If traveling to the Peruvian desert, there is an enigmatic place that you certainly can’t miss and that we are sure you’ve heard about at least once. The Nazca lines are the biggest mystery of Peru since there is not much information about them but only the different theories that came to suffer upon its unveiling to the world.
However, it is presumed that they were built by the ancient Nazca civilization and have an antiquity of over 2,000 years old. This is a riddle yet to be solved, which has been studied for many decades and thanks to that now we know a bit more of what these massive carvings could have meant.
There are hundreds of geoglyphs etched across the entire Pampas of Jumana, comprising geometric shapes, as well as animal, humanoid and plant figures. However, these can be hard to spot from ground level, which is why we have the perfect tour for you!
Our Flight Over the Nazca Lines will take you on a very exciting journey, where you’ll get to see the most well-preserved geoglyphs of the region from high above the clouds. Here we’ll tell you all about it.
About the Nazca Lines
Although these giant figures have been hidden in plain sight for hundreds of years, it wasn’t until the 1920s that they were properly reported by military pilots and then investigated by different archeologists. However, they were previously documented in the XVI century by a Spanish chronicler though it didn’t have much relevance back then.
The Nazca Lines were studied for over 80 year, being one of the most renowned historians, the german-born mathematician Maria Reiche Neumann, a woman who dedicated 50 years of her life to the study and preservation of this historical monument.
It was because of her that the Nazca lines were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. And though her theories may have been discarded as new information has come to the surface now, Maria Reiche’s discoveries gave a turn to archeology itself.
There are over 1,000 figures carved in the Nazca pampas, and thanks to a study carried out by the Yamagata University in Japan, 143 geoglyphs were discovered. This research group analyzed high-resolution 3D data using IBM’s Artificial Intelligence technology and managed to categorize them by size.
But what was the purpose of these geoglyphs?
Even though the site has been explored for many years, we don’t have a concrete definition to the purpose it might have held during the pre-Columbian era. However, there are many theories that originated from the numerous investigations.
The most historically accurate says that the lines were created for ceremonial purposes, maybe intended to implore rain to the gods or any other rituals. It is known that the Nazca people used to smash pottery around the lines and this was carried out by other civilizations as well.
However, we can’t ignore the fact that some theories say that the Nazca lines could have been a landing site for an extraterrestrial spacecraft, and just like that, the list goes on.
How to Get There?
As you may know, the region of Nazca is located 400 km south of Lima, which is why we highly recommend you visit the main attractions on the way to the city before getting there.
Luckily for you, we have structured the perfect travel itinerary across southern Peru so you don’t miss anything in between during your adventure. Likewise, here we’ll tell you all about the two different ways to see these impressive geoglyphs.
To fully appreciate the Nazca Lines, it’s best to take a flight over the region. That way you’ll get to see the 15 most famous and recognizable figures in the area. The flight over the Nazca lines is one of the most sought-after activities in the Peruvian desert, so make sure to book in advance.
You could also get to see 2 or 3 Nazca Lines (depending on the weather conditions) from a viewing tower located 15 minutes away from the Nazca city. Keep in mind that you would have to organize it on your own since there is no touristic transportation to this location unless arranged beforehand.
The Nazca Lines Flight
The 30-minute flight will allow you to see 11 of the most representative figures of the Nazca Lines. The planes are small and can take up to 6 passengers per flight, each seat has a window so everyone can enjoy the fantastic views from above the clouds.
We work with the best operator in Nazca to ensure a fun but also safe experience throughout the flight. It is worth highlighting that all tours depart from the Maria Reiche Neuman Airport and safety measures are constantly regulated by the Peruvian government.
Keep in mind that the flight could get you dizzy since it takes several sharp turns to ensure everyone can see perfectly from each side of the plane.
If weather conditions allow it, here’s what you can expect from the flight: The hummingbird, the monkey, the tree, the lizard, the hands, the condor, the spider, the whale, and many other geometrical figures between them.
Keep in mind that you can combine this activity with a visit to the Cantalloc Aqueducts or even the Cahuachi Archaeological Site.
Important Note: The flights are subject to the weather conditions. Usually they depart every 30-45 minutes if the climate is favorable at the scheduled time.
Here at Viagens Machu Picchu, you’ll find all the information you need for your trip. Our local expert team has prepared the most complete informative guides for you!
Also, if you’re eager to know Peru at its fullest, check our travel packages and live an authentic experience through our country.