It depends. Yes, if the lines are the reason you are in Peru, you are comfortable in a small plane and you have time to reach Nazca. No, if you are prone to motion sickness, wary of small aircraft, travelling on a tight budget or itinerary, or only mildly curious. Many visitors find the figures smaller and fainter than expected, so manage your expectations.
What you actually see
The Nazca Lines are huge drawings and geometric lines etched into the desert floor centuries ago. They are best understood from the air, because their scale makes them hard to read from the ground. On a clear flight, you can pick out figures such as a monkey, a hummingbird and a spider, along with long straight lines and trapezoids. For what they are and how they were made, see Nazca Lines.
The flight is short, usually around half an hour, and the pilot banks the plane left and right so that passengers on each side can see each figure. The lines are shallow and often pale against the desert, so figures can be faint, particularly in haze. A map or guide helps you spot them.
The drawbacks
Motion sickness: the repeated tight turns are a well-known problem. If you are prone to nausea, think hard, and take advice on precautions before flying. Avoid a heavy meal beforehand.
Safety: flights use small light aircraft, and there have been accidents in the past. Operators and conditions vary, so research the company, ask about maintenance and pilot practice. If you feel uneasy, that is a legitimate reason to skip.
Cost level: it is a relatively expensive activity compared with most things in Peru, and add-on fees such as airport taxes are sometimes charged separately. Check what the quoted price includes.
Time: Nazca is a long way from Lima and does not lie on the standard Cusco and Machu Picchu route. Reaching it costs a day or more of travel, which is a lot for a half-hour flight.
Weather: haze, wind and low cloud can delay or cancel flights.
Reaching Nazca and fitting it in
Nazca lies on the south coast, a long way from Lima along a desert road. Most visitors arrive by bus, either directly from Lima or as part of a southern route that includes Paracas and Huacachina. For what the journey involves, see Lima to Nazca; it is worth reading before you decide whether the detour is worthwhile.
Nazca also sits on the road to Arequipa, so travellers heading south can stop there for a night or an afternoon. That is the easiest way to include it: arrive in the morning, fly, and move on in the evening or next day. A round trip from Lima just for the flight uses a great deal of your trip for a short experience.
Flying to Nazca from Lima on a small plane is also sold as a day tour, which is faster but more expensive. Check what is included.
Alternatives and who should skip it
If the flight does not appeal, there are viewing towers by the roadside that give a glimpse of a couple of figures from above, a local museum and an archaeological site in the area, all of which cost much less. They give less of the scale but are a reasonable compromise. For the options on the ground, see Nazca.
Skip the flight if you suffer from motion sickness, are nervous about small planes, have a limited budget, are short of time, or are mainly interested in Inca heritage rather than the desert cultures that came before.
Go if you are fascinated by archaeology and mysteries, are happy flying small planes, and have a day to spare on the south coast, perhaps paired with Paracas or Huacachina.
Preparing for the flight
If you decide to fly, a few simple steps make it easier. Eat lightly, drink water, and avoid alcohol the night before. Sit where you can see out of both sides if the seating allows, and look at the horizon rather than at your lap if you start to feel unwell.
Study a diagram of the figures beforehand so that you can find them quickly when the pilot announces them. Take a camera or phone with a fast shutter and keep your arms steady against your body, because the plane's movement blurs photographs. Do not press the lens against the window, which causes reflections.
Check the baggage and weight limits for the aircraft when you book, since small planes weigh passengers and bags. A scarf or hat is useful, as cabins can be hot while you wait on the ground.
The verdict
A worthwhile bucket-list item for the enthusiast, an easy skip for the casual visitor. If you are on the fence, the cheaper alternatives give you a sense of the place without the cost, the nausea risk and the safety questions.
The best reason to go is genuine curiosity about the lines and their makers. The best reason to skip is that the day or two of travel could be spent on something you will enjoy more. For comparison with other south-coast stops, see is Huacachina worth it.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight?
Usually around half an hour in the air, though the whole experience, including check-in and waiting, takes longer.
Which side of the plane is best?
The pilot normally turns the plane so that both sides get a view of each figure, so there is little difference. Keep a map handy to know what to look for.
Can I see the Nazca Lines without flying?
Partly. Roadside towers give a view of a couple of figures, and a museum and local sites explain the lines, though you lose the sense of scale. See the Nazca for the options.
What is the best time of day to fly?
Mornings usually have clearer air and less wind, which makes for steadier flights and better views. Afternoon haze and heat can make flights bumpier.
Can pregnant women or people with health conditions fly?
Check with a doctor before booking, since the turns and the small cabin may not suit everyone. Some operators have weight or health restrictions.
Are the lines really made by aliens?
No. They were made by the Nazca culture, who removed the dark surface stones to reveal the lighter ground beneath. The reasons for the figures are still debated, but they are human work.
Should I fly from Lima, Paracas or Nazca?
Flights from Nazca are the shortest and usually the cheapest, while flights from Lima or Paracas are longer and costlier but save a bus ride.