Nazca Lines
Giant geoglyphs traced into the desert over 1,500 years ago, clearly visible only from the air — one of the great mysteries of the ancient world.
About the Nazca Lines
Between 500 BC and 500 AD, the Nazca culture traced hundreds of straight lines, geometric shapes and at least 70 figures of animals and plants across the desert, removing the dark stones on the surface to expose the pale sand below. Because of their size — some figures span over 100 meters — they can only be fully appreciated from the air.
They were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. German researcher Maria Reiche devoted much of her life to studying and protecting them, and today she is a central figure in the history of this site.
The best-known figures
- The hummingbird: perhaps the most photographed figure, with its outstretched wings and long beak.
- The monkey: with its distinctive spiral tail.
- The spider, the condor and the tree: part of the standard flight route.
How to see them
The most complete way to appreciate them is on a scenic flight in a small plane from the Nazca airfield (or from Ica, depending on availability), a tour of about 30 to 40 minutes over the main figures. There is also a viewing tower on the Pan-American Highway South where 2–3 figures can be seen from ground level, for those who prefer not to fly. We coordinate both options based on your budget and time.
Photos of the Nazca Lines
Ready to fly over the Nazca Lines?
We coordinate the transfer from Ica and the flight with certified operators.