Nazca Overflight From Ica

From Ica or Huacachina: Flight Tour Nazca Lines | Overflight. Rated 4.7 across 4 reviews. Runs 35-minute flight (half-day with transfer). From $249.

Overview

This tour takes travellers from Ica or Huacachina to the Nazca desert for a 35-minute flight over the famous geoglyphs, with hotel pickup included on the Ica side. The half-day outing starts with a road transfer to Nazca, where a representative meets the group at the María Reiche Aerodrome for registration and a briefing. Before boarding, passengers watch a short informative video about the Lines so they can recognise the designs from the air.

The flight itself runs in small planes, and every passenger gets a window seat. The listing says the figures were created between 400 and 650 AD, and that their purpose remains debated, with ritual or religious explanations among the most common.

One reviewer described the pickup as well organised, with a call shortly before the driver arrived, and praised the pilot and co-pilot for giving the group enough time at each figure. The same traveller mentioned being offered visits to two museums while waiting for the flight slot, at no extra cost. The tour works for people continuing south afterwards, since luggage can be stored at the operator's Nazca office while waiting for a night bus.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupPickup from the traveller's hotel in Ica or Huacachina, followed by the road transfer to Nazca.
2. Arrival and registrationA representative meets the group at the María Reiche Aerodrome for registration and a briefing with recommendations for the overflight.
3. Informative videoA short video about the Lines is shown before the flight, introducing the designs passengers will see from the air.
4. Overflight of the LinesThe flight lasts 35 minutes in a small plane with a window seat for each passenger, passing figures such as the hummingbird, condor, monkey, spider and the astronaut.
5. Return transferAfter the overflight the group boards the vehicle for the return journey. Travellers heading south to Arequipa or Cusco can reserve a bus ticket with Cruz, with night departure times, and luggage can be stored at the operator's Nazca office in the meantime.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help travellers prepare for this half-day trip from Ica.

• Window seat. The planes used are small aircraft with a window seat for every passenger, so everyone gets a clear view of the figures. One reviewer said the pilot and co-pilot were clear in their commentary and allowed enough time to see each design.
• Waiting time. The aerodrome approves flight shifts based on weather and air traffic, and the listing gives an average waiting time of about 40 minutes. One traveller was offered visits to two museums during the wait, at no additional cost, though this side option is not guaranteed.
• Extra fees. The TUUA overflight tax and partial tourist ticket are not included, listed at S/ 77.00 soles per person and described as an indicative price subject to variation. Travellers should budget for this separately.
• Weight limit. There is a maximum weight limit of 100kg per passenger. Anyone exceeding this limit must purchase an additional seat.
• Weather dependency. The timing of the flyover depends on weather and air traffic conditions. Flights run in shifts approved by the aerodrome, so the exact departure time on the day cannot be fixed in advance.
• Languages and pickup. The tour runs in English and Spanish, with pickup included from hotels in Ica or Huacachina. One reviewer noted receiving a call shortly before the driver arrived.

Common issues. The main limitations come from the day itself rather than the operator. Flights depend on weather and air traffic, and the aerodrome assigns shifts, so waiting around 40 minutes before boarding is normal. The overflight tax and partial tourist ticket are charged separately from the tour price. Passengers over 100kg must pay for an extra seat.

Before You Book A Tour