Is the Nazca Lines Flight Worth It? My Honest Experience in Peru

When you think of Peru, your mind probably jumps straight to Machu Picchu, llamas, or plates of mouthwatering ceviche. But tucked away in the desert south of Lima lies one of the world’s greatest archaeological mysteries: the Nazca Lines. These massive geoglyphs etched into the desert floor are so huge, you can view them from a tower if you are passing through Nazca, but you can only properly appreciate them from the air.

A big question for many travelers is: Is the Nazca Lines flight really worth it? It wasn’t originally on my itinerary for Peru as I read mixed reviews, but I decided the day before to go for it (because… when will I be in Peru again??) After taking the plunge (and the plane ride), I have to say yes, it was worth it for me. Should you go out of your way to do it? If you’re not passing through this region, probably not… but if you are taking the Paracas to Arequipa route on your Peru itinerary (on a Peru Hop bus trip for example) I think you should definitely do it! Here’s everything you need to know before you decide.

Girl taking selfie looking out small plane window at mountains on a Nazca Lines flight tour in Nazca, Peru

View of mountains and blue sky outside the plane window on a Nazca Lines flight tour in Nazca, Peru

What Are the Nazca Lines?

The Nazca Lines are a series of giant drawings – think animals, plants, and geometric shapes – created by the ancient Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE. No one knows exactly why they were made. Were they a giant calendar? An offering to the gods? Ancient alien landing strips? (the last option I feel like must be the most likely when I saw how big these were from the sky!!)

The designs range from a 135-meter-long hummingbird to a monkey with a curly tail and a perfectly symmetrical spider. They’re massive, and seeing them from above is the only way to truly grasp their scale.

Nazca Lines formation of 'The Pelican' from a flight tour in Nazca, Peru — “The Pelican”

Nazca Lines formation of 'The Monkey' from a flight tour in Nazca, Peru — “The Pelican”

The Nazca Lines Flight Experience

Flying over the Nazca Lines isn’t your typical scenic tour – it’s an adventure. Small planes, usually seating 6–12 people, soar above the desert for about 30-45 minutes, dipping side to side so everyone gets the perfect view (and photo) of each geoglyph.

What to Expect:

Bumpy & Twisty: The pilots bank sharply to give both sides of the plane a clear view. If you get motion sick easily, take precautions.
Incredible Views: You’ll spot over a dozen figures, from the famous hummingbird to the lesser-known “astronaut” figure.
Quick but Memorable: The flight is short, but the impact is huge—you’ll leave with an entirely new appreciation for ancient history (or maybe even more confused about how they were made than before you did the flight)

Girl standing in front of small plane ready for Nazca Lines flight tour in Nazca, Peru

Nazca Lines formation of 'The Astronaut' from a flight tour in Nazca, Peru

Is It Worth the Cost?

The price of the flight ranges from $70–$100 USD depending on the company, plus a small airport tax. Quite a pricey experience for Peru, but remember—you’re paying for anaerial view of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s over 1,500 years old. If you’re passionate about history, archaeology, or epic bucket list experiences, I’d say it’s worth it.

If you’re terrified of small planes or prone to bad motion sickness… maybe admire the Nazca Lines from the viewing tower instead (This is included in the Peru Hop bus itinerary if this is your mode of transport – from this point, you can only see two designs).

Nazca Lines from lookout tower in Nazca, Peru

Girl taking selfie looking out at Nazca Lines from lookout tower in Nazca, Peru

Tips for Your Nazca Lines Flight

Book for a flight early in the morning – these are more likely to go ahead as weather can change quite quickly throughout the day
Bring your passport – You’ll need it for check-in.
Eat lightly beforehand – Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Take lots of pictures but also don’t forget to enjoy the experience – try to balance capturing memories but also being in the moment – the experience is over very quickly!
Go with a reputable company – Safety standards vary; choose one with good reviews and modern planes.

How to Get There

Nazca is about 7 hours by bus from Lima (here is a 2 day tour from Lima) or 3 hours from Huacachina. Many travelers do the flight as a day trip from Huacachina, combining it with dune buggy rides and sandboarding. I was passing through Nazca as part of the Peru Hop Bus route from Huacachina to Arequipa which was a great way to fill the day before the overnight bus ride.

Hand holding Nazca Lines flight tour ticket in Nazca, Peru

Nazca Lines mural on orange wall with blue sky in background in Nazca, Peru

Final Verdict: Should You Fly Over the Nazca Lines?

If you’re already in southern Peru, have the budget, and want to experience something truly unique – absolutely, yes! The Nazca Lines flight is a quick, thrilling, and awe-inspiring way to connect with one of history’s greatest unsolved mysteries. You’ll land with a camera full of photos, a head full of questions, and a heart full of “Wow.”

Just maybe… skip the big breakfast.

Check out my full 3-Week Peru Itinerary here!

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