Nasca
Mysteries of the Lines & Tourist Attractions | Guide

Location

Located 450 km south of Lima in the Ica region, Nazca stands at 520 meters above sea level in the heart of a desert landscape.

Characteristics

This town of 25,000 inhabitants, world-famous for its mysterious geoglyphs, combines archaeological heritage with living traditions.

Climate

Its arid climate (17°C to 30°C) and clear skies from April to November make it an ideal destination to explore the ancient lines.

Economy

The local economy relies on:

• Tourism (attracted by archaeological sites)
• Resilient agriculture (vines, olives)
• Crafts inspired by pre-Columbian motifs

Must-see attractions

• The famous Nazca Lines etched in the desert
• The ingenious Cantalloc Aqueducts
• The pre-Inca Chauchilla Cemetery

Origins

Nazca draws its identity from the eponymous culture (100 BC - 800 AD), renowned for:

• Its enigmatic geoglyphs
• Its colorful ceramics
• Its sophisticated irrigation systems

Rediscovery

Rediscovered in the 1940s by archaeologist Maria Reiche - whose birthday is celebrated every May 15 - the lines earned the region its UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994.

Living culture

The local culture preserves this heritage through:

• Festivals like the Fiesta de la Vendimia (grape harvest festival in March)
• Vibrant crafts:
  • Reproductions of ancient pottery with animal motifs
  • Textiles woven using ancestral methods
• Delicious specialties like cuy chactado (fried guinea pig)

1. The Nazca Lines

Description

Giant geoglyphs created between 500 BC and 500 AD, visible from the air.

• Iconic shapes: Monkey, hummingbird, spider, astronaut.
• Theories: Astronomical calendar, religious rituals or irrigation system?

Experience

• Small plane flight (30-45 min): Departures from Maria Reiche Airport (90-130 USD).
• Observation tower: View 3 figures (The Tree, The Hands and The Lizard) - entry: 20 soles.
• Natural viewpoint: Free access, panoramic view of some lines.

2. Archaeological Sites

Chauchilla Cemetery

• Pre-Columbian mummies: Naturally preserved by the desert climate (guided tour required).

Cahuachi

• Ancient ceremonial center: Partially restored adobe pyramids.

Cantalloc Aqueducts

• Ingenious hydraulic system: Spiral underground galleries dating from the Nazca period.

Estaquería

• Ceremonial site: Alignment of wooden posts, believed to be related to Nazca rituals.

Palpa Geoglyphs

• Less known than the Nazca lines: Older figures representing humans and animals.

3. Adventure and Nature

Cerro Blanco Dunes

• Sandboarding: Ride down the highest sand dunes in South America (2,078 m).
• Buggy rides: Excursion to admire the sunset.

Huaracanga Desert

• Arid and mysterious landscapes: Ideal for hiking and photography.

Pampa Galeras Reserve

• Vicuñas: Observe these wild llamas in their natural habitat.

Huarango Tree

• Iconic desert tree: Essential for the local ecosystem, used by the Nazca for food, shade and soil conservation. Some specimens are centuries old.

4. Museums

Maria Reiche Museum

• History of the lines: Models, photos and tools used by the archaeologist.

Antonini Museum

• Nazca artifacts: Textiles, pottery and ritual reconstructions.

Traditional Dishes

• Cuy chactado: Marinated guinea pig fried under a stone.
• Carapulcra nasquense: Stew made with dried potatoes and meat.
• Trucha frita: Grilled river trout served with rice and banana.

Where to Try Them

• Central Market: Affordable street food stalls.
• Picanterías: Family-run restaurants offering local produce-based menus.

In Town

• Budget hotels: Near the Plaza de Armas (50-100 soles/night).
• Mid-range hotels: Featuring pool and garden (100-200 soles/night).

On the Outskirts

• Ecolodges: Peaceful setting near the dunes (150-300 soles/night).
• Haciendas: Converted colonial farmhouses turned charming hotels.

Transportation

From Lima

• Bus: 6-7 hour journey
• Car: Pan-American Highway South (bring water and a GPS)

On Site

• Taxis: To reach nearby sites (10-20 soles/ride)
• Local agencies: Book flights with certified operators (check licenses)

Health

• Desert sun: Sunscreen, hat and covering clothing mandatory
• Motion sickness: Take medication before flights (frequent turbulence)

Budget

• Nazca Lines flight: 150-250 USD (includes transfer and airport taxes)
• Entrance fees:
  • Chauchilla Cemetery: 15 soles
  • Cantalloc Aqueducts: 10 soles
• Accommodation:
  • Budget: 50-100 soles
  • Comfort: 150-300 soles

Safety

• Scams: Avoid unofficial tours
• Valuables: Don't leave anything in cars during excursions

Eco-responsibility

• Protecting the geoglyphs:
  • Don't walk on the lines (fines and irreversible damage)
  • Choose airlines that comply with environmental standards
• Waste: Take your trash with you (few bins in the desert)

Nazca fascinates with its archaeological mysteries and timeless desert landscape. Between flights over the ancient lines, exploration of burial sites, and dune adventures, the region offers a journey through time.

To preserve this fragile heritage, prioritize responsible tourism practices and follow the instructions of local guides.