1.- INTRODUCTION TO NAZCA
The Nazca sector is located in the Peruvian desert, quite close to the southern coast of the country. It was the place where one of the most ancient cultures of South America and Peru lived, and today it is also a reference point and stop for travelers seeking to reach the Andes from the coast. At first glance the entire city of Nazca seems only a desert city by the arid environment that presents however it is an incredible place full of mysteries and history as well as a great cultural heritage, throughout its vast territory are the mysterious figures also known as the Nazca lines that were silenced in the middle of nowhere.
2.- THINGS TO DO IN NAZCA
2.1.- Overflight to the Nazca Lines
It is considered one of the most popular things to do in Nazca while traveling in the coastal region, so far have been identified about 300 images captured throughout the territory from simple lines, geometric figures, animals and even anthropomorphic forms which are only visible by making an overflight, among the most famous and emblematic can be found the famous hummingbird. Although nothing is known about their origin or purpose, multiple theories have been created about these geoglyphs, especially associating them to astronomy and religious aspects, so far no historian has been able to determine their meaning, which increases their mystery, for this reason they are among the main things to do in Nazca Peru.
2.2.- Cantalloc Aqueducts
This is one of the things to do in Nazca that has less frequency of visitors because it is not as popular as the geoglyphs, however gives an answer to the frequent doubt of how civilizations survived without access to water because the whole territory is arid and desert, because the answer is in this place because it was used irrigation canals and the clear vestige of these are the Cantalloc aqueducts. This system was elaborated by the Nazca culture in which a system of puquios or natural water sources was created, making this place an archaeological vestige of the intelligence and hydraulic management that this culture had. Visiting them and discovering how they work will be one of the things to do in Nazca that you will enjoy the most.
2.3.- Antonini Museum
For history lovers, visiting the Antonini Museum is one of the most fun things to do in Nazca. This museum is a place of preservation dedicated especially to the Nazca culture, it contains a complex archaeological park where archaeological remains have been found since 1982, besides that have also been found tombs, cave paintings, models of the famous geoglyphs and aqueducts. This place has kept alive the essence of the Nazca culture through time allowing historians and scholars to know and understand in a better way the particular lifestyle that had one of the most famous cultures of Peru that not only faced an extreme territory but knew how to thrive in it.
2.4.- Chauchilla
It is considered as a very interesting and mysterious attraction when looking for things to do in Nazca, the cemetery of Chauchilla becomes the second most mysterious and enigmatic place after the overflight to the Nazca lines. This place is also known as the ancient necropolis where the most relevant and important people of the Nazca culture were buried, in fact its popularity led big movie studios to be interested in filming famous movies like Indiana Jones. This place is a clear example of how early life was developed in the ancient cultures and how they faced the arid desert and it is also a good time to appreciate the incredible collections of mummies.
| “Don’t listen to what they say, go see.” |
2.5.- Paredones
Very close to the territory of Nazca you can find the remains of the Paredones, a small archaeological center that at some point in history may have been an ancient city, among the things to do in Nazca these are considered how to take a trip back in time since it is not known exactly what its origin is only that it was built somewhere in the fifteenth century and that mainly served as an administrative center. By choosing it within the list of things to do in Nazca you will appreciate how its construction is mainly based on Adobe, in which you can distinguish a central structure, ceremonial space, warehouses and other small enclosures that probably had an urban function for the people who may have lived here at that time in history. Of course it is not among the most fun things to do in Nazca, but it is a perfect opportunity to disconnect from the world and focus more on history.
2.6.- Cahuachi Pyramids
An ancient ceremonial center that is located within the territory, in a mystical way is one of the things to do in Nazca that you will enjoy the most, the famous pyramids are entirely made of Adobe and the most amazing thing is that they are located on the left side of the Nazca river that eventually flows into the Pacific Ocean, Its extension covers more than 360 acres and has more than 40 mounds that simulate the pyramids, having used essentially Adobe material its condition is not the best but still maintains the decency and intrigue they provide to all visitors who come here.
2.7.- Maria Reiche Museum
This is one of the most emblematic places in the whole Nazca territory, it was verified especially to appreciate the life and research that the mathematician and archaeologist Maria Reiche did. Undoubtedly if you are trying to understand more about the Nazca culture and the mysterious geoglyphs, this is one of the things to do in Nazca that you cannot miss. Inside you can appreciate all the tools and utensils that Maria Reiche used throughout the 50 years of studies she conducted and that allowed her to collect valuable information in addition to that you can find didactic models and how the agricultural calendar was vital to the Nazca culture.
2.8.- Observation Tower
Apart from the Nazca lines overflight, another of the things to do in Nazca is to visit the observatory tower which has more than 20 meters high and from where you can see a panoramic view of the entire vast territory which is also known as the pampas of Nazca where most of the figures or geoglyphs are located. This experience is really something unique, which is why it is among the favorite things to do in Nazca for many travelers. It is much less expensive than the overflight option and gives you the option to appreciate the impressive Nazca lines in a different way.
2.9.- Sandboarding
Of course there are also options for adventure lovers, one of the main things to do in Nazca for those looking for adrenaline is undoubtedly the option of Sand Boarding among the immense doubts that can be found here, the main dunes are known as Cerro blanco, tanaka or toro mata where you not only practice the experience of the board on the sand but there is also the option of the Buggies to be able to walk comfortably on the vast desert.
3.- CLIMATE AND WEATHER
When choosing some of the things to do in Nazca, understand that this sector contains high temperatures and a desert throughout its territory. River precipitation or rainfall is really scarce throughout the year so this point between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes as we know them is considered one of the most extreme points of all Peru and even South America, during the summer season there is a much stronger temperature reaching even up to 32 °C while in the winter season can go down and reach only up to 27 °C, of course this also affects the activities and during the night you feel a temperature between 13 °C.
An aspect that not many people know is that the Humboldt current and the phenomenon of the child are essential aspects in the geography and climate that exist in this place, somehow the water current cools the air temperatures which allows moisture does not accumulate and in some situations or circumstances you can get to feel or visualize a little drizzle, of course this also has a positive point and is that due to the absence of wind and little presence of rain, the Nazca lines have been able to endure for thousands of years.
4.- BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO DO SOME OF THE THINGS TO DO IN NAZCA
A desert climate and scarce rainfall make this destination something special for travelers and it is available all year round, although there is a greater demand during the summer season, which runs from December to March, At this time of the year the presence of winds is much more stable so the overflights to the Nazca lines begin quite early from seven in the morning and are performed throughout the day in this way this time of the year becomes the most appropriate so you can properly enjoy not only the overflight in the Nazca lines but so you can enjoy other things to do in Nazca.
5.- A RECOGNITION THAT MAKES US PROUD
“Thanks to the investigation that Maria Reiche carried out during 50 years in the entire Nazca sector, it was finally determined that UNESCO recognized the Nazca lines as a world heritage site and thus its preservation in perpetuity was arranged while it is constantly studied to learn more about its origin.”
6.- FAQs ABOUT NAZCA
- How do I get to the Nazca Lines?
The best way to get to Nazca is from the city of Lima, for this the most feasible is that you can take a direct bus that allows you to arrive in a period of six hours to the city of Nazca, among the best companies that you can use for this are Cruz Del Sur or Oltursa.
- Are the Nazca Lines safe to visit?
Yes, the only ways in which you can enjoy viewing the Nazca lines are through the overflight in a small plane or on the observation tower, in both cases are controlled places where there is a protocol for both entry and exit.
- What is the best time of year to visit Nazca?
Undoubtedly the best time of the year to visit and enjoy the things to do in Nazca is during the summer season, in these months the temperature is warmer and the weather is much more stable which allows the overflights to be adequate and safe.
- How much does a Nazca Lines flight cost?
The average cost of an overflight to the Nazca Lines varies between $70.00 and $100.00 per person, of course it is very important to make a reservation in advance since during the high season availability is very scarce.
- Can you walk on the Nazca Lines?
No, as a safety and sustainability measure it is completely forbidden to walk along the Nazca lines and its surroundings, the only way to appreciate it is from the viewpoints or by the overflight.
Now you know that there are more things to do in Nazca than just enjoying the overflight, although many of these activities require advance planning for this reason it is so important that you can properly choose the travel agency with which you make your next experience, Auri Peru is a specialist in designing unforgettable adventures, contact us now to start yours.
“Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures.”
