Central Coast, 588 meters above sea level (1,929ft)
Population: 38,000 (combined with Villa Verde area)
Founded either in October 1548 by Pedro de la Gasca,or in November 1591 by Viceroy García Hurtado de Mendoza.
Four hours to the south of Lima and just two hours from Ica, the area of Nazca has been inhabited by several pre-Incan cultures and then dominated by the Inca. The area is rich with ingenious primitive technology as seen in the Cantayoc Aqueducts as well as beautiful arts as displayed in the distinct artistic style of their ceramics. Of course, Nazca is most famous for its lines, which were discovered in 1927. Questions still remain as to how these lines were created, why they are only visible from the air and what their main purpose was. The Nazca lines and its culture remain a mystery to this day.
Tourism in the area is most directly related to those wanting to view the Nazca Lines, but there are several other areas worthy of a visit such as Cahuachi, Estaquería, Chauchilla cemetery and Paredones. You will also be able to find many ceramic artisans who still practice the ancient techniques of their ancestors.
Nazca boasts a dry and sunny climate year round with an average temperature of 27°C (80°F) during the summer months and 18°C (60°F) in winter, though with higher temperatures through most of the year, it is frequently referred to as the 'City of Eternal Summer'. Located in the central coastal area of Peru, the area which is mostly desert and low plains, also is surround by hills where mining is a profitable and common activity.
GETTING TO NAZCA
Buses leave Lima on a regular basis and last anywhere from 6-8 hrs depending on the company and number of stops along the way. Visitors may also choose to visit Nazca from Paracas (3 ½ hrs) or nearby Ica (2 hrs), in which case a bus or smaller collectives are also an option.
The bus companies we most frequently recommend are Cruz del Sur, Ormeño and Oltursa.
GETTING AROUND NAZCA
Navigating Nazca is quite easy as most services are located within walking distance of the main hotels and plaza. Should you require a taxi, using a safe, secure car should cost no more than S/ 3 to travel to most areas.
Nazca Lines
Declared an Archaeological World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, the Nazca lines and their origins remain a mystery to this day. The geoglyphs cover around 450 sq km and continue to intrigue visitors and archaeologists alike with their enigmatic presence. To truly appreciate the figures of animals, plants and other beings, one must take flight above them to see them for their true magnificence.
Cantayoc Aqueducts
A complex system of circular, spiral aqueducts displays the high level of technology for the early Nazca culture. They are not only still functional today, used by local farmers for their crops of corn, cotton and potatoes, but is an architectural beauty and well worth a visit.
Chauchilla
One of the more unique museums you're likely to visit. This pre-Inca cemetery, which was afflicted by grave robbers many years in the past, contains graves left open where the mummified remains of its original inhabitants can now be viewed. The robbers also left behind several pieces of hair and clothing, which, along with bone fragments, litter the entire burial area.
Planetarium Maria Reich
Calle Jr. Bolognesi Nº 300
Combining the world of the stars, planets and modern astronomy with the theories of Dr. Maria Reich, this planetarium offers daily lectures which focus on archaeology and astronomy. Should the evening be clear, each show is followed by a viewing of the season´s constellations as well as planets and other celestial objects as seen from the backyard of the observatory as well as through a telescope.
Museo Arqueologico Antonini
Avenida de la Cultura 606
An excellent museum showcasing the regional Nazca culture. Visitors can view everything from reproductions of burial tombs to ceramic pan flutes, common to the area. Outside, guests can enjoy the museum´s garden which houses an original, running aqueduct from Nazca's primitive past.
Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe: August 29 to September 10. The main day on September 8.
Legend has it that a wooden box washed up on the shore of Bahia de San Nicolas containing the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, of Spain. Supposedly, this was part of the cargo on a Spanish galleon which had been troubled by high seas. As news of the discovery spread each nearby village decided to try and move the precious treasure to their respective towns. However, with each attempt, they failed; some obstacle or trial prevented the relocation of the statue. A delegation was formed in Nazca and was blessed with good weather and no obstacles and successfully brought the image back to Nazca. As the mules rested in the Plaza de Armas, it was taken as a sign that this is where the temple would be built to worship the now Sacred Patroness of Nazca, the Holy Virgin of Guadalupe.
Cantayo Spa & Resort 4 Star
The Hotel Cantayo Spa & Resort is located about three kilometers from the city of Nazca. This resort is an oasis of peace where there is no traffic noise and no contaminated air. In the twelve hectares of the hotel garden, there are more than seven hundred fruit trees from thirty different families, which neither any trees nor plants were treated with any preservatives or chemical fertilizers. Many natural products cultivated are used for the preparation of dishes offered in the restaurant.
Majoro Hotel
The hotel Majoro is located in the city of Nazca on Km.452 of the South Pan-American Highway to an hour of the bay of Hills. This charming hotel is surrounded by 30 hectares of nature in which you can appreciate the wonders inherited from the Nazca culture, its nature and all the mystery that surrounds it. With its comfortable rooms, pool, bar restaurant, tennis court, your stay here is sure to be a memorable one.
Casa Andina Classic Hotel 3 Star
The largest and most ideally located hotel with the most services & expert-led activities in Nazca. An airy 3-story, coastal-style hotel that is modern with a welcoming rustic touch. The long open-air central patio is lined with balconies, tall palm trees and leafy green plants, lending the hotel a tropical feel. The restaurant of the hotel overlooks the swimming pool, flower-filled patio, and bar.
Oro Viejo B&B
Oro Viejo is located in a tranquil and central zone with a pleasant atmosphere. It has 27 excellent and comfortable rooms all with ventilation, cable TV, hot water 24 hours a day, telephone and private bath. Its location in a tranquil setting near the center of town gives travelers easy access to the central plaza and other areas of interest, such as the principal restaurants, souvenir shops, and cultural centers of our town.
Las Líneas, Jr. Arica 299-A (tel. 056/522-066), serves Peruvian fare such as ceviche and garlic chicken, even though it looks like a Chinese restaurant.
El Huarango, Jr. Arica 602 (tel. 056/521-287), is one of the better restaurants in Nasca, offering good-value meals and a rooftop garden.
La Taberna, Jr. Lima 321 (tel. 056/806-783), is a good restaurant -- probably the best in town -- with a varied international menu, live music on weekends, and the graffiti scrawlings of hundreds of international travelers who came before you.
Las Cañas, Bolognesi 279 (tel. 056/806-891), serves a large menu of Peruvian and international dishes, including ceviche, pastas, salads, and hamburgers; it's quite a hangout on weekend nights.
In this heavily touristic area, it is likely you will be approached by peddlers who are looking for people to buy their services – sometimes which are non-existent. As we have arranged all of your sightseeing in the area, please know that Cultural Immersion only works with the most reputable of companies in Nazca.
The Nazca airport tax is exactly S/.20. No one should charge you anything more. If someone tries to charge you an "earthquake tax," do not pay it as it does not exist. The INC (Instituto Nacional de Cultura – National Institute of Culture) tax charged for local museums and attractions is valid; it was introduced in in January of 2008. It is exactly S/11 and again, nothing more. Be sure to pay it to a tax collector that offers you a valid receipt with the current date.
These are meant to be precautionary tips. Peru is a developing country and this region has seen serious hardships in the face of devastating earthquakes that have affected the region time and again. Travelers are only asked to be careful, as looking after your belongings is a staple rule for travel in all of South America.
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