Updated Date:
Author: Nazca Lines Tour Editorial Team
Quick Summary: Packing for Nazca comes down to three realities: brutal desert sun, early starts with cool mornings, and a small plane that banks steeply. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, light layers, water, motion-sickness tablets, and — crucially — enough Peruvian soles in cash for the airport tax and tourist ticket. Pack light, since flights have weight limits. Below is a simple, tested checklist.
A Nazca Lines tour isn’t a gear-heavy trip, but a few small things make a big difference — and forgetting them (sunscreen, cash, motion-sickness tablets) can genuinely dent the experience. This is a practical 2026 packing guide built around what Nazca actually throws at you: fierce sun, chilly early mornings, and a small plane that turns a lot.
For the trip logistics around the packing, see our Lima to Nazca guide.
Sun and heat:
For the flight:
Money and documents:
Nice to have:
| Category | Must-bring | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sun | SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses | Intense, near-constant desert sun |
| Clothing | Light layers, neutral colours | Cool mornings, hot midday |
| Flight comfort | Motion-sickness tablets/ginger | Small plane banks steeply |
| Money | Soles in cash | Airport tax + tourist ticket paid on arrival |
| Hydration | Refillable water bottle | Dry desert, little shade |
| Docs | Passport/ID | Flight manifest |
The Nazca Lines flight is a 30–35 minute experience in a small aircraft, and a few habits make it far more pleasant:
If flying really isn’t for you, the ground-level alternative is the roadside tower — our honest take on the Nazca viewing tower explains what you’ll see without a plane.
If there’s one thing travelers regret forgetting, it’s cash in soles. The mandatory airport tax and Nazca Lines tourist ticket are paid on the spot, in cash, and ATMs at or near the small airport can be unreliable. Withdraw enough soles in Nazca town (or before you arrive) to cover both fees per person, plus a little extra for taxis and site entries like Chauchilla (~S/8) and Cantalloc (~S/10 combined). Booking your flight and day through a specialist such as Nazca Lines Tour can bundle transfers, but the on-arrival fees are still typically cash.
Reviews echo this packing list almost point for point.
On Nazca flight listings such as the Flight over the Nazca Lines from Nazca (35 min) and Nazca Lines + Cantalloc Aqueducts, reviewers repeatedly warn that the plane makes many turns and can leave sensitive travelers feeling nauseous — the single most common practical tip is to prepare for motion. Visitors to the Chauchilla Cemetery similarly stress the brutal, shadeless desert sun and the need for heavy sunscreen, a hat and water. And travelers reaching Nazca via Peru Hop note how useful it is to keep a small daypack handy for long transfers. Taken together, the reviews validate the same short list: sun protection, motion-sickness prep, cash and a light bag.
What should I wear for the Nazca Lines flight?
Light, breathable clothing in neutral colours works best, with a thin layer for the cool early morning before the desert heats up. Add a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen for time on the ground. You don’t need anything special for the plane itself, but avoid a heavy meal beforehand and take any motion-sickness medication in advance, since the aircraft banks steeply to give both sides a view.
Do I need cash for the Nazca Lines flight?
Yes — this trips up a lot of travelers. Even if you pre-pay the flight by card, you’ll usually pay the airport tax (commonly around S/30, sometimes higher) and the Nazca Lines tourist ticket (about S/47) in cash on arrival, and you won’t be allowed to fly without settling them. ATMs at the small airport are unreliable, so withdraw enough soles in advance, plus extra for taxis and nearby site entries.
How do I avoid motion sickness on the Nazca Lines flight?
Fly early when the air is calmest, eat only a light breakfast, and take motion-sickness tablets (or chew ginger candies) before you board rather than after you feel unwell. The small plane banks left and right repeatedly so every passenger can see the figures, which is the main trigger. Keeping your eyes on the horizon between figures and staying hydrated also helps.
Is there a weight limit for Nazca Lines flights?
Yes. These are small aircraft, so operators manage weight carefully and some weigh passengers before boarding. Travelers over roughly 95 kg may be asked to purchase an additional seat, and there are limits on what you can bring — so pack light on the day, leave large bags at your hotel, and carry only a small daypack with essentials.
Airport taxes, the Nazca Lines tourist ticket and site entry fees change and are paid in cash locally, so confirm current amounts and carry enough soles. Weight policies and baggage limits vary by operator and aircraft. Weather can delay flights regardless of packing, and desert conditions (heat, wind, dust) shift through the day. Treat this checklist as a practical starting point and verify operator-specific requirements when you book.