Travel guide
Pisco, Ica or Nazca: where should you fly over the Nazca Lines?
You can fly over the Nazca Lines from four airports: Nazca, Ica, Pisco and Paracas. The figures are the same; what changes is how far you travel from Lima, how long the flight lasts, how much it costs and how much the aircraft moves. This guide compares them and explains how to get to each one.
Updated: 2026-09-16
The four options at a glance
From Lima, Pisco is the closest airport (230 km, about 3 hours by road) and has the longest flight, about 1 h 40 min over both Nazca and Palpa. Ica (300 km) offers a flight of about 1 h 10 min and pairs well with the Huacachina oasis. Nazca (450 km, 7 hours by bus) has the cheapest and shortest flight, 35 minutes, and the option of an hour-long circuit adding Palpa. Paracas (San Martín port) suits travellers staying in the bay.
- Nazca: 35 min to 1 h, from US$ 100, more banking over each figure
- Ica: about 1 h 10 min, from US$ 250, half day from Ica or Huacachina
- Pisco: about 1 h 40 min, from US$ 350, day trips from Lima and Paracas
- Paracas: about 1 h 30 min, from US$ 350, pick-up in Paracas
If you are in Lima and have one day
Fly from Pisco. Our private day trip leaves your hotel at 4:00, reaches Pisco Airport mid-morning, flies at midday and gives you free time for lunch in Paracas before returning to Lima around 20:00. Public buses do not make this possible in one day; the private car is what makes the round trip work.
If you have two days, spend the night in Paracas or Huacachina and add the Ballestas Islands or the dune buggies.
If you are travelling south to Cusco or Arequipa
Stop in Nazca. Night buses connect Nazca with Cusco (14 hours) and Arequipa (9 hours), so you can fly in the morning and continue in the evening. The flight from Nazca is the cheapest and the airfield is 4 km from town. Our tours from Cusco and Arequipa include the transfers and a night in Nazca.
If you are in Ica or Huacachina
Fly from Ica. The airport is 20 minutes from the oasis, the flight lasts about 1 h 10 min and you are back in time for sandboarding at sunset.
Motion sickness: which airport is gentlest?
The Pisco route has long straight legs and fewer tight turns, so it is usually the gentlest. The Nazca circuit is shorter but banks over every figure. In all cases: eat lightly, avoid coffee, take the first flight of the morning and ask for the front seats.
How to get to each airport
Pisco and Paracas: 3 to 3.5 hours from Lima by the Panamericana Sur; Cruz del Sur and Oltursa buses run to Paracas, and our tours include private transport. Ica: 4 hours from Lima by bus, 1 hour from Paracas. Nazca: 7 hours from Lima, 2 hours from Ica; most travellers arrive by night bus or on the way to Arequipa and Cusco.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport is best for the Nazca Lines flight?
Pisco from Lima or Paracas (longest flight, gentlest route), Nazca if you are already in the south (cheapest), Ica if you are visiting Huacachina.
How long is the drive from Lima to Nazca?
About 7 hours by bus along the Panamericana Sur. To Pisco it is about 3 hours, to Ica about 4.
Can I do the Nazca Lines in a day from Lima?
Yes, flying from Pisco with private transport: out at 4:00, back around 20:00.
How much does the airport fee cost?
Airport fees are paid in cash at each airport and are not included in tour prices. We confirm the exact amount for your airport when you book.
