Nazca is about 450 km south of Lima, a bus journey of roughly 7 to 9 hours along the Pan-American Highway. It is long enough to feel like a day lost, so most travellers either break the trip at Paracas or Ica or take a night bus. The town is small, hot and low, at about 600 m, and the main reason to come is the flight over the lines.
The journey
From Lima, the highway runs south through the desert, past Paracas and Ica, then inland through a barren stretch with long, empty horizons before dropping into the Nazca valley. The distance is roughly 450 km, and the bus takes about 7 to 9 hours, depending on stops and traffic leaving Lima. Services range from basic to reclining. The best strategy is to break the journey: go first to Paracas or Ica, then continue to Nazca by a later bus, which makes the trip a series of manageable stages.
Nazca is also a convenient stop between Lima and Arequipa, so many buses to Arequipa stop there. If you are heading to Arequipa afterwards, you can take a night bus from Nazca.
Flying over the lines
The lines are best seen from the air, in small planes that take off from Nazca's airfield and fly for around half an hour. The flights depend on weather and visibility, are best in the morning and involve banking turns that can cause motion sickness. There are also flights from Lima, Paracas and Ica, but these are far more expensive and cost many hours. Ask any operator about their safety record, the aircraft and the number of passengers, and be wary of anyone who approaches you in the street. Alternatively, a viewing tower by the highway offers a ground-level look at a few figures.
Nazca Linesexplains what you see from the air and how to choose an operator.
Is it worth it?
Nazca is a stop for people who are curious about the lines. It is not a destination for a long stay. One night is enough: arrive, book the overflight for the morning, fly and move on. If you have no time, skip it and spend the day in Paracas instead; weigh the pros and cons of each before deciding.
For a frank view, read whether the Nazca flight is worth it, which weighs the cost, the motion sickness and the travel time against what you see. Nazca describes the town and the other sights nearby.
Stages and timing
A typical south-coast plan has three stops: Paracas for the Ballestas Islands, Ica and Huacachina for the dunes, then Nazca for the lines. Each stage is two to three hours by bus, so you never spend a full day on the road. From Nazca, the highway continues to Arequipa, which is a long overnight run.
If you only want Nazca, a night bus from Lima that arrives in the early morning lets you take a morning overflight and a mid-day bus on. This saves a night's accommodation, but you will be tired. For a calmer plan, take a morning bus from Lima, sleep in Nazca and fly the next morning, when visibility is usually best.
The town and its heat
Nazca is a low, hot desert town, at about 600 m, with few distractions beyond the lines. Days are hot and dry, and the sun is intense in the middle of the day. Carry water, a hat and sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for the morning. Evenings are cooler.
Cafes, small restaurants and basic hotels cater to the passing trade. The town is generally easy to walk, but keep an eye on your belongings near the bus terminal, where opportunistic theft occurs. If you are tired from a night bus, a rest before the afternoon allows you to enjoy the rest of the day.
Onward by bus
Buses leave Nazca for Lima, Ica, Arequipa and Cusco, usually in the afternoon and evening. The road to Arequipa runs along the coast and then inland, and the journey from Nazca is long. Lima to Arequipa describes the coastal route, while long-distance buses explains seat classes and how to book.
Do not leave onward tickets to the last minute at busy times, since evening services fill up. Ask the company where the bus actually departs from, since some use their own offices rather than the main station.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bus from Lima to Nazca?
Typically 7 to 9 hours.
Can I go to Nazca as a day trip from Lima?
Only by flight, which is expensive. By road it makes no sense.
Is it hot in Nazca?
The town is in desert at low altitude, so days are warm to hot and nights are cooler. Bring sun protection.
Can I see the lines without flying?
A viewing tower beside the highway shows a few figures from a low height. It gives only a hint of the scale, which is why most visitors choose a flight.
Does the flight make people sick?
The plane banks in turns so passengers can see each figure, and some people feel unwell. Avoid a heavy meal beforehand, sit where you can see out, and tell the pilot if you feel sick.
What is the best time of day for the overflight?
Mornings generally offer calmer air and better visibility. Flights depend on weather and are sometimes delayed, so keep some flexibility in your plans.
Is Nazca safe for tourists?
It is a small town used to visitors. Normal precautions apply: watch bags at the terminal, use official operators for flights and avoid street offers. See the safety.