Nazca Lines
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Good Views / Viewpoint,
Desert,
Monument - Historical,
Ruin - Ancient
Etched into more than 80km (50 miles) of rocky desert, and only properly appreciated from the air, the Nazca Lines are made up of more than 800 lines, 300 figures and 70 animal and plant outlines.
Creatures drawn here include monkeys measuring 90m (300 feet), lizards, spiders representing fertility, and an astronaut lookalike. Birds like the hummingbird, condor and flamingo represent summer and winter, and point exactly to where the sun rises and sets. The largest drawings measure 200m (660 feet) across.
There are a number of theories behind the lines and their construction - who made them, why and how? - but no one knows for sure, and they were only rediscovered in 1939.
One theory dates them to between 400 and 600 AD, believing that they were mapped as an astronomical calendar by early mathematicians. Fertility cults, marathon races, hallucinogenic dreamscapes and extraterrestrial landing sites are just a few of the other hypotheses behind their creation.
If you can’t jump into a Cessna to view the Nazca Lines from the air, visit the observation tower 20km (12 miles) north of the town of Nazca to get an overview of the lines.
Latest Reviews
Review by JUDITH D, April 2013
Doing what: Nazca Lines Air Tour and Ballestas Islands Full-Day Trip from Lima
It was such a long day but well worth it. A visit to the Ballestas Islands and the flight were well coordinated. Lunch was supplied and the bus trip was excellent, so comfortable with snacks supplied. Maybe take something to settle your stomach before the flight as you are doing alot of turns to enable you to see all the lines. A great experience.
Review by Brenda W, February 2013
Doing what: Nazca Lines Air Tour and Ballestas Islands Full-Day Trip from Lima
So wonderful I may not even need to see Galapagos.
Review by Andrew W, December 2012
Doing what:
EXCELLENT ALL ROUND! Excellent tour guides always helpful and punctual! May return to Easter Island/Galapogos next year if you can tempt me!
