Nazca holds one of humanity’s greatest mysteries: the Nazca Lines. Created thousands of years ago, much about their purpose and construction remains unknown to this day. Beyond these enigmatic geoglyphs, Nazca is steeped in history and ancient culture, offering plenty to explore and discover.
What To Do In Nazca?
Flying Over The Nazca Lines
In Paracas, you experienced the mystical geoglyph known as the Candelabro, a massive figure carved into the terrain. But Nazca will leave you truly speechless. Home to over 700 geoglyphs (300 of which were uncovered in September 2024 using advanced AI technology), these vast designs are only visible from the sky. You’ll find yourself wondering why such massive drawings were created in the first place.
Visiting Nazca was one of our favorite experiences in Peru. Upon arrival, we were quickly taken to the Maria Reiche Neuman Airport, where we boarded a small six-person plane, including the pilot and co-pilot, for an aerial tour of the geoglyphs. The views of the Monkey and Spider figures from above were particularly striking, even for someone like me who isn’t fond of spiders.
It’s important to note that this experience isn’t for everyone, especially those prone to motion sickness. The small aircraft is quite maneuverable, ensuring that passengers on both sides get a clear view of the lines.
Dive Into Ancient History
While some visitors come solely for the flight, we highly recommend spending a full day in Nazca to explore its surroundings. We opted for a three-hour tour that took us to ancient wells and the ruins of the Nazca culture. These lesser-known sites offered an intriguing glimpse into the region’s history and the engineering marvels of the Nazca people.
Just 15 miles (24 km) west of the city, you’ll find the Cahuachi Pyramids, a key ceremonial and religious site for the Nazca people. With over 40 pyramids and plazas, this site is an impressive testament to the architectural and engineering ingenuity of this ancient civilization.
On the way to or from the pyramids, you’ll also have the chance to visit the Cantalloc Aqueducts. Some of these aqueducts are still in use today, making them an excellent example of Nazca hydraulic engineering. Estimated to be over 1,500 years old, the Cantalloc aqueducts are famous for their spiral shape, some of which reach depths of up to 12 meters. Their purpose was to guarantee a steady water supply for agriculture, where local farmers grew crops such as potatoes, beans, corn, and other vegetables. These remarkable works of engineering allowed the Nazca civilization to thrive in the harsh, arid environment.
Incorporating a visit to Nazca into your itinerary provides a deeper appreciation of Peru’s rich cultural history, offering insights into the ingenuity and mystique of the pre-Columbian societies that once thrived there.
Where To Eat?
El Porton: This restaurant offers an authentic Peruvian dining experience. Set in a spacious patio, the menu features a great selection of flavorful local dishes, all expertly prepared.
