Impressed on the Pampas de Jumana, between the towns of Nazca and Palpa, are the remarkable and mystifying Nazca Lines. Some 300 ancient geoglyphs, which date between 400 and 650 AD, depict various figures, with five being the most prominent; the hummingbird, the monkey, the spider, the hands and the astronaut. Created by the Nazca people, no one truly knows why the geoglyphs were made. While some believe they are related to astronomy, others say they were created as a way for the tribe to connect with their gods in the sky. Needless to say, the Nazca Lines have kept archaeologists guessing for decades and along with the region’s immense culture and history, there is so much left to learn.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, described as ‘the most outstanding group of geoglyphs anywhere in the world’, the Nazca Lines cover a staggering 1 000 square kilometres (386 square miles). More than 800 straight lines, 300 geometric shapes and 70 animal, plant and human designs were drawn into Nazca’s chalk over a 1 000-year period. Impressively, many of the figured drawings stretch up to 365 m (1 200 ft) in length with the best way to view and appreciate the sheer scale of the Nazca Lines is from above on a scenic flight.
Peru’s Nazca Lines were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. To be classified as a World Heritage Site, the site must have cultural, historical or scientific significance. UNESCO notes the Nazca Lines as having outstanding universal value. As geoglyphs, they are ‘unmatched in its extent, magnitude, quantity, size, diversity and ancient tradition to any similar work in the world’.
While their origin continues to be disputed, but the Nazca Lines are thought to have been made by three different waves of pre-Inca cultures: the Paracas people (900 – 200 B.C.), the Nazca civilisation (200 B.C. to A.D. 600) and the Huari (A.D. 630). As the name indicates, the majority of the lines are credited to the Nazca people. Some theorists even believe the lines were created by extraterrestrials.
The most popular way to view these mysterious landmarks is from the air. A popular theory is that the Nazca people who created these geoglyphs did so in order that their Gods could see them from the sky. Should this theory hold true, viewing these incredible lines from above allows you to see the geoglyphs as the creators wished their Gods to. A beautiful homage to the formidable artworks.
In addition to the Nazca Lines there is so much else to explore. Visit the home of Maria Reiche, a long-term researcher of the Nazca Lines. Upon her death, her house was turned into a small museum. Discover the nearby geoglyphs of the Palpa Lines. Or explore the ruins of Cahuachi, regarded as ‘one of the most important known Nazca centres’. The site features ancient pyramids and a graveyard.
Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake your stay to any of our destinations
Explore the region’s immense history and culture on this immersive experience from above.
You’re just 5 easy (and fun) steps away from creating your ideal Travel Dream Board.
Step 1: Start with where
Step 2: Clarify what kind of traveller you are
Step 3: Tick off those grand bucket list experiences that will fire your imagination
Step 4: Log in to create and add to your Dream Board
Step 5: Share & start dreaming