Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Prepare for your desert flight. Learn how to reach Nazca, what mandatory items to pack, and how to avoid motion sickness.
Getting there
Travel down the Panamericana Sur to reach the aerodromes.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus: Public bus (e.g., Cruz del Sur) or tourist bus (Peru Hop) from Lima heading south via the Pan-American Highway. | 7-8 hours | $20-$35 USD | Buses depart daily from Lima; tourist hop-on hop-off buses are popular as they include safe stops in Paracas and Huacachina. |
| Car: Private rental car or hired driver traveling south from Lima on the Panamericana Sur. | 6-7 hours | $50-$100 USD per day | Allows for flexible stops at the roadside Mirador tower before arriving in Nazca town. |
| Tour: Multi-day guided packages starting in Lima or nearby Ica. | 1-2 days | $150+ USD | Often bundles ground transportation, the Nazca flight, and activities in nearby desert oases. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The site is open year-round. May through October offers the clearest skies and calmest winds. Book early morning slots for the sharpest shadows and least turbulence.
What to bring
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Original physical passports are mandatory.
You must present it at airport check-in before any flight.
How the day runs
Suggested schedules for different travel styles.
A long day trip focusing on the main flight and nearby oasis.
- Depart Lima
Take a public or tourist bus heading south on the Pan-American Highway.
- Arrive in Nazca
Head directly to the María Reiche Neuman aerodrome.
- Overflight
Take the 30-35 minute classic circuit flight over the figures.
- Huacachina Oasis
Stop near Ica for a buggy ride and sandboarding.
For travelers spending the night in Nazca town.
- Morning Flight
Take the earliest flight slot for the calmest air.
- Museo Maria Reiche
Learn about the mathematician who protected the lines.
- Chauchilla Cemetery
View ancient mummies in open desert tombs.
Important rules and packing
You cannot board the flight without an original physical passport. Bring Peruvian Soles in small denominations to pay the 30 PEN airport tax and the 47 PEN tourist ticket at the counter. Large luggage is not permitted on the small planes; use the lockers provided at the aerodrome.
Prepare for the flight's steep banking turns. Take motion sickness medication before flying. Bring sunglasses with UV protection and high-SPF sunscreen for the bright desert glare. See our full Packing List guide for more details.
Easiest way to do it
Nazca Lines and Dune Buggy (Huacachina) from Ica
11 h to 12 h 4.9 (62)
- Tubular buggy ride and sandboard practice in Huacachina
- Pick-up from hotels in downtown Ica or Huacachina round trip .
- Guided and permanent assistance
- Flight over the Nazca Lines from Nasca Airport (Flight duration: 30 ~ 35 min.)
From$180per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How long is the bus ride from Lima to Nazca?
The journey from Lima to Nazca covers 450 kilometers. It typically takes 7 to 8 hours by public or tourist bus via the Pan-American Highway.
When is the best time of day to fly over the lines?
The earliest morning slots offer the best conditions. You will get the calmest air, clear visibility, and sharpest shadows on the geoglyphs.
Will I get motion sickness on the Nazca flight?
The small Cessna aircraft perform steep banking turns so both sides can see the figures. It is highly recommended to take motion sickness medication before flying.