The Nasca Lines never featured high on my bucketlist. Yes, as a kid I had seen some of the pseudo documentaries asking (just asking, right?) if the locals hadn’t built these as landing strips for aliens. How else would such a remote, backwards tribe be able to accomplish such complex figures only visible from the sky? Being a WHS Traveler you learn to appreciate human ingenuity and the alien part wasn't really a factor for me. So I was wondering whether going to Nasca was worth the significant investment of time and money.

As is often the case in these situations I consulted our community and a colleague and based on their feedback decided to go. I have to agree these Lines are special and it’s a special experience. Flying above the deserted landscape you suddenly start to notice all the different forms and shapes the locals itched into the landscape. It’s not just the figures you know, e.g. the birds, but also the simple huge geometric forms. As a caveat, though, I need to point out that this is a 30min experience.

Prices

I think more or less all prices are the same. Expect to pay with all taxes and fees included around 100 USD for a 30min flight to the lines. There are also longer flight options available at higher prices. If you have your own transport you can probably haggle at the airport. But if you are relying on public transport and are short on time, I would just book ahead and reserve online as I did. With a reservation you will get a shuttle from Nasca town to Nasca Airport and back, so you don’t have to worry about that yourself. Being a solo traveler the airline shuffled my flight around a bit, but it all worked out.

Airline

Seven years ago, and even worse when the Tanners visited, safety seems to have been a major concern. To this day (2017) you can find a travel advisory from Germany pointing out the risks of these flights. A major series of incidents took place between 2008 and 2011.

I do feel this has been addresed. For Nasca these flights are their main source of income and it seems they take it seriously enough. Still, be sure to check your airline in advance and use a reputable airline with two pilots.

Flight Practicalities

I was a bit afraid of missing the Lines or having a bad seat. Lucky for me this wasn’t an issue. Our machine had two seats per row, so everyone had a window seat. All Lines are circled twice, once clockwise and once counterclockwise, so everyone can see them in full. In addition, the pilot rotated the plane in such a manner that the wing more or less pointing directly on it. My picture should give you an idea. In reality the lines are way better noticeable than on a picture.

The circling and rotating, though, are a bit heavy on the stomach. I would recommend skipping breakfast/lunch till after the flight.

Getting There and Away

Nasca is a good stop if you are travelling by bus from Lima to Arequipa. Okay, good is a relative term here. It’s 7h to Lima and 11h to Arequipa. Not quite in the middle, but still better than doing the whole trip in one go. I opted for two afternoon bus connections arriving at 23:00h in Nasca and at 0:30h in Arequipa. Unfortunately, the sun sets really early in Peru (around 18:00h) and fast, so I only got a limited view of the landscape. Still, this was highly appreciated and I encourage you to take a westward (Pacific) facing window seat when you reserve.

There are no plane connections to Nasca that I am aware of. If you dislike long bus tours, the only other option at significantly higher costs is to go to Pisco as a day trip from Lima. They offer flights from there, but these are pricier (I believe at least 100 USD more). On top, I don’t think it saves you all that much time with all the commutes.

While You are There

If you have your own transport I would get going immediately after the flight. The trip to Lima or Arequipa is a long one.

If you are relying on public transport and have a few hours to kill between your flight at 8:30h and your bus at 14:30h, there are a few options well in foot range of Nasca. The Cantalloc Aqueduct shows the Nasca water management system with blow holes and channels. Nearby to the Aqueduct are the lines of Telar, giving you a closer look at how the patterns are itched into the ground. And for a traditional Nasca settlement you can go to Los Paredones at the outskirts of town. Expect a 2h hike or so.

You can buy a combined ticket for all sites. I found Cantalloc and Telar quite illuminating. The ruins meanwhile were a bit of a let down. Interestingly, from the hills you notice that Nasca is quite green, a bit like an oasis.

Be advised that Lonely Planet lists some of these sites as dangerous to walk to. During my daytime hike I never felt anxious and saw no reason why. Alternatively, you can take a cab or a collectivo or join an organized tour.