Ica to Nazca: A Full Day Archaeological Tour You Won’t Soon Forget
Thinking of seeing the Nazca Lines? A tour from Ica could be a real blast, that’s a fun idea. We recently spent a full day soaking in the historical wonders that connect Ica and Nazca, and well, I thought I’d share all about it, every bit of it. From the thrill of soaring over those mysterious lines to exploring ancient burial grounds, the whole thing was really something, actually pretty cool.
First Stop: The Ballestas Islands – “The Poor Man’s Galapagos”
Our day kicked off super early, you know, the kind where you’re still half-asleep when you stumble into the van, that’s the one. Our initial adventure involved traveling to Paracas, from where the boat tour gets going to the Ballestas Islands, usually described like this: “the Poor Man’s Galapagos”. Honestly, that description isn’t too far off, I think. The shores were bursting with life, so packed, too; noisy sea lions barking and sunbathing everywhere, tons of different seabirds soaring above. We cruised around these rock formations, just marveling at all the wildlife and snapping pictures like crazy. You may want to bring some binoculars so you can have an even more impressive viewing experience.
Next: The Mystery of the Nazca Lines – Taking to the Skies
The highlight of the tour, clearly, was the flight over the Nazca Lines. After returning to shore, it’s almost a straight drive to Nazca. The anticipation kept building the closer we got. Getting into that little Cessna plane was kind of a thrill, not going to lie. Once we were airborne, it was easy to tell why these lines are just so famous. Giant figures etched into the desert floor spread out below us. It was genuinely something else. Our pilot, very experienced, banked the plane so everyone could see each line, and you just try to imagine the people who created those lines, it’s amazing, very incredible. I highly recommend taking motion sickness medicine before the flight; that little plane can get bumpy and swirly.
Ground Level: The Museo Antonini and the Maria Reiche Museum
After the flight, we grounded ourselves in some serious history at the Museo Antonini. That houses a really fantastic collection of artifacts that give you insights, in a way, into the people that lived in the area way back then. The pottery and textiles are fascinating. Plus, it adds context to everything you’ve seen from above. Similarly, there’s also the Maria Reiche Museum, which pays tribute to the lady who dedicated her whole life studying the Nazca Lines. It is fairly simple. However, that will provide extra detail to what you already witnessed in the Museo Antonini. Taking a little bit of time to look through the artifacts, very cool.
Chauchilla Cemetery – An eerie Look into the Past
Chauchilla Cemetery, our last stop, really stuck with me, pretty sure that you could feel the same if you visit. That is an ancient burial site, where the remains, actually quite old, are displayed right in their original tombs. It’s, obviously, a little eerie seeing actual mummies out in the open like that, but that really gives a sense of how these people honored their dead. It can be a bit of a somber experience, but quite fascinating too, actually.
Things to keep in Mind if you go on the Tour
- Book in Advance: Tours get booked fast, so to speak, mainly during peak seasons. It’s typically wise to plan.
- Bring Sunscreen and a Hat: The desert sun really beats down. Trust me, you’ll want the protection.
- Motion Sickness Pills: You probably remember me bringing that up already, but I will say again; if you’re at all prone to motion sickness, pop one before the flight.
- Stay Hydrated: Take a water bottle with you and keep drinking often to keep you safe.
- Cash for Souvenirs: A few vendors at these places just don’t take cards, basically; carry cash in case there is something to buy, like an memento.