Nazca Destination - Inca Expert

History

The Nazca Culture (100 BC to 800 AD) flourished in the drainage of the Rio Grande of Nazca along Peru’s arid coastline. The legacy of this civilization is impressive and includes the mysterious Nazca Lines as well as the sophisticated aqueduct systems that still function today.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the Nazca Lines were created between 200 BC and 500 AD during the height of the Nazca Culture (pre-dating Incan times). Spread over some 174 square miles (450 square kilometers) of the desolate Pampa region of Peru, these geoglyphs form the outlines of more than 70 animal and geometric shapes.

The immense size and intricate detail of the geoglyphs suggests highly complex calculations and an even more complex system of cords to trace the lines and draw figures. One of the largest shapes, the monkey, measures 277 ft (84.5 m) from outstretched arm to twirled tail; approximately three-quarters the length of a soccer field.

The Nazca Lines have resisted significant erosion over the centuries because they reside in one of the driest spots on earth with very limited rainfall that might wash away the remains.

German mathematician and archaeologist Maria Reiche (1903-1998) studied the Nazca Lines intensively. Over the course of five decades, she measured and mapped a majority of the geoglyphs with meticulous precision, concurrently restoring many of these enigmatic figures to their original brilliance by sweeping away an accumulation of dark debris.

Reiche’s life-time of research lives on. A planetarium in the town of Nazca bears her name. Her house, in the village of San Pedro, has been converted into the Maria Reiche Museum with exhibits of her sketches and other artifacts. Even the airport bears her name.

Highlights
Activities

NAZCA LINES

These ancient geoglyphs are the most sought after attraction in Nazca. A hummingbird, monkey, and spider are among the most iconic shapes.

NAZCA CITY

Nazca is the capital of the Nazca Province in Peru. Some flyover tours to admire the Nazca Lines depart from the city’s Maria Reiche Neuman Airport.

MARIA REICHE MUSEUM

Visit the museum and former home of Dr. Maria Reiche, a German archaeologist who dedicated her life to the study of the enigmatic Nazca Lines.

OBSERVATION TOWER

Ascend the steps of this 43 ft (13 m) tower, called the Mirador, and look out over three Nazca shapes etched on the desert floor more than 2,000 years ago.

PLANETARIUM MARIA REICHE

Learn how constellations in the southern hemisphere sky match up to the Nazca Lines. It’s a nice complement to a flyover tour.

CANTALLOC AQUEDUCTS

These sophisticated spiral-shaped aqueducts were constructed by the Nazca Culture and enabled them to survive in an otherwise barren and extremely dry climate.

CHAUCHILLA CEMETERY

Excavations from the ancient cemetery revealed burial artifacts as well as mummies of upper class religious figures and leaders from the Nazca Culture.

CAHUACHI

The archaeological complex of Cahuachi was likely a ceremonial center for the Nazca Culture where fine pottery and textiles were produced.

CERRO BLANCO

Cerro Blanco is the sandy 6,800 ft (2,070 m) summit of an arid mountain outside of Nazca City, earning itself the title of the world’s highest sand dune.

NAZCA FLYOVER TOUR

An aerial view in a small, low-flying plane is the best way to appreciate the full scale of the Nazca Lines. Admire figures such as the whale, monkey, dog, hummingbird, spider, and the so-called astronaut.

NAZCA LINES LOOKOUT

Take in the view of the Nazca Lines from the observation tower, and then continue your guided exploration of the Nazca Culture with a visit to the Maria Reiche Museum or nearby archaeological sites.

Nazca Travel Tips

Nazca Tours

An overnight in Paracas is often paired with a Nazca Flyover Tour. Attractions in both Paracas and Nazca afford travelers a glimpse into the natural and intriguing human history of Peru’s desert coastline. From Lima, take a comfortable bus to Paracas (about 2.5 hours) and then continue by car to the Pisco airport to board a small plane to take you to Nazca and fly over the amazing geoglyphs. After landing, a transfer will take you to your hotel in Paracas. The selection of luxury hotels in Paracas is far superior to the accommodations available in Nazca City. Spend the night in Paracas and continue your guided exploration the following day.

An alternate option to the flight is the Maria Reiche Museum + Nazca Lines Lookout tour. A visit to the Observation Tower with views over a few geoglyphs is a great option for travelers who suffer from motion sickness but are too intrigued by the mystery of the Nazca Lines to pass up the chance for a close-up view.

Nazca Flyover Tours

Pilots fly at tilted angles and in tight circles in order to give all passengers the best views of the Nazca Lines. This jerky movement, paired with some turbulence, can make anyone feel queasy. Travelers prone to motion sickness are advised to plan ahead with medications or remedies to suppress or reduce symptoms.

Total Flight Times Vary:

From Pisco, it's a 1 hr 30 min flight
From Ica, it's a 1 hr 15 min flight
From Nazca, it's a 30 min flight

How to Get Around

Nazca City is located:

130 mi (215 km) from Paracas
280 mi (455 km) from Lima

Nazca Flyover Tours depart from:

Nazca airport
Pisco airport
Ica airport
No departures from Lima airport