Nazca

Peru, South America

Nazca is famous for its enigmatic Nazca Lines, massive geoglyphs etched into the desert floor, visible only from the air. Visitors can take flights to witness these ancient designs, which include animals and shapes, believed to be created by the Nazca culture between 500 BC and 500 AD. The area's rich archaeological sites, including pyramids and ancient burial grounds, combined with its surrounding stunning desert landscapes, make it an essential stop for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

Quick facts

Target stay

2-3 days

Type

Town

Vibe

History

Airport

Pisco

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Best Things to Do in Nazca

1

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Fly over the Nazca Lines

Experience the mysterious Nazca Lines from above; it's breathtaking!

Booking required
2

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Nazca Lines Observation Tower

Get a different perspective of the Nazca Lines.

No booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Explore the Chauchilla Cemetery

Discover ancient Nazca burial sites and mummies.

No booking required
4

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Maria Reiche Museum

Learn about the Nazca Lines' most famous researcher.

No booking required
5

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Stargazing in Nazca

Experience breathtaking starry skies in the desert.

No booking required
6

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Pampa Colorada

Explore colorful landscapes and the desert's beauty.

No booking required
7

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Take a Sandboarding Tour

Ride the dunes and enjoy thrilling sandboarding.

No booking required
8

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Nazca Aqueducts

Visit ancient aqueducts that showcase Nazca engineering.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-5 (#93 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Nuevo Sol

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Spanish

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Ceviche

Fresh fish marinated in lime juice. (National dish)

Lomo Saltado

Stir-fried beef with vegetables and rice.

Aji de Gallina

Shredded chicken in a creamy sauce.

Anticuchos

Grilled skewered beef heart with spices.

Pisco Sour

VE

Cocktail made with Pisco and lime juice.

Phrases to learn

English

Spanish

Hello

Hola

(Oh-lah)

Yes/No

Si / No

(See / No)

Thank you

Gracias

(Grah-thee-ahs)

Excuse me

Perdón

(Per-dohn)

How much?

¿Cuánto?

(Kwan-toh)