🧭 UNESCO Presentation
Listed since 1994, the Nazca Lines and Geoglyphs of Pampas de Jumana cover 75,358 hectares (753 km²) of desert plateau. According to UNESCO, they represent "a unique testimony of pre-Inca cultures".
📐 Dimensions and Exact Location
- Protected area: 75,358 ha (Peruvian decree No. 059-2001-AG)
- Archaeological core: ~450 km² of visible geoglyphs
- Coordinates: 14°43' South - 75°08' West (arid plateau at 600m altitude)
🧩 Creation Techniques
Created between 400 BC and 600 AD by the Nazca culture, these designs result from:
- Removal of oxidized stones (dark surface) revealing light gypsum soil
- Precise alignments with solstices and underground water sources
- Over 800 figures recorded (including 70 animals)
🗿 History and Discovery
Rediscovered in 1927 by Peruvian archaeologist Toribio Mejía Xesspe, these lines were popularized by German mathematician Maria Reiche who devoted 50 years of research to them. Theories about their purpose include:
- Astronomical calendar (alignments with solstices)
- Religious rituals related to water
- Pilgrimage paths for the Nazca people
✈️ Aerial Observations
Among the 800+ recorded geoglyphs, 13 major figures are clearly identifiable from the air:
🦅 The Hummingbird
- 96m long
- Aligned with the summer solstice sun
- Fertility symbol
🐵 The Monkey
- 135m long
- Spiral tail (linked to underground water channels)
- 9 fingers depicted
👽 The Astronaut
- 32m tall
- Likely a shaman in trance
- Only figure on a hill (natural viewpoint)
🕷️ The Spider
- 46m long
- Associated with rain in Andean cosmology
- Endemic species (Ricinus communis)
🌵 The Trapezoids
- Up to 800m long
- Likely ceremonial function
- Aligned with water sources
💡 Other notable figures include: The Pelican (285m), The Dog, The Lizard, The Flamingo, The Tree, The Hands, and the famous Condor with 136m wingspan. In Palpa (50km north), discover earlier geoglyphs (Paracas culture) like The Royal Family or The Stranger.
✈️ Viewing Options
- Scenic flights (best visibility):
- Departures from:
- María Reiche Aerodrome (Nazca) - Main hub
- Pisco Aerodrome - For tours from Lima/South
- Ica Aerodrome - Central alternative
- Aircraft type: Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (12 seats max)
- Duration: 35-45 min (depending on route)
- Price: 90-130 USD (includes taxes)
- Observation tower (ground option):
- Access: Panamericana Sur Highway (Km 420)
- Fees:
- Adults: 15 soles
- Students: 8 soles (ID required)
- Children: 5 soles (6-12 years)
- See: 3 figures (Hands, Tree, Lizard)
🎟️ Flight Tips
- Book 48h in advance (especially high season: June-August)
- Best times: 9am-11am (optimal light conditions)
- Eat a light breakfast or after flight (possible turbulence)
- Recommended seats: Right side on departure, left on return
- Documents: Passport + copy (mandatory)
📍 Must-See Nearby Sites
- Palpa (El Reloj Solar viewpoint):
- Fees:
- Adults: 3 soles
- Students/Seniors: 2 soles
- Children: 1 sol
- See:
- Paracas culture geoglyphs (Royal Family, The Stranger)
- Pre-Columbian sundial
- Access: Panamericana Highway (Km 395), 1h from Nazca
- Other sites:
- María Reiche Museum (10 soles)
- Cantalloc Aqueducts (5 soles)
- Cahuachi (ceremonial center, 15 soles)
🏨 Where to Stay?
Nazca town offers various options:
- Hotels with pools (to cool off)
- Hostels near Plaza de Armas
- Eco-lodges on the outskirts
⚠️ Best Practices
- Prohibitions:
- Walking on geoglyphs (fines up to 5,000 soles)
- Unauthorized private flights (Palpa strictly protected)
- Equipment:
- Closed-toe shoes (rocky terrain)
- Water spray + SPF 50+ sunscreen
💡 Local Tips
- Visit Palpa early morning (avoid 12pm-3pm, intense heat)
- Negotiate collectivo transfers from Nazca (50% cheaper than taxis)
- Combine with Antonini Museum in Nazca for archaeological context
- Choose certified airlines
- Variable prices: Rates may change by season and operator. We recommend checking updates with local tourism offices before visiting.
The Nazca Lines remain one of South America's greatest archaeological mysteries. Their geometric perfection and monumental scale continue to fuel research and theories. A unique experience that leaves a lasting impression on visitors, between spectacular aerial views and immersion in pre-Columbian culture.
