Machu Picchu Travel

Top Things to Do in Nazca

Top Things to Do in Nazca

In the middle of the desert, near the Pacific Ocean lies Nazca City, a stunning location full of secrets. The chance to see its well-known lines is one of its main draws, though it's not the only one. The origin of the mysterious Nazca lines is still a complete enigma and is cloaked in mystery.

 How the Nazca lines were created is one of the major questions that some researchers wonder about. So, let’s see some stuff to do on the site and on the outskirts of your time in Nazca.

Exploring the City

You can start visiting the Maria Reiche Museum, known as “The Lady of the Dessert”. She was a German scientist who dedicated all her life to studying the mysterious lines. Here, guests can see the sketches and measuring tape that Reiche used to examine the Nazca Lines. There are also many items from the precolonial period on display. 

There needs to be more printed material in the museum's collection. Rather, the home and its antiques speak for themselves. A wax replica of the fair-haired scientist sits at the typewriter in her bedroom, the real Dr. Reiche lies buried nearby.

  Another museum worth visiting is the  Antonini Museum. Even though its small size, this museum is unexpectedly filled with objects, including pottery, tools, and textiles, look no further if you're searching for an excellent introduction to this field.

It makes sense to get context by visiting the museum before seeing archeological sites. The Museo Antonini is instructive. The only drawback is that everything is in Spanish. So, attending with a guide is best to understand the language better. You may also get an English handbook at the front desk.

The Nazca Ceramics and Metallurgy Workshops are fascinating. They let visitors see the artistry and skill of the ancient people. Visitors can watch the whole process up close. You can see how ceramics and metals are made in these workshops,  from material prep to the final item's making.

It's a great chance to discover how the ancestors made their art. You can be in awe of their skill and beauty. Also, the workshops are often hands-on and immersive. They provide experiences in Nazca's traditional art. They do this by encouraging guests to create art through activities.

A good way to interact with locals is to wander in the Nazca Historic Center. You can see how they spend their daily lives there.  The Plaza de Armas in Nasca is the city's major square. You’ll see a water fountain in the middle of the main square. The fountain's rainbow lights add to its ambiance at night.

Continue your adventure through the lovely streets. Each corner tells a different story. With each step, Nazca encourages you to learn about its cultural and natural history. This guarantees an extraordinary trip full of surprises.

Outside the City

The flight over the Nazca Lines is the main star of your visiting this desert city. The 30-minute trip will allow you to take in 11 of the most iconic figures from the Nazca Lines. The planes are relatively small and can carry up to six passengers per flight; each seat has a window, allowing everyone to experience the spectacular views from above the sky. 

Viagens Machu picchu works with the best operator in Nazca to provide an enjoyable and safe flight. It is worth noting that all trips depart from Maria Reiche Neuman Airport, and the Peruvian government continually monitors safety procedures. 

If the weather permits, here's what you may anticipate from the flight: Between them, there is a hummingbird, a monkey, a tree, a reptile, hands, a condor, a spider, a whale, and several more geometrical figures.

If you often have motion sickness, avoid flying. Instead, take a visit to the Observatory Tower to discover more about the massive glyphs. This viewing tower is an excellent alternative for those who do not want to fly or are easily motion-sick. With its 12 meters, the tower provides a view of the surrounding woodlands and handlines.

You won't get the full picture from there. However, going near these lines in the open air fosters a connection with the historic terrain.

The Cantalloc Aqueducts are a great example of the unique technology acquired during their kingdom's growth. Impressively, these hydraulic systems have survived decades of earthquakes and are still used by local farmers.

A lasting legacy left by one of Peru's most intriguing civilizations. If you thought the Nazca culture was just responsible for the massive geoglyphs at the Pampas de Jumana, think again. There's so much more to discover.

If you like archaeology as much as we do, our staff has planned the ideal schedule so that you may see this great engineering achievement up close. Learn all about it while you're here. Currently, the site is a ceremonial center that draws pilgrims from all over the region, belonging to many cultures but unified for one cause.

Although it was considered to be a castle or the capital of the Nazca empire, its true purpose has recently been revealed. Make sure you know everything about it while you're here!

 Cahuachi is in the southern Nazca Valley, located on the south bank of the underground Nazca River. This has made the area hallowed among the barren Nazca desert.

The Chauchilla Cemetery is a long-lost necropolis on the outskirts of Nazca city. The site is one of the many legacies left by the ancient Peruvians who trekked across this dry region hundreds of years ago.

Chauchilla was an open-air cemetery that once held hundreds of mummies. However, now only a handful remain. This is because of the many thefts it endured. These happened before it became an official archaeological monument.

Yet, the remaining corpses are remarkably well-kept. Some even have the final thread of hair on their head. It's the only spot in Peru where you can observe mummies in their original burial sites.

Would you like to uncover Peru and Nazca mysteries? Check out our travel packages and start planning the trip of your life while you’re here.  Viagens Machu Picchu can help you organize the best trip itinerary while optimizing your time and experience according to your interests!