or the Maria Reiche Museum dedicated to the archaeologist who studied the Lines for decades.
That said, most Peru itineraries don’t linger long here. Many travellers simply stop by on a tour between Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, and Arequipa.
Things to know about Nazca
Distance: Nazca is about 2-3 hours from Huacachina by road, so if you’re staying there it’s a long round trip for just the flight. Expect some waiting around before and after, as flights are weather dependent and small groups go up one at a time.
Booking: You can book direct through hostels in Huacachina or Paracas, or go with a multi-day tour like Peru Hop if you want the logistics handled for you. It’s recommended to book well in advance.
Timing: Morning flights are best for clear skies and calmer winds.
Budget option: If you don’t fancy paying for a flight, the observation tower is a cheap and easy way to glimpse some of the geoglyphs.
Comfort: Bring water, sun protection, and motion sickness tablets if you’re prone to queasiness. And most importantly, you will need your passport.
Are the Nazca Lines worth it?
It really depends on how much you’re interested in seeing them! If you’re massively interested in the history and impressive scale of the Nazca Lines, then you should definitely explore booking a flight. However if you’re on a budget, nervous of flying, or prone to motion sickness, I wouldn’t recommend it.
For me, the Nazca Lines were interesting but not essential. I’m glad I tried the flight, but I wouldn’t do it again — though plenty of people in my group would.
Book your Nazca Lines flight
I booked my Nazca Lines flight as part of a 2 day tour from Lima with PeruHop for $270.
Here are some alternative options:
- Direct flight from Nazca from £88
- From Ica or Huacachina from £121
- From Lima (including Huacachina and Paracas) from £204
Learn more about my 3-week trip to Peru including a guide to Huacachina and Paracas.
