Nazca Lines Flight from Ica and Huacachina

The Nazca Lines are enormous drawings scratched into the desert floor more than a thousand years ago, and the only way to see their shapes properly is from the air. This tour collects travellers from Ica or Huacachina, drives them south to the airfield at Nazca, and puts them on a light aircraft for a flight of about half an hour over the best-known figures. The pilot banks left and right so passengers on both sides can see the hummingbird, the monkey, the spider, the whale and the long straight lines that run across the plain. It is a short, thrilling flight that many travellers rank among the highlights of Peru.

Interpretations of the lines differ. Some scholars see them as ritual pathways, others as astronomical or water-related markers, and researchers such as María Reiche devoted their lives to studying and protecting them. The desert's dry, stable climate has preserved the figures, which were made by removing dark surface stones to reveal lighter earth underneath.

Prepare for the flight. The planes are small, with up to a handful of seats, and the banking turns can cause motion sickness, so avoid a heavy meal, take medication if you are prone to nausea and look at the horizon. Flights depend on weather, and morning is usually clearest.

Airport taxes and fees are sometimes paid separately in cash, so confirm. Weight limits apply, and passport details are collected for the manifest. Ground transport takes a couple of hours each way from Ica, so the day is long. If you are travelling through Nazca, flights from the town itself save time.

Plan the day around the flight. Pick-up from Ica or Huacachina is early, usually at dawn, and the drive south crosses open desert with long views. At the airfield you check in, pay any fees, are weighed and briefed, and then wait for your turn. Flights go in groups, so expect some waiting. After landing, the tour may include a visit to a lookout or museum, lunch and the return drive, arriving back in the afternoon or early evening. Bring a book or music for the road, along with snacks and water.

Think about comfort in the plane. Seating is arranged so that each passenger has a window, but you will be asked to swap sides to see all figures. Keep your camera strap on your wrist, avoid glare from the window by wearing dark clothing, and hold the camera close to the glass.

Phones can capture the figures well, though they appear small. Do not worry about taking photographs the whole time: put the device down for a few minutes and look. Those who are anxious about flying can ask the pilot for a gentler route. The memory of the shapes appearing on the plain lasts long after the day.

Prepare for the time spent waiting. Airfields can be busy, with queues for check-in and boarding, so bring water, snacks and patience. Sit in the shade where possible. Listen carefully to safety briefings and follow the crew's instructions. Seat positions are arranged for weight balance, so be flexible about where you are placed. Ask whether your flight includes a certificate or photographs as souvenirs, and confirm return times before you leave the airfield.