Weather in Nazca Lines

Nazca is synonymous with the enigmatic Nazca Lines, hundreds of giant geoglyphs etched into the desert floor centuries ago and best appreciated from a small overflight plane or a few elevated viewing platforms along the highway. Beyond the lines, the surrounding desert holds pre-Inca aqueducts, burial sites, and dunes that draw a smaller but curious stream of travellers between Lima and Arequipa.

Best areas to stay in Nazca Lines

Nazca town

The main base, with the airport for overflights, hotels, and access to nearby archaeological sites.

Nazca Lines viewing tower (Mirador)

An elevated platform along the Pan-American Highway offering a ground-level view of a few geoglyphs.

Cantalloc Aqueducts

Pre-Inca underground irrigation channels just outside town, open for visitors to explore.

Cahuachi

An ancient ceremonial site of the Nazca culture, with adobe pyramids, a short drive from town.

Getting to Nazca Lines

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Flights

Fly into Lima (LIM), then travel by road around 6-7 hours to Nazca, or break the journey en route to Arequipa.

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From London

~16-18 hours from London via a US connection plus onward road travel.

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Getting around

Small aircraft depart from Nazca's airport for overflights; taxis and tours reach the mirador, aqueducts, and Cahuachi.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Nazca?

April to November is the dry season with clearer skies, generally better for overflights of the lines.

How do I get to Nazca?

Nazca is around 6-7 hours by bus from Lima, or can be reached as a stop on routes towards Arequipa.

How do you see the Nazca Lines?

Small aircraft tours from Nazca's airport offer the clearest views of the geoglyphs from above; a mirador (viewing tower) along the highway also offers a partial view of a couple of figures.

What are the Cantalloc Aqueducts?

An impressive system of pre-Inca underground aqueducts still partly in use, with spiral access points visitors can walk down into.

Is an overflight of the Nazca Lines worth it?

Most visitors find it worthwhile for a full view of the figures, though small planes can cause motion sickness for some.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The overflight was nerve-wracking in a tiny plane but seeing the hummingbird and spider figures from above was extraordinary, you really can't appreciate them from the ground.

Oscar L. · May 2024

★★★★☆

Visited the Cantalloc Aqueducts which were surprisingly fascinating, you can walk right down into them. A good, cheaper alternative if the flight isn't for you.

Bianca R. · September 2023

★★★☆☆

Long bus ride to get here from Lima, but breaking the journey to see the lines was worthwhile. The mirador view was decent if you can't afford the flight.

Theo M. · June 2024