The 13 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Nazca.
Nazca is one of the most attractive cities in the world, given its historical and cultural significance. Undoubtedly, talking about this place is delving into a myriad of possibilities to discover.
Tourist places in Nazca are practically endless, and you always have the opportunity to go one step further. But what key aspects should you know before traveling to this destination?
The first thing you should know is that Nazca is located exactly in the Andean region of Peru, specifically 450 kilometers south of the city of Lima.
Temperatures in this city vary depending on the season. During the summer, temperatures can reach up to 35ºC, while in winter, the temperature drops to 9ºC. The climate, in general, is quite dry with little availability of natural water sources and agricultural land.
Now, talking about the places to see in Nazca, you should know that it is a destination with multiple attractions such as the renowned Nazca Lines, the Chauchilla Cemetery, and much more.
If you're thinking of visiting Nazca soon, in this article, we'll tell you about the 13 best tourist attractions in Nazca that you can't afford to miss. Stay tuned to read until the end to discover the most interesting one of all!
What are the best tourist places in Nazca?
To be honest, Nazca is a city with much to tell. Therefore, you should dedicate as much time as possible to explore each of these places to visit in Nazca:
1. Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are the tourist jewel of Nazca, evidenced by the over 20,000 people who choose AeroNasca to fly over them annually. These mysterious figures etched into the ground are captivating not only for their cultural significance but also for the intriguing theories surrounding their origin.
The experience intensifies with an exciting plane flight over these lines, providing a unique adrenaline rush. Flying over one of the World Heritage Sites is an amazing opportunity. It's also an excellent chance to reinforce the importance and magic of one of Nazca's most significant tourist attractions. The experience allows for unforgettable memories, leaving visitors in awe of the cultural and geoglyphic grandeur of the Nazca Lines.
If you want to see Nazca from above, Gurú Explorers 2D/1N Tour to Huacachina + Paracas + Nazca allows you to fly over these ancient figures for 35 minutes. The aerial tour will let you appreciate 17 of the main figures of the Nazca Lines.
2. Usaka Dunes
Another place to see in Nazca is the Usaka Dunes. They unfold as a stunning natural spectacle. These undulating dunes offer a vast landscape inviting adventure and enjoyment of nature.
If you're a fan of extreme adventure, immerse yourself in the thrill of sandboarding, sliding down the crests of these majestic dunes. The sunset at the Usaka Dunes paints the desert in warm tones, creating a magical setting that envelops you in natural grandeur.
This unique corner of Nazca gives you the opportunity to connect with the vastness of the desert, explore its corners, and create unforgettable memories amid the natural beauty that defines it.
3. Cahuachi Ceremonial Center
The Cahuachi Ceremonial Center emerges as a tangible link to the ritual practices of the Nazca culture. The ruins of this ceremonial enclave reveal the history of ancient ceremonies and traditions. Therefore, it is one of the best tourist places in Nazca that should not be missed on your journey.
Walking among pyramids and squares awakens a unique connection with the spiritual past of this civilization. The palpable energy in Cahuachi transcends time, inviting visitors to explore the depths of spirituality and understand the importance of this ceremonial site.
Cahuachi serves as a portal to ancestral history, where stones tell stories of ancient rituals, and sacred architecture preserves the essence of Nazca culture.
4. Cantalloc Aqueducts
The Cantalloc Aqueducts are a series of underground irrigation systems located around Nazca, in southern Peru. These aqueducts are an impressive display of hydraulic engineering by the Nazca culture, which flourished between 100 B.C. and 800 A.D. The aqueducts were built to channel water from underground sources to agricultural areas, enabling irrigation of fields in an arid region.
What sets the Cantalloc Aqueducts apart is their spiral design. The Nazca created these aqueducts using stone, wood, and other materials, forming spirals that allow access to underground water and prevent sand and other sediments from entering the system.
5. Chauchilla Cemetery
The Chauchilla Cemetery is part of the interesting tourist attractions of Nazca. It is an archaeological site located in the Nazca desert, in southern Peru. This place is known for hosting a large number of mummies and human remains belonging to the Nazca culture, which flourished between 100 B.C. and 800 A.D.
6. The Paredones
The Paredones is another archaeological site located in the Nazca region, Peru. This place holds historical and cultural significance as it was part of the Nazca civilization that thrived between 100 B.C. and 800 A.D. The Paredones consists of architectural structures composed of adobe walls serving as enclosures and buildings.
Although the exact function of The Paredones is not entirely clear, it is believed to have been an administrative center, a ceremonial complex, or even a storage facility. The structures have withstood the test of time and are still visible today. This archaeological site provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the ancient constructions of the Nazca and gain a deeper insight into their way of life and architectural skills.
7. Antonini Archaeological Museum
If you are passionate about archaeological history, this is one of the best tourist places in Nazca to visit. The Antonini Archaeological Museum houses a collection of artifacts and objects from excavations in the Nazca region, including items related to the famous Nazca Lines and Nazca culture in general.
Visitors can find ceramics, textiles, tools, and other objects providing a detailed view of the life and culture of the ancient Nazca civilization. If you are interested in learning more about the history and archaeology of Nazca, visiting the Antonini Archaeological Museum can be an educational and enriching experience.
8. Cerro Blanco
In this list of places to visit in Nazca, Cerro Blanco is a must-see destination. Cerro Blanco is a sand dune located in the Nazca desert in southern Peru. It is known as the world's tallest dune, reaching altitudes of around 2,080 meters above sea level. The dune extends over an area of approximately 20 square kilometers.
This site attracts tourists and adventurers interested in ecotourism and activities such as sandboarding, which involves descending the dunes using a board similar to snowboarding. Due to its height and location, Cerro Blanco offers breathtaking panoramic views of the desert and its surroundings.
9. Palpa Geoglyphs
The Palpa Geoglyphs are a series of figures etched into the ground in the Palpa region, located near Nazca in southern Peru. Although they share some similarities with the famous Nazca Lines, the Palpa Geoglyphs are less known and studied.
These figures include designs of animals, human figures, and geometric patterns. Like the Nazca Lines, the Palpa Geoglyphs are best visible from the air, leading to comparisons and debates about their purpose and origin.
Most of these geoglyphs are believed to date back to ancient periods, and some may even be older than the Nazca Lines. The Palpa Geoglyphs provide an additional insight into the creativity and skills of pre-Inca cultures in the region. Although not as extensive or famous as the Nazca Lines, they have sparked interest among archaeologists and history enthusiasts.
10. Santiago Apostle Church
The Santiago Apostle Church is located in the Nazca district, in the Ica region of Peru. Santiago Apostle is one of the patron saints of Nazca, and the church is named in his honor. The church has significant history and architecture, typical of many colonial churches in Latin America.
These churches were built during the colonial period by Spanish missionaries and became important centers for religious and community life in their respective cities or towns. If you are a devout Catholic, this is a unique opportunity to visit a church that not only preserves history but also devotion.
11. Local Craft Centers for Ceramics and Gold
In Nazca, you can find several craft and ceramic centers where visitors can explore and purchase handmade local products. These tourist places in Nazca often offer a variety of crafts reflecting the rich cultural tradition of the region. Common products include decorative ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and other handmade items.
12. Main Square
In Nazca, Peru, the Main Square generally serves as the heart of the city center. It is a place where local residents and visitors gather, serving as the focal point for cultural events and festivities.
There are also banks, shops, restaurants, and other amenities around the square. The Nazca Main Square is a place where you will find local activity as well as important landmarks. You can enjoy the local architecture, relax on a bench, explore the surroundings, or participate in events that may be taking place in the central area.
13. Maria Reiche Planetarium
Finally, if you are planning to visit Nazca, we recommend including a visit to the Maria Reiche Planetarium in your itinerary. This interesting destination is located at the DM Nazca Lines Hotel and offers an experience that combines cultural and scientific knowledge.
Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to listen to explanations from an expert about the mysterious Nazca Lines and their relationship with astronomy. Inside the planetarium, you can observe the stars and constellations of the Nazca sky from a unique perspective. As part of the experience, the use of a professional telescope is provided to admire planets and the moon.
Visits are available in English, French, and Spanish, with daily schedules based on the chosen language. This activity offers an informative immersion into the fascinating world of the Nazca Lines and their connection to the night sky.
Discover Peru with Guru Explorers
Exploring Nazca is a unique experience to uncover the history behind the country's culture. Undoubtedly, visiting Nazca in all its extent represents a unique experience.
If you want to discover the best tourist places in Nazca, you are in the right place. At Guru Explorers, we want to be part of your adventure. Let us know and don't wait any longer to explore the most interesting tourist places in Nazca!