Things To Do
in Nazca
Nazca is a small desert city in southern Peru best known as the gateway to the enigmatic Nazca Lines—ancient geoglyphs etched into the pampas. The town sits in a hot, dry coastal desert surrounded by archaeological sites like Cahuachi and the Chauchilla cemetery, plus aqueducts and sand dunes. Visitors come for flightseeing over the Lines, desert activities such as sandboarding on Cerro Blanco, and to explore local museums and ruins.
Nazca has a low-key, small-town feel with basic tourist infrastructure and easy bus connections along the Panamericana Sur.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Nazca and check into your hotel, letting the desert charm welcome you. Take some time to explore the local shops and markets, absorbing the vibrant culture. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling Peruvian delicacies.
Visit the Nazca Culture Museum to learn about the history and significance of the Nazca Lines. The museum displays archaeological artifacts and mummies that provide insight into this ancient civilization. Engage with the knowledgeable staff to deepen your understanding of the region's history.
Wind down your first day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Peruvian cuisine. Take a stroll around the plaza to soak in the evening atmosphere, illuminated by charming lights. Enjoy the local music and perhaps join in a dance or two with the locals.
Take an early morning flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, where you'll witness the intricate geoglyphs etched into the desert's surface. The breathtaking views from above allow you to truly appreciate the size and detail of these ancient symbols. Capture stunning photographs of the iconic figures, such as the hummingbird and monkey.
After your aerial adventure, visit the nearby Chauchilla Cemetery, a pre-Columbian burial site where mummies lie amidst ancient tombs. This hauntingly beautiful site offers a profound connection to the past, providing insight into the burial practices of the Nazca civilization. A local guide can help narrate the stories behind the remains and artifacts found here.
Return to Nazca and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a restaurant known for its authentic ceviche. Reflect on the day's experiences and listen to the stories shared by fellow travelers over a refreshing pisco sour. Spend the evening stargazing, as the clear desert skies offer an incredible view of the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🍽️Three-course mid-range meal for two | $25-45 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $25-70 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $1-4 |
| ✈️Nazca Lines flight (per person) | $60-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique, world-famous attraction (Nazca Lines) not like anywhere else
- Rich archaeological sites and desert landscapes for adventure and photography
- Generally affordable travel and food options
- Good base for desert activities (sandboarding, dune exploration)
- Small town with limited nightlife and services compared with larger Peruvian cities
- Dry desert environment with strong sun — can be uncomfortable without preparation
- Flightseeing can be expensive and sometimes bumpy; safety record varies by operator
- Limited healthcare facilities for serious emergencies—transfers to larger cities may be necessary
- "Hola / Buenos días" - Hello / Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Por favor / Gracias" - Please / Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Necesito ayuda" - I need help
Places to Visit in Nazca
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic aerial shots of the hummingbird, monkey, spider and other geoglyphs—book with a licensed operator for the best light in the morning.
Ground-level vantage point near the Panamericana Sur that offers a close look at a few lines (less dramatic than a flight but accessible and inexpensive).
Eerie, photogenic burial site with mummified remains and ancient pottery; best light in late afternoon for atmospheric shots.
Series of pre-Inca underground aqueducts and stone channels that make interesting architectural and landscape photos, especially during golden hour.
Sweeping desert vistas and dramatic sand textures—excellent for action shots of sandboarding and wide desert panoramas.
Colorful local life, colonial church and market scenes ideal for street and cultural photography.
Ruins on the pampas with low mounds and desert backdrops—great for contextual archaeological shots.
Food in Nazca
Nazca Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh raw fish or seafood marinated in lime, a coastal staple found at local eateries; best at places that source from nearby ports in the morning.
Must-Try!
Rotisserie chicken with fries and salad — widely available, filling and inexpensive in Nazca’s restaurants.
Grilled skewers (often beef heart) sold as street food or at simple grills — smoky, savory and great as a snack or light dinner.
Hearty soups and stews (with seafood or chicken) are common at picanterías and are good on cooler desert nights.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Morning market where you can sample fresh fruit, juices, pan (bread), empanadas and simple breakfast dishes; a good place to try local produce and grilled meats.
Evenings around the plaza and main streets often have grills selling anticuchos and roasted chicken; good for quick, inexpensive eats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake and direct greeting (Hola, buenos días) are customary; use formal 'usted' with older people or in formal settings until invited to use 'tú'.
Be respectful at archaeological sites and cemeteries—don’t climb on ruins or remove artifacts, and follow guides’ instructions.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or local homes; avoid loud or disruptive behavior in town and at small businesses.
Bargaining is acceptable at markets for crafts but be polite and reasonable; use cash for smoother transactions.
Safety
Tipping in Nazca
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 10% in restaurants is common if service is good. Tip tour guides, drivers and flight crew modestly in cash (small notes in soles or USD are acceptable).
Cash in Peruvian soles is king for markets, small restaurants and local services; many small businesses do not accept cards. ATMs exist in town but can run out; major hotels and some tour operators accept credit cards—bring small denominations and a backup credit card.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
(December–March) Hottest season with temperatures that can reach around 30°C (86°F); clear skies are common and mornings are best for flightseeing. Occasional higher humidity or unusual rain events can occur during El Niño. Pack sun protection and light clothing.
(May–October) Cooler coastal season with strong morning fog or 'garúa' that keeps daytime temps mild (around 18–25°C / 64–77°F) but mornings can feel cool and overcast. Nights are cooler; layers recommended.
March–April and October–November are transitional: expect warm days, cooler nights and generally stable weather—these can be good times to avoid peak travel crowds.
Nazca at Night
Hiking in Nazca
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A challenging hike up one of the world’s tallest sand dunes with rewarding panoramic desert views—also a top spot for sandboarding and photography.
Flat desert walks and guided trails across the pampas to the Cahuachi ruins, suitable for short hikes and archaeological exploration.
Short, gentle walks around the aqueducts and nearby countryside; good for a cooler morning outing and photographing ancient waterworks.
Several low hills and viewpoints around Nazca provide short hikes with views over the desert and occasional geoglyphs; ideal for sunrise or sunset.
Airports
How to reach Nazca by plane.
Small airstrip used by local operators for Nazca Lines flightseeing; facilities are basic—book flights through reputable companies and confirm safety credentials.
The nearest larger regional travel hubs are Ica (by road, about 2–3 hours) and the city of Pisco for coastal access; major international flights go through Lima.
Main international gateway for southern Peru—expect a long bus ride (7–8 hours) or a combination of short flights and ground transport to reach Nazca.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are mestizo (mixed indigenous and Spanish heritage), forming the core of town life and commerce.
Many locals have indigenous ancestry rooted in the Nazca culture and Andean traditions; cultural practices persist in crafts and agriculture.
A modest number of foreign travelers, volunteers and tour operators live or work seasonally in Nazca supporting tourism services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Peru, actively played and followed in Nazca with local amateur matches and community teams.
Adventure-focused activity at Cerro Blanco and surrounding dunes—popular with visiting adventure travelers and younger locals.
Common recreational sport in towns and schools, played in community courts and beaches near the coast.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nazca.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with big cities; ask for egg- or cheese-based dishes, salads, causa (potato-based) and rice/vegetable stews. Carry snacks if you have limited options.
Vegan choices can be scarce; prepare to request custom dishes (rice, beans, salads) at markets and larger cafes. Bring staples if you have strict requirements.
Gluten-free awareness is growing but cross-contamination is possible; stick to naturally gluten-free Peruvian staples like rice, potatoes and grilled proteins and communicate restrictions clearly in Spanish.
Drink bottled water, avoid ice in small stalls if hygiene is uncertain, and choose busy, well-reviewed eateries to reduce risk of stomach upsets.