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Updated December 7th, 2020.
What are the Nazca Lines?
The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert in southern Peru, not far from the unassuming town of Nasca. The lines cover a huge area and feature a whole range of lines and figures. There are geographical shapes, as well as planets and animals. Speculation about how the Lines got there is rife, with people suggesting that they are replicas of star constellations to marks left by alien spaceships! Whilst much research has gone into the history of the Lines and where they came from, the truth is that we still don’t know much at all about their origin. They remain, one of the planet’s greatest enigmas!How can I see the Nazca Lines?
The budget-friendly way to see the Lines is by travelling to the viewing platform (entrance 4 soles per person) which sits alongside the Pan American Highway. Currently, there is a second viewpoint in construction here too. You can get there via public bus from Nasca centre for just 6 soles return. Ask for the ‘Lineas de Mirador’ and the journey should take around half an hour from the city. Although this is a good option for those with tight purse strings, you will only be able to see three of the hundreds of figures and it is difficult to get a true idea of just how varied the Lines are. For those who have more money to spend, the best way to see the Lines is by flight. These flights are not expensive by western standards at around $80 US per person but this is costly, relative to the price of things in Peru.How should I choose a company?
It is likely that as soon as you step off your bus in Nasca, you will immediately be hounded by street vendors trying to sell you flights. Avoid buying from anyone on the street and instead head to a reputable company. Sadly, ground space in Nasca City doesn’t necessarily equate to trustworthiness, so make sure you thoroughly research any company you are considering flying with.Recommended Companies for a Nasca Lines Flight:
Although lots of tour agencies in and around Nasca offer flights over the Lines, travellers are advised to be very picky when it comes to choosing a company. AeroNasca are the most popular choice for air excursions in Peru and come highly recommended by travellers. A 35 minute flight with them costs $76.50USD which includes transfers from Nasca City. You can book your Nasca Lines flight with them here. The other company that we recommend is Air Majoro. Much like AeroNasca, they also have an excellent safety record and are known for their friendly pilots.What is included in the price of a flight?
Most flight prices will include transport to and from the flying site as well as your time in the air. Depending on the company you book with, this can be anywhere from around 25 minutes up to around 40. Some flight providers will take you over the Lines and also zip across to the other side of Nasca to show you the aqueducts from the sky as well.How should I prepare for my flight?
Do not eat a big meal before flying
A flight to see the Nasca Lines can be a little rough. In order to give passengers a good view of the geoglyphs, planes turn sharply and spend a significant amount of time flying at an angle. Trust me when I say that this is sure to make your stomach do a few somersaults! In order to limit the effects of sickness (which is a very real possibility), avoid heavy meals before flying. A piece of fruit should be sufficient for breakfast a couple of hours before you fly.Purchase some anti-nausea medication
Not strictly a must but if you suffer from motion sickness, you may feel better knowing you are prepared! Anti-nausea medication can be purchased from any pharmacy.Fully charge your camera
Of course, you will want to get some photographs of this experience! If you have an action cam like a GoPro or a TomTom, make sure it is charged prior to leaving for your flight. Be aware that these planes are quite cramped so try to position your camera in such a position that allows you to take advantage of the wide angle lens and the scenery.Pack your passport
Even though a flight to see the lines is a domestic flight, you will still need to present your passport to the air company before boarding the plane. They will likely take photographs before returning it to you.Make sure you have enough cash
The cost of a flight over the Nasca Lines will cost somewhere in the region of $80 USD. This can be paid for in soles or US dollars. Be aware that on top of the flight cost, every passenger must also pay a 30 soles air tax per person. This is payable in cash upon arriving at the airport.Our experience with Air Majoro
We were picked up from our accommodation at Nasca Trails B&B around 9 am. Our driver took photos of our passport and then we battled with the morning city traffic to get to the airport. Luckily, the airport is only a short ride from the main city and it only took us around half an hour to get there, even with the traffic.Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind wingingtheworld.com, a travel blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks.