Mirador and Cerro - Ruin The Nasca Lines - Peru

The Nasca Lines can be viewed from a plane weaving the sky above them, or from other, more down-to-earth vantage points. The cerro is a solitary hill in the midst of this vast desert. Climbing to the top, you can see lines criss-crossing the desert. One series of lines to the northeast join to form a giant triangle pointing to a source of water in the mountains. Another line further west is over seven kilometers (4.2 mi) long and perfectly designates the winter solstice day.

A kilometer up the highway is the mirador, a 12-meter (39-ft) high metal lookout tower. From the top you can view the Tree and the Hands. As well, the remnants of the Lizard, which construction of the Pan-American Highway cut in two. (Look for the tail on the west side of the road, and a paw on the east side.)

Location:

Approximately 25 kilometers (15 mi) north of Nasca

Ruin Types:
Nasca lines

Getting There

A group tour to the Mirador, Cerro and Casa-Museo Maria Reiche costs $18-20 per person and includes transport and bilingual guide, but not entry fees. To get there on your own, see Getting to and away from the Nasca Lines.

Travel Tips:

It is best to do this outing in the early morning or late afternoon, to avoid he mid-day heat and strong sun. This outing can be combined with a trip to Casa-Museo Maria Reiche, three kilometers (1.8mi) north. However, the highway is quite dangerous as it goes through a narrow cut. It’s best to await another bus to go up there ($1).

Price Description:

$0.80 (mirador)

Relative price: Budget

Open Hours from:Dawn

Open Hours to:Dusk

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring:

Bring along water, snacks and protection against the sun (hat, sun screen).

Flights over the Lines; Casa-Museo Maria Reiche, Planetario Maria Reiche, the Museo Antonini, various archaeological sites in the region.

Currencies accepted
Peruvian nuevo sol

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By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began...

Updated: 20 Jun 2012