Nazca

Nazca is a friendly town on Peru's Southern Coast. It is most famous for the so-called Nazca Lines, a mix of long lines, geometrical figures and giant drawings in the desert sand.

Get in

There are frequent collectivos to and from Ica. They leave when full, it takes 2 to 3 hours and cost s/. 12.

There are several direct overnight busses to Cuzco. The leave in the evening an it takes 14 hours, but delays can occur in the wet-season. Prices vary between 60 and 120 soles.

Get around

See

• Museo Arqueologico Antonini, Av de la Cultura 606 (follow Jr Bolognese about 1km east). Informative museum about the surrounding archeological sites. It also has a collection of pottery and textiles. In the garden there is a working aqueduct and a scale model of the lines. Entrance s/.10.

Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines are the star attraction of Nazca. The best way to view them are from the air. A couple of dozen tour agents offer round flights in Cessnas, just like most hotels. Shop around before buying. The price is US$30~50 depending on season and your bargaining skills. 10 Soles airport tax is usually not included in the price. There are also flights which include the nearby Palpa lines.

There is a observation tower along the Panamerican highway with a view on three of the figures and a lookout on a mountain. You can go there by tour, public transportation or hitchhike your way out there.

Do

Buy

Eat

• For fast and cheap street food try one of the stands at the south-east corner of the Plaza de Armas.
• Pacante's fastfood café, Jr Bolognese 464. Simple and cheap burgers, with a friendly owner who likes to talk to gringos.

Drink

There are several bars along Jr. Bolognese.

Sleep

Prices of accommodation rise and fall with the seasons.

• Estrella del Sur, Calloa 568A. Popular place with foreign tourist. Nice and clean rooms have a private bathroom. Two bread for breakfast are included in the price. A single in lowseason cost 25 soles.

Get out