What are the Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are ancient geoglyphs located on the Jumana pampas, in the desert between the cities of Nazca and Palpa, in the Ica region. They were created by the Nazca culture between 500 BC and 500 AD. As of 2025, a total of 893 geoglyphs have been recorded, including straight lines, geometric shapes, and representations of animals, plants, and anthropomorphic beings. The area where they are found covers approximately 450 square kilometers. Since 1994 they have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as the most outstanding group of geoglyphs in the world for their extent, magnitude, number, size, and diversity.
How the lines were discovered
Contrary to what many people believe, the Nazca Lines are not only visible from the air. They can also be seen from the surrounding hills. The first written mention dates back to 1547, when the conquistador Pedro Cieza de León noticed markings in the desert. In 1927, Peruvian archaeologist Toribio Mejía Xesspe spotted them while hiking in the area. The first to clearly distinguish them were Peruvian military and civilian pilots who saw them during their flights. In 1932, Julio César Tello and Toribio Mejía Xesspe carried out the first scientific research. María Reiche, a German mathematician, dedicated decades to studying and measuring nearly 50 figures, becoming the most renowned guardian of this heritage.
The most important figures
Among the most representative figures are the hummingbird, measuring between 259 and 275 meters in length; the monkey, 135 meters; the spider, 42 meters; the condor, 135 meters; the pelican, 135 meters; the lizard, 180 meters; and the whale. There are also the dog, the hands, the astronaut, the parrot, the seagull, and many other animal figures. In 2024, using artificial intelligence and drones, researchers from Yamagata University in collaboration with IBM discovered 303 new geoglyphs, doubling the number previously known. These new findings include representations of felines, birds, fish, human-like forms, and abstract figures.
How the lines were made
The technique used by the Nazca people was surprisingly precise. They drew the lines using ropes and stakes to maintain direction. Then they removed the dark stones from the desert surface and pushed them to the sides, exposing the lighter soil underneath. The width of the lines ranges from 40 to 210 centimeters, and some extend for several kilometers. Their depth is just 10 to 30 centimeters. Nazca’s arid climate, with very little rainfall, has allowed them to be preserved for nearly 2,000 years. The clay-like soil becomes moist at night and, as it dries in the sun, it hardens, fixing the stones in place and protecting them from the constant wind.
What the lines were used for
The purpose of the lines is still a matter of debate. Research published in 2021 suggests that they were part of a complex water management system, using a pre-Inca water-harvesting technique to control, transport, and manage water resources in the face of climate changes. Another hypothesis, proposed by María Reiche, suggests that they functioned as a gigantic solar and lunar astronomical calendar. Recent studies indicate that they were part of an enormous ceremonial landscape, with paths designed for processions and ritual routes along which people walked to connect with their deities.
The scenic flight in a small plane
The most spectacular way to see the lines is on a scenic flight in a small plane from the María Reiche Airfield in Nazca. Flights last between 30 and 35 minutes and allow you to see the 13 main figures at an altitude of approximately 1,500 to 3,000 feet. The planes are usually Cessnas with capacity for 6 to 12 passengers, and every seat has a window view. During the flight, the pilot makes turns to both sides so all passengers can see each figure. Prices range from 80 to 100 US dollars per person, plus airport taxes of 30 soles and a tourist ticket of 47 soles, which are paid in cash before boarding. Flight times start at 7:00 AM in summer and 9:00 AM in winter. It is recommended to fly in the morning when weather conditions are more favorable.
Alternative ways to see the lines
If you don’t want to fly in a small plane, there is a 20-meter-high metal viewing tower located next to the Pan-American Highway. From this tower you can see the tree and the hands figures. The entrance fee is between 3 and 4 soles. There are also natural viewpoints on nearby hills where you can see some straight lines and geometric shapes, although the view does not compare to the flight. Another option is the María Reiche Site Museum, which provides detailed information on the discoveries made by the German mathematician and has access to a viewpoint with panoramic views of the desert.
Cahuachi, the Nazca ceremonial center
Cahuachi is located 28 kilometers from the city of Nazca and is the most important ceremonial center of the Nazca culture. It covers an area of 24 square kilometers and is built with adobe. The complex includes the Great Pyramid, 28 meters high and 110 meters long with 7 stepped platforms, the Great Temple, 150 meters long and between 15 and 20 meters high, and around 40 ceremonial mounds. It is believed that Cahuachi was a place of pilgrimage and worship where rituals were carried out in honor of the god Kon. There is no evidence of a residential area, which confirms its exclusively ceremonial use. So far only 3 percent of the site has been excavated; the rest remains buried under the sand.
The Cantalloc aqueducts
Located 4 kilometers from the city of Nazca, the Cantalloc aqueducts are a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering by the Nazca culture. They are a complex network of underground channels that capture groundwater and bring it to the surface for agricultural irrigation. The system includes underground galleries and reservoirs connected by spiral-shaped wells that allow access and maintenance. These aqueducts are still in operation today, more than 1,500 years after their construction. The visit allows you to walk down the spiral stairways and see how the water flows through the channels. Entrance is free.
Chauchilla Cemetery
Located 30 kilometers south of Nazca, Chauchilla Cemetery is a pre-Inca necropolis where you can see mummies, ceramics, and textiles from the Nazca culture. Unlike other archaeological sites in Peru, this cemetery allows visitors to see the mummies in their original tombs. The bodies are wrapped in fine fabrics and preserved thanks to the extremely dry desert climate. Unfortunately, the site was looted by grave robbers for decades, but many open tombs still remain for viewing. It is one of the best places to appreciate the funerary practices of this ancient civilization.
Antonini Archaeological Museum
The Antonini Museum is managed by the Italian Center for Pre-Columbian Archaeological Studies and displays the most important findings of Italian archaeologist Giuseppe Orefici at the Cahuachi ceremonial center. The collection includes polychrome ceramics characteristic of the Nazca, finely embroidered textiles, ceremonial masks, jewelry, and the famous trophy heads used in rituals. The museum also provides information about the Nazca civilization and its relationship with the geoglyphs. In the museum gardens, you can access the remains of a pre-Columbian aqueduct. The lighting is very well designed to highlight the pieces. It is located a considerable distance from the main square, so taking a taxi is recommended.
Other lines: Palpa
Sixty kilometers north of Nazca, in the province of Palpa, there are other geoglyphs similar to the Nazca Lines. These figures were created by the Paracas culture, which preceded the Nazca by approximately one thousand years. In 2018, 25 new geoglyphs were discovered using drones, many of them representing warriors. They are located in the towns of Sacramento, Pinchango, and Llipata. In Sacramento is the so-called Solar Clock, a set of lines and cleared areas on the side of a hill that, according to some researchers, was used to predict crop quality during the equinox. Some flights from Ica include the Palpa lines, lasting approximately 60 to 70 minutes.
How to get to Nazca
Nazca is located 450 kilometers south of Lima along the Pan-American Highway. By bus from Lima, the trip takes between 6 and 7 hours, with companies such as Cruz del Sur offering regular departures. Ticket prices range between 50 and 70 soles depending on the type of service. From Ica it is 135 kilometers, approximately a 2.5-hour bus ride for about 19 soles. From Paracas it is 205 kilometers. From Arequipa it is 566 kilometers, and an overnight bus taking between 9 and 11 hours is recommended. For domestic flights there is the Las Dunas Airfield in Ica, 13 minutes from the city.
Best time to visit
Nazca has a warm desert climate with average maximum temperatures of around 30 degrees and minimums of about 15 degrees. The city is known as the city of eternal summer. The best months for flights over the lines are October to March, during the summer, when the sky is clear almost all day. During this season, flying conditions are optimal and visibility is greater. Between April and September, during the winter, conditions are also good, although there may be a bit more morning fog. To avoid crowds, April, May, October, and November are ideal months. Nazca receives very little rain throughout the year, so it can be visited at any time.
Recommendations for the flight
Arrive early at the airfield, since in high season there may be delays due to air traffic. Bring your passport or ID, which is mandatory. If you suffer from high blood pressure, claustrophobia, or are very prone to motion sickness, consult your doctor beforehand. Many people feel sick because of the constant turns of the plane, so you can take motion sickness medication an hour before your flight. Flying with a completely empty or very full stomach increases nausea. Do not bring heavy luggage or too many belongings. Bring a camera or cellphone for photos, although from the air and with the plane’s movements it can be challenging. The pilot announces each upcoming figure. Book at least 3 days in advance to ensure availability.
