Things To Do
in Nazca
Nazca is a small town in southern Peru known for the mysterious Nazca Lines, which are ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor. These geoglyphs are only visible from the air, sparking theories and speculation about their purpose and creators. The town itself offers a quiet and charming atmosphere, with colorful markets and local artisan crafts to explore.
Nazca is also a gateway to the nearby Nazca Desert, where visitors can also find archaeological sites and beautiful natural landscapes.
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $80
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Take a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines to capture breathtaking views of these ancient geoglyphs. Be sure to have your camera ready to snap photos of the huge designs etched into the desert.
Visit the Nazca Lines Museum to learn about the history and theories surrounding these enigmatic markings. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café before heading to the viewing towers for more aerial perspectives.
Stroll through the town of Nazca, soaking in the local culture and vibrant atmosphere. End your day with a dinner at a traditional Peruvian restaurant.
Begin your day by heading to the Chauchilla Cemetery, an ancient burial site showcasing well-preserved mummies and skeletal remains. Walk among the tombs and learn about burial practices of the Nazca culture.
Return to Nazca for a visit to the pottery workshops, where you can see artisans create traditional Nazca pottery. Try your hand at making a small souvenir to remember your visit.
Enjoy a quiet evening in a local park, observing daily life in Nazca. Optionally, have dinner at a popular pizzeria in town.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage, including the famous Nazca Lines and ancient ruins.
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including deserts and mountains.
- Warm climate, making it a year-round tourist destination.
- Access to unique experiences such as paragliding and archaeological tours.
- Vibrant local culture and cuisine.
- Limited infrastructure compared to larger cities, which may affect travel convenience.
- Lack of extensive healthcare facilities.
- Tourism can lead to environmental degradation if not managed properly.
- Economic reliance on tourism, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in visitor numbers.
- Safety concerns related to petty crime in certain areas.
Best Activities in Nazca
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience exhilarating sandboarding adventures down the stunning dunes of the Nazca desert.
Enrich your trip with a mesmerizing stargazing tour in the clear night skies of Nazca, offering a unique perspective of the constellations and celestial wonders.
Explore the fascinating paths and trails around the Nazca Lines, offering both a physical and historical journey.
Tours
Uncover the best of Nazca with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Nazca
Visit one of these nice places.
Provides a panoramic view of the ancient Nazca lines and surrounding desert landscape.
Offers stunning views from the highest sand dune in the world, perfect for photography and sandboarding.
Allows visitors to see some of the famous Nazca lines from a raised platform for a unique perspective and photo opportunities.
Food in Nazca
Nazca Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try dish made with fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juices, onions, and aji peppers. Best enjoyed at El Batan, a popular seafood restaurant in Nazca.
Must-Try!
A spicy dish consisting of stuffed rocoto peppers filled with meat, vegetables, and spices. Can be savored at Restaurant Balcones de San Agustin, known for its authentic Peruvian flavors.
A traditional Andean dish featuring marinated meats, potatoes, and vegetables cooked in an underground oven. La Encantada restaurant offers a delightful Pachamanca experience.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Nazca better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is perfect for experiencing local flavors, offering an array of fresh produce, spices, and street food stalls serving traditional snacks like empanadas and tamales.
For those seeking street food, the Plaza de Armas is lined with vendors selling delicious anticuchos (grilled skewered meats) and picarones (sweet potato and pumpkin doughnuts).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Nazca, Peru, it is important to show respect for Pachamama, the Andean earth mother. This involves taking care of the environment and showing gratitude for the gifts of the earth.
Visitors to Nazca should make an effort to observe and respect local customs and traditions, such as participating in community events and respecting sacred sites.
In Nazca, it is important to be aware of personal space and avoid invading it, as Peruvians often appreciate a respectful distance during interactions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Nazca with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Nazca
Ensure a smooth experience
In Nazca, Peru, it is common to tip 10-15% at restaurants if a service charge is not included. Tipping for other services such as tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff is also appreciated.
Cash is widely used in Nazca, Peru, especially for smaller purchases and in more remote areas. Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but it's always good to have cash on hand. ATMs are available in the town for cash withdrawals.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Nazca.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Nazca, with little rain and clear skies for optimal viewing of the Nazca Lines.
Expect more rain and higher temperatures, but greener landscapes and fewer tourists.
Nazca at Night
Hiking in Nazca
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful canyon known for its stunning views and a chance to see condors soaring above. The hike offers both challenging trails and breathtaking landscapes.
Famous for its sand dunes, Cerro Blanco provides a unique hiking experience with an elevation gain that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Nazca desert.
An expansive area featuring ancient geoglyphs and intriguing rock formations, perfect for hiking while exploring the rich history of the Nazca Lines.
While primarily known as an archaeological site, the surrounding area offers trails that can lead to various hiking experiences amid historical remains.
Located nearby, this oasis provides fantastic opportunities for hiking in sand dunes, offering a unique desert landscape and beautiful sunset views.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Nazca through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Nazca by plane.
Located in Lima, this is the largest and busiest international airport in Peru, approximately 450 km north of Nazca.
Located in Arequipa, this airport is about 600 km southeast of Nazca and serves as a key gateway for southern Peru.
Located in Trujillo, this airport is approximately 650 km northwest of Nazca and serves international and domestic flights.
Located in Cusco, this airport is about 750 km east of Nazca and serves as a major hub for tourists visiting Machu Picchu.
Located in Tacna, this airport is about 650 km to the south of Nazca and serves mainly domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Nazca, consisting of people of mixed Indigenous and European descent.
Includes various Indigenous groups, primarily the Quechua and other native populations.
People of European descent, including those with Spanish ancestry, generally comprising a smaller proportion of the population.
A small but culturally significant group descended from African slaves brought during colonial times.
Includes individuals of Japanese and Chinese descent, representing a minority in the region.
The Soul of Nazca
Discover the essence of Nazca through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Nazca, as in much of Peru. Local teams often compete in regional leagues.
Volleyball is widely played, especially among women and in schools, contributing to community spirit and competition.
Basketball is also popular, with many youth engaged in the sport through local clubs and schools.
Due to Nazca's geography, motorsports such as rally racing attract enthusiasts and are occasionally held as local events.
Given its proximity to the coast, surfing is gaining popularity in the nearby beach areas, attracting both locals and tourists.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nazca.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Nazca's traditional cuisine heavily features meat and seafood, many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, such as quinoa salads, vegetable stir-fries, and fresh fruit smoothies.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can enjoy dishes like ceviche (without the crispy garnish), grilled meats, and corn-based snacks found in local markets. Some restaurants also offer gluten-free pasta and bread alternatives.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Nazca with these cultural adventures.
