The Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are one of history’s great worldwide mysteries. The best way to see them is by flying over them, making them a unique and awesome experience if you visit Peru. Therefore, you inevitably want to learn more about flying over these artistic and cultural wonders.
This enigmatic destination is a spectacle, an exceptional destination for adventurous travelers, and a magnificent and different alternative. The Machu Travel Peru team wants to share information about flying over this pre-Columbian art. We will provide safe flight tips, recommendations, and more. Explore this article to learn more, clear up any doubts, and see why it’s great for your trip to Peru.
Everything you need to know about flying over the geoglyphs
- About the Nazca Lines
- How to fly over the Nazca Lines
- Fly with a trustworthy company
- An alternative way to see the lines
- Journey recommendations
- FAQs
ABOUT THE NAZCA LINES
The Nazca Lines showcase the rich culture of the Nazca civilization. You can visit this historic complex just 25 kilometers from Nazca, near the Pan-American highway. One of the most committed researchers to the lines was Maria Reiche Newman, a renowned Peruvian scholar. She dedicated her entire life to preserving, researching, and sharing knowledge of these enormous geoglyphs.
Today, these geoglyphs have become one of Peru’s main attractions. These representations on the desert plain date back to 500 BC and 500 AD and cover an area of more than 450 km². The lines pose one of the greatest enigmas in world archaeology because of their nature, size, and design.
To date, scientists continue to debate its purpose. In the process, offering Nazca Lines theories as a calendar, a map of groundwater supplies, or an ancient message. People even considered these lines as landing strips for aliens. While you fly over the Nazca Lines, you will be able to delight yourself with the twelve most representative figures.
HOW TO FLY OVER THE NAZCA LINES?
Among the various ways to visit the Nazca Lines, you are free to decide which is the best of the two options. Comparing them, most visitors think that these alternatives are good enough and complex enough to discuss. Both flights offer relatively similar experiences to see the lines. However, depending on where you are or which destinations you want to enjoy, one or the other will help you.
Fly over Nazca Lines from Nazca
For travelers coming from Lima, it’s important to take precautions because the trip from the bus station takes about six and a half hours. Upon arrival in Nazca City, you should head to the “María Reiche” airfield for a fascinating flight. Among the geoglyphs, you can appreciate the whale, the compass, the trapezoids, and the astronaut, among others. The iconic hummingbird of the Nazca Lines is a must-see during approximately 30 minutes of flight.
Fly over Nazca Lines from Pisco
Pisco is also an alternative option if you’re coming from Lima. The main difference is that the trip just takes four hours if you come by private vehicle or taxi. However, the flight will take approximately 90 minutes. The time is longer because they focus on lines further from Nazca and some lesser-known geoglyphs, which increases the flight duration.
Upon arrival, you will head to Pisco airport, where you will catch your memorable flight. In this location, you can also view the legendary Nazca Lines images. But with luck, you will be able to observe more closely the geoglyphs of the Star and the Palpa Colíbrí. If you choose this comfortable flight, you can visit interesting places and enjoy activities like dune buggying.
FLY WITH A TRUSTWORTHY COMPANY
As a traveler, when you choose services with a travel agency, you have to take into account some aspects. One of the most important things is the reliability and security of being in good hands. For this reason, knowing if the airline has modern planes, comfortable seats, and other needed equipment is important. These are some characteristics to take seriously when getting on a plane.
Numerous independent companies usually offer flights at affordable prices. However, these companies do not always guarantee safety. Nonetheless, we recommend that Cessna Grand Caravan has an international reputation, and its aircraft undergo regular maintenance inspections every 100 hours.
In addition, the pilots and co-pilots are highly qualified and have experience flying on the Nazca Lines map. Additionally, the company holds certification to operate in all fields. Making it an excellent choice for those who pay attention to particular details. Only then will you be able to enjoy your journey because everything will be under control.
AN ALTERNATIVE WAY OF VIEWING THE LINES
Although flying over the geoglyphs is the best way to see them, there are other ways to see the Nazca Lines. Those travelers or backpackers with a limited budget can consider seeing the Nazca Lines from the nearby viewpoint tower. This 13-meter (42-foot) tower offers a reasonable vantage point from which to admire the tree, hand or frog, and lizard lines.
In addition, you can also climb to the top of some nearby hills to see more lines and shapes at no cost. Remember that only some spots allow access, but it remains accessible. While these options don’t compare to flying over the geoglyphs, you’ll be able to appreciate some of the different lines found in the desert.
JOURNEY RECOMMENDATIONS
Motivate yourself to experience this great adventure and discover how the Nazca Lines were made. As with any route within Peru, a flight over the Nazca Lines also requires caution. Especially to have a list of those necessary elements that cannot be missing in your adventure. Therefore, we have prepared a list of those items that we recommend bringing.
What you need to bring:
- Your current passport or ID (mandatory)
- Summer clothes
- An available change of clothes
- Sunblock and a hat or cap to protect you from the sun
- Insect repellent
- Camera, memory cards, and spare batteries
- Sunglasses
- Personal first aid kit
- Extra money in Peruvian currency for additional expenses
Important things to keep in mind:
- All the flights are subject to weather conditions and flight traffic in the area.
- During the high season (June – September), you should be booking at least 3 months in advance.
- The airline staff carefully controls the total weight of the aircraft. If your weight is greater than 90 kilos (200 lb.), let your travel agency know and they will search for a solution.
- We recommend avoiding eating before your flight because you can easily get seasick. The best you can do is get some sickness medication for better flight performance.
- Carry as little as possible when traveling by plane. We suggest carrying just a waist bag and some suitcases.
- Although boarding isn’t punctual, you could wait a few minutes depending on the number of passengers. The waiting area is a small space between kiosks for the eight airlines.
- Wait for the pilot to announce the exact location of the Nazca Line before looking through the viewfinder. If you try to locate them too soon, you may not notice the geoglyphs in time.
- Avoid capturing an excessive number of photos; focus on the essential ones. Savor each moment of the journey, it might seem brief. Staring at your camera might induce nausea.
FAQs
Why choose the flight?
Flight over the Nazca Lines is the most recommended option. Flying is preferable as it offers a panoramic view of the most important and iconic engravings. However, between the two available flights, the 20 or 30-minute flight can be quite intense.
We recommend choosing the longer flight because you’ll have plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the geoglyphs. The best departure time is early morning, as there are usually clear skies and less turbulence.
Is it safe to fly over the Nazca Lines?
Yes, however, it’s important to choose your flight operator wisely. This is because, based on historical records, weather conditions, and some companies’ negligence, can cause problems during the trip. Effective equipment, competitive prices, and constant supervision are other factors to consider when looking for Nazca Lines flights.
Is it worth flying over the Nazca Lines?
Of course, you should follow all our recommendations to make the most of it and fully enjoy the geoglyphs. Newcomers often face motion sickness. This happens because the sides of the plane tilt sharply when it flies to see the lines for the first time. Therefore, we would say it’s essential to take motion sickness pills before a day trip from the Nazca airport.
How much does it cost to fly over the Nazca Lines?
The price of flying over the Nazca Lines can vary but typically ranges from $60 to $140 per person. The length of the flight and the inclusion of Palpa in the overflight determine the cost. In addition to the price of the flight, travelers must consider airport taxes and the tourist ticket.
“ALL JOURNEYS HAVE SECRET DESTINATIONS OF WHICH THE TRAVELER IS UNAWARE”.
In conclusion, there is no better way to appreciate this destination than on a flight over the Nazca lines. Of course, a flight requires certain precautions and choosing the most qualified operator. Therefore, we highly recommend that you leave a tour of the mysterious Nazca Lines in our hands.
The Machu Travel Peru team will be happy to make your dream trip to Peru a reality. You will enjoy a magical flight over the geoglyphs. You will also visit all the main places in the Andean country. If you have any questions or want to know more about our tours, do not hesitate to ask our team of advisers.
