Home > Destinations > South America > Peru > How to See the Nazca Lines

How to See the Nazca Lines – The Flight vs Tower

Some of my links may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no cost to you. See our Privacy Policy for details. And this post was crafted with care and occasional typos by Colleen (and not AI)

Are you planning a visit to the Nazca Lines? We saw them from the ground, the air and from the observation tower. Why? Because when we planned our journey from Lima to La Paz, it was the chance to see the Nazca Lines that got us most excited.

Growing up in the 1970s, I’d watched Arthur C. Clarke’s Mysterious World and been fascinated by these strange shapes.  Gerry had read Erich von Däniken’s book, suggesting the lines could be an airfield for the fiery chariots of the sky gods – so of course we didn’t want to miss a chance to see the Nazca Lines for ourself.

But what was it really like? And how can you see the Nazca Lines today? And is the flight really worth the money?  Here are my  thoughts on how best to see one of the world’s greatest ancient mysteries, plus a few tips for avoiding the chaos at Nazca airport.

What Are The Nazca Lines?

The Nazca Lines stretch over an area covering roughly 450 square kilometers. They were carved into the landscape by the ancient Nazca civilisation somewhere between 500 BCE and 500 CE — more than 1,500 years ago.

There are literally hundreds of designs, known as geoglyphs, ranging from straight lines and geometric shapes to drawings of animals and plants. The most famous — the hummingbird, monkey, and spider — measure over 100 metres long and are so vast they can only truly be seen from the air.

Indeed, there are so many lines that it took me a moment during the flight to register just how many I was seeing. You can’t help but be amazed by their scale and wonder how and why these lines exist?

The Nazca Lines first caught the world’s attention in the 1920s, when commercial pilots spotted the strange markings below. But it was Maria Reiche, a German mathematician and archaeologist, who devoted her life to studying and protecting them.

Even today, no one really knows why they were made. Were they astronomical calendars? Ritual pathways? Messages to the gods? Or perhaps, as our guide suggested, they may have been markers pointing to underground water sources.

In 1994, UNESCO recognised the Nazca Lines as a World Heritage Site, ensuring their protection for generations to come — and allowing ordinary travellers like us the opportunity to see one of the world’s most enduring mysteries.

How Can You See The Nazca Lines?

Before we arrived, I assumed that we could walk around the Lines — with hindsight, that was always going to be impossible given their protected status.

We’d also seen photos of the rather rickety-looking Nazca Lines Observation Tower, which looked a little nerve-racking but even so we knew we’d have to climb it.  

And of course, there are flights over the Nazca Lines — small six-seater planes offering a 30-minute flights of fancy.  And we also knew that we’d have to do this too.   

Seeing The Lines From The Ground

As I mentioned, I genuinely thought we’d be able to walk along the Lines, but of course,  you can’t. However, beside the Observation Tower, you can get surprisingly close — though you must stay behind the barriers.

What surprised me most was how hard it is to make out the lines when you’re standing right beside them. Even when you know they are there.

I’d recommend from the tower, that you take note of where the lines are when you’re at the top – even take a photo to remind you for reference.  I guarantee you’ll be amazed, when you’re stood beside them on the ground, how invisible they seem. Which for me, only added to the mystery — how did the Nazca people design something this big, that only seems to make sense from above?

Seeing the Nazca Lines From The Observation Tower

Thankfully, the old metal structure has been replaced with a much sturdier, modern tower — so no need to worry about wobbly steps or heights!

The tower sits right beside the Pan-American Highway — unbelievably, the road actually cuts through some of the lines. The Peru Hop bus stops here, so if you’re travelling with them you won’t miss it, but if not, make sure your transport includes this stop.

I didn’t have high expectations of the view, but what do I know? It’s actually fantastic. From the top, you can see several of the shapes very clearly and get a real sense of many lines stretching off across the desert. You can clearly see the Tree, Hands, and part of the Lizard.

After your visit to the top of the tower, don’t forget to walk around the base  for a closer look at the view from the ground  — it gives you a whole new appreciation of the scale of what you’ve just seen.

Seeing The Nazca Lines From The Flight

I was pretty impressed with the view from the tower — in fact, I briefly wondered if we’d wasted our money on the flight. But once in the air, those doubts disappeared.

I’ll admit the organisation on the ground was a little chaotic, but the moment we took off and those lines came into view, I was sold!

I honestly did not expect the scale or the sheer number of Lines. From above you start to see how the shapes connect, overlap, and stretch far beyond what you could ever see from the ground. The aerial perspective really brings the mystery to life.

I feel incredibly lucky to have had the chance to see this ancient enigma from the air. If your budget allows, book the flight. You will not be disappointed.

Taking a Nazca Lines Flight (Step by Step)

There’s no denying that the flight isn’t a budget option. But part of the reason we took the Peru Hop bus was precisely so we could see the Lines from above — and never in my life did I think we’d actually get to do this!

We booked our tour through Peru Hop, but my advice would be to book your own. We found the Peru Hop tour really disorganised and late. We were meant to be collected from our hotel at 9:00 am, then 9:30 am, then finally 11:00 am. We had no contact with the tour operator and it all felt a little confusing.

You can avoid this by booking your own flight and keeping control of your schedule.  Having done the research this flight on Get Your Guide has over 500 positive reviews AND you get to choose a time.

Top Tip : You don’t join the “queue” for your flight until you arrive at the airport. By getting there at 11:30, we ended up at the back of the line with another two-hour wait.  Choose the earliest pick-up time and get there early – although still times aren’t guaranteed.

When You Arrive At The Airport

Once inside the airport, you must pay two airport taxes. You’ll be directed to the correct booths — one is cash only and whilst the other can be paid by card or cash but I strongly recommend that you bring the cash – just in case the card machine is not working.

Once paid, both will give you tickets that you must keep safe, along with your passport. You can’t board your flight without them. Take these tickets back to your flight booth, where they double checked the tickets, your passport, and they will weigh you. There’s a 95 kg weight limit – if you’re heavier than this, you may be asked to pay for two seats.

Once this is all complete, you wait. And gosh did we wait!  Our late arrival meant we had a further two hours before our flight! There are seats inside and out, plus a small snack stand but I avoided food as we were warned about motion sickness.

Eventually, our group was called, and we joined another line where tickets and passports were checked again before heading out to the plane.

It’s fair to say that for us this process was a bit torturous. There’s very little information given either, so do remember to bring water, patience, and a sense of humour. Because eventually — finally — you’ll board that tiny plane!

A Word About Motion Sickness

We were advised not to eat breakfast. The planes bank steeply and you can really feel the turbulence — many people do indeed lose their breakfast mid-flight!  The warnings are genuine, and if you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll need to decide if this experience is for you.

For Gerry, this was a tragedy. He’d had an upset stomach the day before, and although he never suffers from travel sickness, he was advised to not fly. He was gutted. With hindsight, we both think he’d have been fine — but sadly I was the only one who made the flight that day.

Top Tip : Do not eat breakfast but ensure you stay hydrated with water.  And if you suffer from motion sickness take a tablet before you leave. 

During the Flight

Before you board, you’re handed headphones and given a safety briefing. There’s a pilot and co-pilot, and the latter also acts as your guide. The engines on the plane can be loud, so you must wear headphones in order to hear the copilot.

The plane is small — similar to the one we took island-hopping in the Galápagos — so expect a bumpy take-off and a little bit of turbulence.  But everyone had a window seat so we all had a good view. The plane will level out at around 1,500 feet, which is enough to give you a view of the most important figures.

As you fly over key sights, the plane really does banks first to one side, then the other, so everyone gets a good view. It’s during these sharp turns that many people feel queasy.

The co-pilot points out the shapes as you go, announcing what you’re looking for and how large they are. And all too soon the 30 minutes are up. For me, the time passed far too quickly — I didn’t want it to end.

What You’ll See During The Flight

Practical Tips For Your Flight Over the Nazca Lines

Here are a few reminders to help you make the most of your flight :

Is the Nazca Lines Flight Worth the Cost?

Was the flight worth it? A hundred times yes for me.

It was worth the chaos, the waiting, and every bump in the air. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world but my heart broke for Gerry — I know this would have been his thing.

The flight is not a cheap option but we knew in advance that this was something we wanted to do and we planned accordingly.  We felt that this was our one opportunity to visit Nazca and we have no regrets.  The only caveat would be to book your own trip and take a little more control over the timings.  I suspect that the airport is always a little chaotic but arriving early will definitely help.

Nazca Lines Flight vs Observation Tower vs On the Ground — Which Is Best?

If you’ve made it all the way to Nazca, the big question is how best to see the Lines. There’s no single “right” way — each option gives a completely different perspective, depending on your budget, time, and your stomach or head for heights and adventure!

The Flight — Best for the Full Experience

There’s no denying the flight is the most expensive option, but also for us it was far more spectacular.

Seeing the lines from above gives you scale, and a true sense of the wonder. You’ll spot dozens of figures, shapes and lines and it’s an incredible experience.

Pros:

Cons:

The Observation Tower — Best for Budget Travellers

For a quick and easy view, the tower is an excellent choice. It’s sturdy, easy to access from the Pan-American Highway, and gives surprisingly good views of several figures — including the hands and the tree.

If you’re short on time or watching your budget, this is a brilliant stop.  But even if you’re taking the flight I’d recommend you climb the tower as the view is still impressive.

Pros:

Cons:

Ground Tours — Best for Extended View without the Flight

Although you can’t walk beside the lines themselves, guided ground tours take you to viewpoints, nearby hills, and archaeological sites. This option can give you a broader picture of Nazca civilisation without the cost of the flight.

Pros:

Cons:

We found an excellent ground tour that takes you to see some little-known but equally mysterious geoglyphs such as the Andean Cat, the Lizard, the Royal Family, the Orca and others.

What Else Should You See in Nazca?

When we’d finished our Flight, we’d also arranged a tour of the Nazca Mummies.  And again I have to say, as much as we loved Peru Hop, we weren’t a fan of their tours so if you’re planning on staying a little longer to explore some of the fabulous sites, do your own research and book your own tour.

We did not know there was so much more to see, and whilst we weren’t huge fans of the town, we do wish we’d allowed an extra day to take in a little more of the ancient history. If we were planning our itinerary now, with hindshight, we would have stayed 2 nights.  It removes the stress of making the flight and offers you a chance to catch your breath before the overnight bus to Arequipa.

If you have the time, and you’re curious about more than just the Nazca Lines Flight and would love to explore the aqueducts, burial sites, and other archaeology, then adding another night in Nazca will give you a richer experience.

Top Tip : Book your flight or Nazca line viewing for the early morning.  That can leave you an afternoon free to make a second trip.  If you allow an extra day you could do all three of the above… if budget and time allows!

Where to Stay in Nazca

Nazca is small, so accommodation options are limited. Expect simple, comfortable guesthouses rather than luxury hotels — perfectly fine for one or two nights.

Is It Better To Stay in Nazca Or Huacachina?

We decided to base ourselves in Nazca for a night — partly because we’re not fans of rushing or very early mornings.   But in truth, we did find Nazca a little bit of an odd place.

On the one hand, you’re staying up close to perhaps one of the world’s greatest mysteries. On the other, accommodation is limited, the options for evening and dinner are few, and at times the town felt less comfortable than some of the others we visited. We’d say that you should expect the tourist infrastructure to be modest.

We know that some of our Peru Hop buddies stayed an extra night in Huacachina and took a shuttle to and from Nazca for their flight.  This works but it’s a long day.  Others didn’t stay at all, they visited the Observation Tower and jumped back on the bus to Arequipa.

I would still opt to stay in Nazca but go with realistic expectations about the town itself and if budget allows, book Casa Andina for a more comfortable stay.

Is Nazca Safe at Night for Tourists?

During our time in Nazca we found the town perfectly ok but we’d also read a few reports of it being less tourist friendly than other places so we would recommend you stay alert and take the usual travel-smart precautions.

Nazca is generally regarded as quite safe by visitors, though as with any destination you’ll want to be sensible, especially after dark.

Nazca is not a high-risk place to visit.  In many ways it’s a small sleepy town but it is a town with limited facilities and few evening distractions. Don’t expect the same opportunities you might find in Lima or Cusco.  And book a hotel that offers dinner – there are limited choices in town!

FAQ For Visiting Nazca

You’d think it would be easy to arrive and book a flight or a tour and move on but, if you’re like us you probably have a lot of questions.  Here are a few extras that we’ve considered before making our plans and frequently asked online.

1. How much time should you allow for viewing the Nazca Lines and the tower

If your plan is to simply visit the observation tower, the Peru Hop bus stops here before you arrive in Nazca.  If you are making your own way and wish to visit the Observation Tower, allow for a 20 minute taxi ride and then give yourself 10-20 minutes on the tower and looking on the ground.

If however, you wish to take a flight as well as the Observation Tower, I do recommend you allow around 4 hours for the flight.  And take the earliest flight you can get.   Even when you book a specific timeslot, the company will advise you that times can change.  I was ready at 9:00am and returned to the hotel at almost 2:00pm!

2. What happens if the flight gets cancelled or delayed?

The Nazca Lines flight tours begins with a pick-up from your hotel or bus station. But you should be aware that they do stress your selected time is only referential, as flights rarely depart exactly on schedule. 

Weather conditions and operational logistics can impact on times but also when we were there, the sheer number of people too!  You are not assigned to a flight until you arrive at the airport although some of the airlines do create schedules the day before.

Delays aside – if you do not make the pick-up or your transport is late for the start of the tour then you do lose your slot and the loss is down to you.  Even though we cancelled Gerry’s flight, it was not within the 24 hour cancellation period and we lost our money.

If the airline cancels your tour and you book with a reputable tour company you should expect a full refund however, the terms and conditions of the flight we took state :

In case of bad weather, they only offer passengers:

This is certainly something to consider and clarify when booking!  But having travelled through South America sadly we have found that when buses and tours are cancelled a refund is not always guaranteed!

3. Can I Use a Drone, Camera or Other Special Equipment to Capture the Nazca Lines?

Yes you can take a camera on the flight but the rules for drones are more strict.  Unless you have a special permit, drone use is prohibited.

4. Can You See the Nazca Lines Without Flying?

Yes — the observation tower beside the Pan-American Highway offers great views of a few figures (the Hands and the Tree). You can also take a guided ground tour to see nearby lines and sites like the aqueducts. 

5. How Long Is the Nazca Lines Flight?

Flights generally last 30–35 minutes and cover around 12–15 major figures, including the hummingbird, monkey, and spider.  There are a few tours that offer an hour long flight where you can see many more of the lines and cover a much larger area.

6. Do I Need Special Travel Insurance for the Flight Over the Nazca Lines?

Our insurance covers us for small planes and helicopter flights when they are not considered too adventurous or dangerous.

If you are in any doubt then do check your policy in advance and ask your insurer to clarify if you have questions or concerns.  We knew we were ok with our insurance policy but you will want to check for :

So What Is The Best Way To See The Nazca Lines?

For me, without a doubt, the best way to view the lines was from the flight.  To have the opportunity to see one of the great wonders of the world from above and to really grasp the scale and presicion of these ancient lines is something that I’ll never forget or regret.

Yes it’s expensive but if you have the budget and the time then just plan to take the flight.

That being said – if budget is an issue then I was genuinely surprised at the fabulous views from the Observation Tower.  You don’t see as much but you absolutely do see those lines.   I also loved being able to compare the view from the tower to that of the lines on the ground – which you can do if you visit the observation Tower.

Seeing the Nazca Lines is one of those rare experiences that travellers have.  Nazca is such an out of the way place to visit but if like us you’re travelling from Lima to Arequipa then you almost have to go through Nazca and you may as well stop!

We didn’t love Nazca it’s true but one thing we do know is that, whether you see them from the air or the observation Tower, you will find yourself looking out across the Peruvian desert and wonder how on earth the lines were ever made!

Either way, it’s a moment worth travelling for.

A Few Practical Tips for Visiting the Nazca Lines

And finally, just as a reminder :

Are You Visiting Peru?

If you’re planning a Peru or South America trip, or taking the Peru Hop bus? Then don’t miss my guides to Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Arequipa, and more — all perfect stops along the route.