Flying over the Nazca lines is a must-do experience in Peru. These mysterious drawings were most likely made between 200 BC and 900 AD, and it is largely still a mystery as to why they were created. The gigantic figures of various objects such as animals, insects, spirals, and triangles are only visible from the air. Seeing the drawings themselves is already an amazing experience, but the flight in the small airplane is something you will never forget. Here all our tips for Flying over the Nazca Lines!
How were the Nazca lines created?
The lines of the drawings were made by removing a thin layer of gravel to reveal the light-colored stones underneath. Because the Nazca region is one of the driest areas in the world, these lines are still so clearly visible. It is almost always windless, and rain falls very rarely.
Tips for flying over the Nazca lines
A flight over the Nazca lines will cost you approximately $100, making it more expensive than the average excursion in South America. Therefore, you want to be able to fully enjoy it, and these tips will help you do just that.
#1 Take a motion sickness pill beforehand
This is the most important tip we can give you. The likelihood of getting motion sickness during the flight over the Nazca lines is quite high. There are different airplanes for groups of 2 to 6 passengers. In order to make sure that all passengers can see the Nazca lines clearly, the pilot constantly makes sharp turns to the left and right. This can make you quite queasy during the approximately 30-minute flight. There are bags available in case you need to vomit, but it’s better to avoid that if possible. Therefore, it’s a good idea to take a motion sickness pill half an hour before the flight.
#2 Book a morning flight
The Nazca lines are visible at any time of the day, but visibility is often best when flying between 7 and 11 in the morning. Additionally, you’ll have the least chance of turbulence during this time.
#3 Fly with a reliable airline
In the last 10 years, there have been a few plane crashes resulting in multiple deaths. It’s important to choose a reliable airline. We flew with Movil Air. This airline operates good aircraft and has all the certifications that guarantee safety.
#4 Don’t forget the departure tax and your passport
Before your flight over the Nazca lines, you’ll need to pay the departure tax of 77 soles / 20 dollars. You can pay this at the airport and it’s not included in the price of the flight. And don’t forget your passport, as you won’t be allowed to fly without it. Because there are strict weight restrictions on the aircraft, it’s a good idea to bring as few valuables as possible. You’ll need to leave your backpack at the check-in counter.
Tip: If you’re interested, you can get a Nazca lines stamp in your passport after the flight.
#5 Be prepared to wait
If your flight is scheduled to depart at 9am, don’t be surprised if you don’t take off until 10am. The schedules are not very strict, and the weather plays a big role. So bring a game or a good book to pass the time in case you have to wait.
#6 Don’t take too many photos from the airplane
Just before the flight, there is a moment when you have a few minutes to take pictures next to the airplane. During the flight, it’s better to just enjoy the experience. Unless you have a really good lens that can zoom in far, you won’t be able to take good photos anyway. The flight is over before you know it, so just enjoy every minute in the air. Plus, looking through your camera all the time will likely make you even more nauseous.
How to get to Nazca?
It’s best to visit Nazca as a day trip from Huacachina. This is because if you stay overnight in the town of Nazca, you’ll only be there for the flight and there’s not much else to do in town. Plus, Nazca is not a very pleasant town. Take a taxi from Huacachina to Ica, which is about a 10-minute drive. From Ica, it’s another 1.5-hour bus ride to Nazca.
