Nazca
Travel Guide > South America > Peru > Nazca
Introduction
Nazca town itself is nothing special, its main attraction is the Nazca Lines that lie on the plain just outside of the town.
Sights and Activities
The Nazca Lines are the main reason to visit Nazca, the local airport is set up mainly for small group flyovers of the lines. The flyovers cost around USD 45pp (Nov 07) for a 30 minute, stomach churning flight over the lines. You'll see all the main figures and the pilot will make sure both sides get a good view of each figure. The flights are best in the early morning before the turbulence gets too bad, be warned that it's best not to eat too much before the flight. Flights can be arranged at the airport or with one of the many local tour companies and hotels, in fact you will get mobbed by hawkers the second you get out of the bus station.
The other main local attraction is the Chauchilla cemetery, a pre-incan site that has been heavily looted, it is now protected and has several of the graves dug out with the human remains (complete with hair and skin) displayed in them along with some burial items. The cemetery is a distance out of town, you can get a taxi there, tour companies also offer tours there for about USD 10 (Nov 07).
There is also a museum in the town.
Events and Festivals
Getting There
By Plane
Domestic flights arrive at the María Reiche Neuman Airport (NZA).
By Car
By Bus
Nazca is well served by the major bus companies (Cruz del Sur, Ormeño) from both Lima approx 8 hours USD 40 1st class (via Pisco and Ica) and Arequipa approx 12 hours. Overnight buses from Arequipa are available and very comfortable, costing around USD 40 first class.
Getting Around
By Car
By Public Transport
Should you need to travel any distance around the city taxis are easy to find driving around and cheap.
By Foot
The centre of Nazca is small and can easily be walked around
By Bike
Eat
There are a few restaurants ranging from cheap pollerias to higher class around the main plaza, some of the hotels also have restaurants.
Drink
Sleep
Don't forget you can get overnight buses out of Nazca, these may be a cheaper alternative and once you've seen the lines and cemetery there is little reason to stay in Nazca. You can easily arrive in Nazca on the overnight bus from Arequipa, join an overflight, visit the cemetery and get the afternoon bus to Lima arriving about 8pm and completely avoid staying overnight in Nazca.
Budget
Rancho Park Hostal Turistico, a little further out of town than some of the others.
Mid-Range
Hostel Alegria, well kept hostel with swimming pool. They also offer tours.
Upscale
Keep Connected
Internet
Internet cafés are easy to find and many hotels/hostels have internet access.
Phone
Post
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