A Complete Guide to the Nazca Lines Flight, Peru

Thinking about taking the Nazca Lines flight? Here’s everything you need to know before booking.

The Nazca Lines, vast geoglyphs etched into the arid plains of southern Peru, have captivated imaginations for centuries. These ancient designs, some stretching over 1,200 feet long, depict various shapes, animals, and geometric patterns.

Believed to have been created by the Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE, their purpose remains shrouded in mystery. Were they astronomical calendars, religious symbols, or something else entirely?

To truly appreciate their scale and intricate details, one must rise above them. A flight over the Nazca Lines offers a unique perspective, allowing you to witness these enigmatic creations in their full glory.

But before you take to the skies, here’s everything you need to know about exploring the Nazca Lines, what it’s like to take Nazca Lines flights, and how to book your trip.

What are the Nazca Lines?

The Nazca Lines are ancient, giant, geoglyphs that were etched into the desert in Southern Peru some 2,000 years ago. To this day, scientists still can’t agree on how and why they were created, although many suggest practices and rituals based on astrology.

Some of the lines start to take shapes such as swirls, zigzags triangles, and rectangles, while others become obvious animal representations such as monkeys, spiders, hummingbirds and there is even one that looks like a dinosaur.

This is a truly phenomenal site especially when you try to comprehend how people managed to do this 2,000 years ago.

How to See the Nazca Lines, Peru

While a flight over the Nazca Lines is the most popular way to experience these ancient wonders, it’s not the only method. For those who may be hesitant about flying or are looking for alternative perspectives, here are a few other ways to see the Nazca Lines.

Observation Tower (Mirador de Nazca)

The Observation Tower is a steel structure situated right off the Pan-American Highway, approximately 20 kilometers north of the town of Nazca. Standing at 13 meters (43 feet) tall, it provides a view of three specific figures: the Tree, the Hands, and the Lizard.

While this doesn’t offer the comprehensive view that a flight over Nazca Lines does, it’s an excellent option for those on a budget or those who prefer to stay grounded. The figures seen from the tower are still quite impressive and give a decent sense of scale.

Hiking in the Surrounding Hills

Some travelers opt to hike in the nearby hills that border the Nazca desert. Though access is somewhat restricted and views are not as extensive as those from the air, these hikes offer a unique opportunity to connect with the desert landscape and see some smaller, less-known geoglyphs.

Guides are recommended for these hikes to ensure safety and provide context about the lines.

Drone Photography

For photographers with drones, using a drone to capture the Nazca Lines is an emerging trend. However, this option is regulated, and permits are required from the local authorities due to the archaeological significance of the site.

When done legally and responsibly, drone photography offers the chance to capture stunning images of the lines from a variety of angles, giving a more personalized experience.

The Nazca Desert Viewpoints

Several viewpoints across the desert provide different angles of the lines. While these do not offer the expansive views you get from a flight, they still allow for a closer look at some of the geoglyphs. These viewpoints are generally less crowded and offer a peaceful alternative to the busier tourist spots.

On a Nazca Lines Tour

A land tour is another exciting way to explore the Nazca Lines. These tours usually involve a combination of visiting various viewpoints, including the Observation Tower, and traveling by vehicle across the desert.

Some land tours offer access to lesser-known geoglyphs that are harder to reach on foot, providing a broader experience of the Nazca region.

Guides on these tours often provide in-depth historical and cultural insights, enriching your understanding of the lines beyond just their visual impact. This option is ideal for those who prefer to explore at a slower pace and appreciate the desert’s vastness.

Read more: Your Short Guide For What To Do in Lima.

What to Expect Before and During a Nazca Lines Flight

Flying over the Nazca Lines is an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to know what to expect. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect before and during your Nazca Lines Flight.

Flights over the Nazca Lines typically last between 30 and 40 minutes, but the entire experience, including pre-flight preparation, can take around two hours.

It’s advisable to book your flight in advance, especially during peak tourist season (May to September). Most operators will ask you to arrive at the Nazca airstrip or the Maria Reiche Neuman Airport at least 30 minutes before your scheduled flight.

You’ll be flying in a small aircraft, usually a Cessna, which can accommodate four to 12 passengers. These planes are chosen for their maneuverability and large windows, allowing everyone on board to have an excellent view of the lines below.

The small size of the aircraft, however, means that turbulence is more noticeable, and the sharp banking turns used to give passengers the best views can be quite intense.

The pilot will typically announce each geoglyph as it comes into view and then circle the plane so that passengers on both sides can see and photograph the lines. The most famous figures you’ll see include the Hummingbird, the Monkey, the Spider, and the Astronaut.

During the flight be prepared for the banking turns, which can be quite sharp and may cause nausea, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness. It’s recommended to avoid a heavy meal before the flight and to take motion sickness tablets if necessary.

Who to Book Your Nazca Flight With

When it comes to booking Nazca Lines flights, choosing a reputable company is crucial for both safety and experience quality. You’ll also need to choose where to fly from.

While in the past flights were offered only from the Nazca airstrip (meaning you had to make your own way to Nazca overland) you can now take a Nazca Lines flight which includes Huacachina from Lima. Depending on your itinerary this can save you quite a lot of time.

When choosing a flight or tour do your research and make sure to choose an upstanding company rather than try to save on $5. For this reason, I flew with Alas Peruanas. All planes are Cesnas and have space for 2-4 passengers. They are also the most reputable company that does this flight.

Movil Air is another reputable company that offers competitive pricing for their flights. They operate smaller aircraft, which means fewer passengers and potentially more personal space during your flight.

Movil Air is praised for its friendly service and knowledgeable pilots who go the extra mile to ensure passengers enjoy the experience.

Is it Worth the Cost?

A flight over the Nazca Lines is undeniably one of the more expensive activities you can do in Peru, with Nazca lines flight cost ranging from $70 to $150 depending on the season and the operator. But is it worth the cost?

The answer largely depends on what you’re seeking from the experience. For those with an interest in ancient cultures, archaeology, or unique experiences, the Nazca Lines flight is an unparalleled opportunity to witness something truly extraordinary.

The scale and intricacy of the geoglyphs can only be fully appreciated from the air, making the flight an essential part of understanding the mystery of the Nazca Lines.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or have a fear of flying, the alternative viewing options mentioned earlier might be more suitable. These alternatives provide a taste of the Nazca Lines without the higher price tag, though they do come with limitations in terms of what you can see.

Top Tips for Your Flight

↠ Flights to Nazca Lines can fill up quickly, especially during the high season, so it’s wise to book your flight a few days ahead of your planned visit.

↠ Choose the right time of day. Early morning flights (between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM) are often the best times to fly, as the weather is usually calmer, and the lighting is ideal for photography. Avoid flying in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead, as this can make it harder to see the lines clearly.

↠ Due to the nature of the flight and the turbulence you may experience, it’s a good idea to take some motion sickness/nausea meds beforehand even if you do have a strong stomach. The plane does provide sick bags and there was one person on my flight that clearly didn’t take their tablets. 

↠ In addition to the price of the flight, you’ll also have to pay a $20 departure tax. This gets paid when you arrive at the airport before your flight. 

↠ Bring your essentials only for the Nazca Lines flight. As these planes are small our operator took our weight quite seriously and we were all weighed and assigned a seat on the plane to maintain even weight distribution.

Our daypacks had to stay behind at the airport for the duration of the flight. Bring just a small purse with your phone, passport, wallet and your camera.

↠ Be prepared for a bit of a wait at the airport. Check-in and getting everything ready can be a little slow going so be prepared to wait a while.

As I said before the Nasca lines are a truly unique and wonderful experience, especially when seen from the air. Peru may be famous for Machu Picchu but these lines seriously bring some competition, especially in this desert-oasis part of the country. 

Ready to fly? Book your flight ahead of time.

Find all the best Nazca Lines flight tours below

---

Have you got any questions or queries about the Nazca Lines flight? Let me know below and I’ll get back to you.

Make sure not to leave home without travel insurance. For the last few years, I’ve been using Safetywing Nomad Insurance for all my individual trips and digital nomad lifestyle and there’s no better company for all my insurance needs. Cover starts from as little as $42 per month. Get your quote below now.

Related posts you might like:

Cusco Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in the Inca Capital

How To Get Tickets to Machu Picchu | The Ultimate Guide

The Best Things To Do in Arequipa Peru

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Peru

The Best Things To Do in Lake Titicaca, Peru

LIKE IT? PIN IT FOR LATER