Machu Picchu, Incan marvel nestled in the Peruvian Andes, epitomizes the grandeur of pre-Columbian architecture and culture.

PALPA LINES LAND TOUR

“Step into the heart of Peru’s ancient desert with our Palpa Lines Land Tour, a guided journey to discover human-shaped geoglyphs carved into the hills of Palpa and animal figures visible from the Nazca Lines tower. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore two distinct geoglyph zones by land, where history meets mystery at ground level.”

“A unique land tour connecting Palpa’s anthropomorphic geoglyphs and Nazca’s animal figures, an open-air archive of ancient Andean civilization.”

“Palpa Lines – Human Geoglyphs on Hillsides”

The tour begins in the Palpa Valley, where you’ll encounter large anthropomorphic geoglyphs etched into desert slopes. These figures—such as The Family—are believed to predate the Nazca Lines and may represent deities, ancestors, or mythological beings. Their hillside placement offers a rare glimpse into early geoglyph design and symbolism.

Palpa Lines Land Tour
Close-up of a human geoglyph in the Palpa Valley

“Maria Reiche Museum”

Visit the former home of Maria Reiche, the German archaeologist who dedicated her life to studying and preserving the Nazca and Palpa Lines. The museum showcases her research, instruments, and original field drawings. It provides critical insight into how these desert figures were measured, mapped, and brought to global attention.

Visit to the Maria Reiche Museum in Nazca
Visitors viewing a Paracas mummy inside the Maria Reiche Museum

“Nazca Lines Observation Tower”

From this metal platform beside the Pan-American Highway, you’ll gain a unique vantage point of the Tree, Hands and Lizard geoglyphs. The tower offers a rare opportunity to study the Nazca Lines at eye level, providing context to their scale, orientation, and alignment. We can see their location on the Nazca Lines Map.

Aerial view of the Nazca Lines tower and the Hands and Tree figures
Guide pointing toward a Nazca geoglyph in the desert

“The Cat Geoglyph in the Nazca Pampas”

Recently discovered on a hillside in the Nazca pampas, the Cat geoglyph is among the oldest in the region. Its style differs markedly from later figures, with strong Paracas cultural influence. This stop allows visitors to reflect on the evolution of geoglyph art and the shifting cosmological beliefs across centuries of Andean civilization.

Cat geoglyph carved into a hillside in the Nazca pampas
Exploring a natural Nazca lookout point to see lines on the desert
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SUMMARY

Embark on a private archaeological adventure through the Palpa and Nazca regions. This land-based tour combines visits to ancient human geoglyphs in Palpa, the Maria Reiche Museum, the iconic Nazca Lines observation tower, and the newly discovered Cat geoglyph. Designed for travelers seeking deeper historical context, this journey offers a rare ground-level perspective of two UNESCO-listed wonders.

Starting Point

Your Hotel in Nazca

Tour Duration

4.00 h. Approx.

Departure Time

At Request.

Language

English

“Why Travelers Choose This Destination”

Palpa Lines Land Tour

Full Itinerary

Palpa Lines Land Tour
Full Description

I. Hotel Pickup & Private Journey Begins
Your Palpa Lines Land Tour starts with a private pickup from your hotel in Nazca at the designated time. Enjoy the comfort of personalized service and a guide who will accompany you throughout the journey. As we leave the city behind, you’ll head toward the Palpa Valley—an area known not only for its arid beauty but for the presence of some of the oldest geoglyphs in Peru, believed to predate the Nazca Lines.

II. Discovering the Ancient Palpa Geoglyphs
In the heart of the Palpa Valley, we’ll stop at several key viewpoints to observe the anthropomorphic geoglyphs carved into the hillsides. Among the most striking is The Family, a group of human-like figures etched into the desert slopes. These geoglyphs are thought to belong to the Paracas and Topará cultures, offering a rare look at Pre-Nazca iconography. Your guide will share archaeological insights about their symbolism, age, and cultural significance.

III. Maria Reiche Museum & Nazca Lines Tower
Next, we visit the Maria Reiche Museum, a humble yet historically rich house museum preserving the work of the German researcher who devoted her life to studying the Nazca and Palpa Lines. Here, you’ll see her tools, original maps, and aerial photos. Afterward, we head to the Nazca Lines observation tower, where you can admire two prominent figures—the Tree and the Hands—from an elevated vantage point. This is one of the best land-based ways to see the Nazca geoglyphs up close.

IV. The Cat Geoglyph & Return to Nazca
Our final highlight is a visit to the Cat geoglyph, a massive feline figure drawn on the side of a hill, recently discovered and attributed to the early Paracas period. The figure’s distinct head, eyes, and tail are clearly visible from the path, making it ideal for photography and reflection. After exploring this site, we conclude the Palpa Lines Land Tour with a smooth private transfer back to your hotel in Nazca, leaving you with a deeper understanding of Peru’s ancient desert artistry.

 
Inclusions:
  • Pick up from your hotel in Nazca.
  • Private transport and all entrance fees.
  • English speaking guide.
  • Drop off at your hotel at the end of the tour.

Exclusions:

  • Extras & Gratitudes.

Transport & Guide

Our Services

Customer Reviews

Nazca Lines Tour By Land

“A Fascinating Alternative to the Flight”

As someone who prefers slow travel and loves archaeology, this tour was perfect. We saw incredible human figures in Palpa that I had never heard of before, and later viewed the famous Nazca geoglyphs like the Hands and Tree from the tower. The guide shared so much insight, and seeing everything from the ground gave a whole new perspective. A must for history lovers!

Emily R. / UK
Visiting the Nazca Lines from the Mirador

“Incredible Experience for Ground-Based Exploration”

This tour gave us the best of both worlds—Palpa’s hillside human geoglyphs and Nazca’s classic animal figures, all in one trip. I really appreciated the archaeological focus and how the guide explained the cultural differences between the two sites. You don’t need to fly to enjoy these wonders. Highly recommended for anyone curious about ancient civilizations!

Daniel M. / USA
Trip Essentials
Tour Date Change Policy:
You have the flexibility to change the date of your tour with ease, provided that you make the request at least 5 days in advance.
No charges will be applied for rescheduling within this timeframe.
 
Cancellation Policy:
If there’s no choice but to cancel, please be informed of any related fees.
Please notify us at least 7 days before the scheduled tour date to avoid any significant charges.
In such cases, only an administration fee of 10% will be deducted from the total amount paid.
 
Last-Minute Cancellations:
We regret to inform you that last-minute cancellations are not accepted.
 
No Shows:
In the event of a no-show, where a customer fails to appear for the tour without prior notice, a 100% cancellation fee will be levied, and no refunds will be issued.

Suggestions

Book in Advance: Private tours have limited availability, especially in high season. We recommend booking early to secure your spot.
Dress Comfortably: Wear light clothing and closed shoes (sneakers or sports shoes). The desert gets warm, and you’ll be moving around.
Protect Your Eyes: Sunglasses are essential! They protect you from both the sun and blowing sand during the ride.
Bring Sunscreen: The desert sun can be intense, apply sunscreen before and during the tour.
Carry Water: Stay hydrated! Bring a bottle of water to sip during stops.
Bring a Small Backpack: Handy for keeping personal items like your phone, camera, and water bottle.
Don’t Bring Valuables: Leave unnecessary valuables at your hotel, the buggy ride is fast and bumpy.

Frequently Asked Questions –  Palpa Lines Land Tour

1. What is included in the Palpa Lines Land Tour?
This private tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Nazca, guided transportation to the Palpa geoglyphs, entrance to the Maria Reiche Museum, a stop at the Nazca Lines viewing tower, and a visit to the Cat geoglyph. A professional English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout the journey.

2. How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts between 4 hours, depending on time spent at each archaeological stop and the pace preferred by the group.

3. What type of vehicle is used for this tour?
We use comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicles suitable for desert travel and small groups. All tours are conducted privately, ensuring a personalized experience.

4. What will we see in Palpa?
In Palpa, you’ll observe some of the oldest geoglyphs in the region, many of which are anthropomorphic (human-like) and etched on the slopes of the surrounding hills.

5. Is there any walking involved?
Yes, light walking is required at certain sites, especially in Palpa and at the Cat geoglyph. The terrain is uneven in some areas but accessible to most visitors with average mobility.

6. Can I combine this tour with a Nazca Lines flight?
Absolutely. Many travelers choose to combine the Palpa Lines Land Tour with a Nazca Lines Flight for a complete ground-and-air experience. We’re happy to help you coordinate both activities on the same day.

7. Are meals included?
Meals are not included, but we can recommend excellent local restaurants in Nazca upon request. You may also bring snacks and water for the tour.

8. Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, and children often enjoy the mysterious figures and outdoor exploration. Please inform us in advance if you’re traveling with young children so we can make necessary arrangements.

9. What should I bring?
We recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, and a camera. Comfortable walking shoes are also advised.

From: US $ 50.00