Peru is an unparalleled country with too much to offer. Considered a high tourist center with a wide variety of destinations to visit and discover. Within the huge spectrum of places to visit, there are some full of history and mystery. One of these famous destinations is Nazca. Where the ancient ruins still contain unsolved mysteries that leave historians thinking. And for this reason, together with Machu Travel Peru, we have prepared a small article on the best things to do in Nazca. By the time you visit this beautiful place, you will be ready and you will not miss anything.
As we know, Nazca is a very beautiful place full of mysteries. One of its main attractions is being able to visit its famous lines, but it is not necessarily the only one. The Nazca lines are shrouded in a lot of mystery and to this day their origin is totally unknown. One of the great unknowns that certain scholars ask themselves is how were the Nazca lines made? And many theories surround this issue, but it will be better to do your own research and hypotheses on the matter. So, as we will see below, inside Nazca you can do much more than fly over its well-known geoglyphs.
Some of the best things to do in Nazca
- Fly over the Nazca Lines
- Cantalloc Aqueducts
- Chauchillas Cemetery
- Los Paredones Ruins
- Cahuachi Pyramids
- Sandboarding in the dunes
FLY OVER THE NAZCA LINES
The lines are the main attraction when you are in Nazca. The best way to appreciate the lines is through an airplane flight. From above you can see the different lines, geometric figures, animals, and anthropomorphic figures. One of the most iconic figures is the Nazca Lines hummingbird, which reaches an astonishing 305 feet in height.
These lines have a great history and many Nazca lines theories surround them. Among their many theories, you can find that they are some kind of extraterrestrial creation, an astrological calendar, irrigation systems, and even that they had a religious purpose.
The truth is that no historian can know what these beautiful lines are about, but many are inclined to believe that they are some kind of astrological calendar. To take the plane, you can make a reservation with a tourist agency or operator and, in this way, you will not miss anything. Keep in mind that many people are interested in observing these beautiful geoglyphs, so the best thing to do is make a reservation before leaving. Don’t wait any longer and fly over the Nazca lines!
CANTALLOC AQUEDUCTS
The Nazca Lines map is practically deserted and very dry. So the big question is how did ancient civilizations survive? The answer is quite simple: through a set of smart irrigation channels. And among its main irrigation channels, some are known as the Aqueducts of Cantalloc.
Thousands of years ago, the Nazca people built a system of “Puquios“. The word Puquios can be translated from Quechua to “natural spring.” This incredible archaeological site is worth a visit if you are around. Therefore, if you are looking for things to do in Nazca, we highly recommend a visit to this site. It is located on the outskirts of the city and you can witness the ancient ingenuity of the first civilizations.
CHAUCHILLAS CEMETERY
Another attraction to enjoy within Nazca is to visit the Chauchillas Cemetery. After appreciating the different Nazca Lines images, it is a good idea to visit this necropolis. Chauchillas is an ancient necropolis ideal for discovering the remains of the Nazca culture. This was the filming location for the classic Indiana Jones movie in the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. So you are going to have a great time while taking beautiful photos of the place.
There you can get an idea of what the early life of the ancestral cultures that lived in the desert was like since you will be stepping on a burial place that is more than a thousand years old. Not only will you enjoy a place with a lot of history, but you will also be able to see dozens of mummies on display. Many tours in Peru will show you the different mummies and trophy heads. Besides, some companies usually combine the tour with a ceramic production class. If you are looking for things to do in Nazca, be sure to visit this cemetery.
LOS PAREDONES RUINS
No more than two kilometers from the city of Nazca, you can find the ruins of Paredones. Inside this small archaeological site, you will see remains of what used to be an ancient city. It is believed to have been built sometime in the 1400s and was an important administrative center. The site is quite dilapidated because most of its constructions are made with adobe. A central structure can be distinguished and in its surroundings, you can find warehouses, ceremonial areas, and other buildings.
It is not a huge tourist attraction in itself, but if you are looking to take a walk outside the city, it is a perfect opportunity. Among the different tourist sites in Peru, this one is not very well known, but it is a perfect option to unwind.
CAHUACHI PYRAMIDS
Not far from the region there is an important ancient ceremonial center that is worth visiting. Cahuachi is located about 28 kilometers from Nazca. The Cahuachi pyramids cover an area of about 360 acres and around it are more than 40 mounds that resemble pyramids. Many of these structures were built with adobe, so it is common to see that they are not in great condition. These ruins are very little known, but they are among the most intriguing in the region. One of the most underrated things to do in Peru.
SANDBOARDING IN THE DUNES
If you still don’t have enough, there is an opportunity for those eager for adrenaline and adventure. Fans of adventure can try one of the best things to do in Nazca. In the deserts that surround the city, you will find a multitude of dunes to take advantage of different routes. From Buggy tours to Sandboarding. Depending on your taste, you can do both activities in an incredible combined tour.
Within the tour, you can visit different points of the desert such as the aqueducts of Cantalloc, ruins of Cahuachi, and much more. If you are planning a trip to Peru, don’t miss out on this incredible activity.
“THE DESERT IS A NATURAL EXTENSION OF THE INNER SILENCE OF THE BODY.”
As you will see, Nazca has much more to offer than its renowned lines. Together with Machu Travel Peru, we hope we have been of assistance regarding the many places you will find in Nazca. Remember that it is not just about the lines, there are many more things to do in and out of the city. If you want to find out more about the different routes in the area, you can consult with our team of qualified advisers. We look forward to your early visit to the Andean Country.
