Nasca Lines: Which nearby tourist spots should you visit?

Nasca is a journey into the past that invites us to reflect on the creativity and spirituality of pre-Columbian cultures.

The Peruvian desert holds ancient secrets that captivate archaeologists, historians, and travelers from around the world. The lines and geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, are a mysterious legacy that links visitors to the past.

These geoglyphs, along with the nearby tourist sites we will highlight below, provide an unforgettable cultural and visual experience.

The Nasca Lines: Art and mystery in the dese

Scientists believe that most of the lines were created by the Nasca people between 1 AD and 700 AD. These lines form a vast collection of geometric shapes, animal figures, and human depictions that span over 50 square kilometers. Some of the most recognizable figures include the monkey, the hummingbird, and the spider. Their immense size and intricate design continue to spark curiosity about how they were constructed.

Source: Janine Costa / PROMPERU

Helicopter flights: An incredible view

Helicopter flights over the Nasca Lines offer a unique perspective, providing a clearer view of the geoglyphs, especially for photography enthusiasts. From the sky, you can appreciate up to 22 figures, marvel at their scale, and see how they are intricately connected to the surrounding landscape.

Source: Marco Garro / PROMPERU

The María Reiche Planetarium: Unraveling the mystery

Located inside the Nasca Lines Hotel in the city of Nasca, the Maria Reiche Planetarium honors the German archaeologist who devoted her life to studying the lines. This facility blends technology and expertise to explore the potential astronomical significance of the geoglyphs. In the evenings, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the planetarium hosts stargazing sessions, where visitors can observe constellations, stars, and planets.

A visit to the planetarium is perfect for those looking to gain context before exploring the lines or for those eager to dive deeper into the scientific and cultural theories behind them.

Source: Favio Ovalle / PROMPERU

The Maria Reiche House Museum

Located in the district of El Ingenio, this museum is dedicated to the memory of the German scientist who devoted her life to studying and preserving the Nasca Lines. The house where Maria Reiche lived, preserves personal items, work tools, maps, and documents that tell the story of her tireless efforts throughout her life.

In addition to housing her legacy, the House Museum provides an intimate look into Maria Reiche's daily life, allowing visitors to learn more about this pioneering figure. Her remains, along with those of her sister Renata, are laid to rest here.

Cahuachi Ceremonial Center: The spiritual heart

Just 30 minutes from the city of Nasca lies Cahuachi, the largest sacred mud citadel in the world. This ceremonial center, made up of adobe pyramids, was a key spiritual gathering place. Archaeologists believe that ceremonies and rituals were held here to honor deities associated with fertility and water.

Not far from Cahuachi is the Estaqueria, a site where a series of trunks are preserved, placed on adobe platforms, and were used as a solar observatory. With its sacred ambiance, this center enhances the experience of exploring the spiritual world of the ancient Nasca people.

Source: MINCETUR

Paredones: Vestiges of the Inka past

Just five minutes from the city of Nasca, the Paredones (walls) stand as a series of adobe structures believed to date back to the Inka period. While their exact purpose remains a mystery, it is thought that they may have served as an Inka administrative center. Their strategic location offers panoramic views, which supports the theory that they could have been used as a surveillance point.

A visit to the paredones offers an opportunity to explore the potential cultural continuity between the Nasca civilization and the Inkas.

Source: MINCETUR

The Chauchilla Necropolis: Between life and deat

About 45 minutes from Nasca lies Chauchilla, a pre-Columbian cemetery featuring 13 tombs that were found intact, along with ceramics and textiles.

In addition to this necropolis, Chauchilla also features other cemeteries along the river, containing tombs where the mummies of people from Peru's past are preserved.

Nasca offers a captivating array of experiences that blend history, culture, and nature. From the mystery of the lines to the spirituality of Cahuachi, each site has its own unique story. Planning an itinerary that includes helicopter flights, visits to the Maria Reiche Planetarium, and tours of Chauchilla and the Paredones will provide a complete immersion in this rich cultural heritage.