About
Nazca is a city in the southern desert of Peru, in the Ica region of South America. It is best known for the Nazca Lines, a set of large geoglyphs etched into the arid plain around the city. These ancient drawings are so large that they are most clearly seen from the air, which is how many visitors come to appreciate them.
What makes Nazca worth a visit
The Nazca Lines are the reason most people travel here. The designs cover a wide area of the desert, and their mystery is part of their appeal: they are archaeological marvels whose original purpose remains a subject of inquiry. Seeing them from an aircraft gives a sense of their scale that is hard to get from the ground.
The setting itself is part of the experience. The city lies in an open desert landscape, and the contrast between the dry plain and the carefully drawn lines below is striking.
Planning your trip
- The main draw is an aerial view of the geoglyphs, so plan your visit around that flight.
- Nazca works well as a stop on a wider journey through southern Peru, given its desert location.
- Bring water, sun protection and something to shade yourself in the open desert.
Nazca suits travellers interested in archaeology, ancient cultures and unusual landscapes. Its appeal is focused: a single, remarkable feature set in a stark and beautiful desert. Visitors who come with curiosity about the lines and their setting are likely to find the trip rewarding.
