The flight over the Nazca Lines is one of the most remarkable aerial experiences in the world, but it is also famous for inducing motion sickness. Understanding why small-aircraft nausea occurs and how professional pilots navigate the desert allows you to prepare your body and enjoy every moment without discomfort.
Why Do Passengers Experience Nausea?
To ensure that every passenger aboard the 6-to-12-passenger aircraft enjoys a clear, unobstructed photograph of each geoglyph, the pilot must make two tight banking turns over every single figure:
The Left Bank: The aircraft banks at a 45-to-60 degree angle so travelers seated on the left side look straight down at the figure.
The Right Bank: The pilot levels off and immediately banks hard to the right for the passengers on the right side.
The Inner Ear Conflict: Repeating this alternating banking maneuver 24 times within 30 minutes creates a sensory disconnect between your inner ear’s vestibular fluid and your eyes, especially if you are staring intently through a narrow camera viewfinder.
Proven Rules to Prevent Motion Sickness
Protocol
Correct Action
Common Mistake to Avoid
Medication Timing
Take Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) 45 minutes before boarding
Taking pills at the runway (too late for absorption)
Pre-Flight Meal
Light dry toast, crackers, black tea or water
Heavy hotel breakfast buffet with dairy, eggs, or coffee
Visual Focus
Look out at the natural horizon between banking turns
Staring constantly at camera screens or smartphone video
Cabin Airflow
Open the overhead air vent and direct cool air to your face
Closing the vent while wearing heavy layers in the cabin
Aviation Safety Note: Commercial airlines operating over Nazca adhere to stringent safety standards enforced by the Peruvian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC). All flights operate with two licensed pilots (captain and first officer) and undergo mandatory technical inspections before each takeoff.
Fly over the enigmatic Nazca geoglyphs, cruise the Ballestas Islands, descend into the world’s deepest canyon, and explore the ancient Inca citadel on our 12-day Southern Route.
