Before you go

Your trip to Nazca.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Nazca – Ica Destination Paracas, Ica and Nazca about 145 km from Ica

How to get there

Aeródromo María Reiche Neuman (NZC) Vista Alegre · 5 km
Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez (LIM) Callao · 450 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before buying. From Lima it is about 450 km via the Panamericana Sur, a 7–8 hour bus ride. From Ica it is 145 km, about 2.5 hours. Buses arrive at company terminals in the town center. By bus to Arequipa the journey takes 9–10 hours.

How many days

One day: the overflight of the Lines in the morning and, in the afternoon, Chauchilla or Cantalloc. With one night you have time for the viewpoint on the Panamericana and for both sites. Many travelers arrive in the morning and continue by night bus to Arequipa.

When to go

All year round, with sun and almost no rain. From December to April it is often very hot. Overflights depart in the morning, when the wind is usually weaker, and can be postponed on foggy or windy days.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. Overflights and agency tours include transport from the hotel to the aerodrome and the sites. Taxis take you to the viewpoint on the Panamericana, about 25 km away. A car is useful for those coming from Ica who want to stop at the viewpoints and the Palpa Lines on the way.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Nazca

Morning
Overflight of the Lines
Take the overflight of the Nazca Lines in the morning, departing from the aerodrome María Reiche Neuman, to see the whale, the monkey, the hummingbird and the condor.
Afternoon
Chauchilla
Go with a tour agency or by taxi to the Chauchilla Cemetery, about 30 km away, where mummies can be seen in open tombs.
Late afternoon
Cantalloc
On the way back, stop at the Cantalloc aqueducts, with spiral entrances, a few kilometers from town.
Evening
Centro de Nazca
Dine near the Plaza de Armas or take the night bus to Arequipa.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How long does the overflight of the Nazca Lines take?

Around 30 minutes in the air, in a small plane, departing from the Nazca aerodrome. With check-in and waiting time, allow 2 to 3 hours. Flights depend on the weather.

Is the overflight bumpy?

The planes are small and make sharp turns so both sides can see the figures, which can cause motion sickness. Eat lightly before the flight.

Can you see the Lines without flying?

Yes, partially, from the metal viewpoint along the Panamericana Sur, about 25 km north of town, from where the hands and the tree figures can be seen. The view is more limited than from the plane.

Nazca or Nasca: which is correct?

Both forms are used. The official spelling of the municipality and of the World Heritage site is Nasca; Nazca is the traditional form, better known outside Peru.

Back to Nazca