It's a reasonable thing to check, because Nazca had serious accidents in 2008 and 2010 and those results still come up first. Peruvian aviation authority DGAC tightened the rules substantially afterwards: two pilots in the cockpit on commercial overflights, stricter maintenance schedules and mandatory passenger weigh-in for load distribution. The operators flying today work under that regime. Before you book anywhere, ask which airline operates the flight and check it's DGAC-certified — with us or with anyone else.

US$ 100 per person (about S/ 360) for the 30-minute flight, including transfer from central Nazca to the aerodrome and ground assistance. The airport tax isn't included: roughly US$ 20 or S/ 77, paid at María Reiche aerodrome. Bring cash in soles — card isn't always accepted there.

A small aircraft flies low over the Nazca desert so you can see the geoglyphs from above, which is the only way to make out their shape. The pilot banks the plane toward each figure and announces it, so both sides of the cabin get the same view.

The main ones: the condor, hummingbird, pelican, parrot, monkey, spider, lizard and astronaut, plus a lot of lines and geometric figures. Before boarding you watch a briefing video explaining what you're about to see and roughly where each figure sits.

We collect you from your hotel in Nazca at 9:00 a.m. and take you to María Reiche aerodrome. There you watch the briefing video, get weighed in, and board for the 30-minute flight. After landing we drive you back to your hotel.

A lot of people do, because the plane banks over each figure. Eat something light but don't fly on an empty stomach, take motion sickness tablets 30 minutes beforehand, fix your eyes on the horizon between figures, and ask for a front seat if you're prone to it.

Modern aircraft with individual seats and panoramic windows, flown for small groups. Every seat has a view — the pilot banks to both sides at each figure so nobody misses anything.

Yes. Every passenger is weighed before boarding — it's a safety requirement for load distribution. Over 100 kg there may be a surcharge. Ask us before booking and we'll confirm with the air operator.

Flights depend on visibility and wind. If the aerodrome suspends operations we reschedule for later the same day or the next day, and refund in full if you can't wait. Always leave a buffer — never book the flight for the same day you're travelling onward.

Light clothing, because Nazca is hot almost year-round; sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, and cash in soles for the airport tax.