Flying Over the Nazca Lines

Ironically, we’ve written perhaps a half-dozen posts which are some variation of “What to do in Nazca besides the Lines”, but we actually haven’t written about the lines themselves. These ancient lines, thought to date back to around 450-600AD, crisscross the Pampa Colorada plain near the dusty desert town of Nazca in geometric lines and shapes as well as animal geoglyphs. The mystery of their purpose has attracted many scientific and amateur theorists over the years since their discovery in 1939, and will likely continue to do so….

Theories as to their purpose seem to tie in with other relics from the Paracas and Nazca civilizations: some think that they must connect somehow to the nearby Cahuachi pyramids, the last standing ruins from an ancient ceremonial pilgrimage site, or that they point to underground water sources like that exploited by the Cantayoc aqueducts. Though even aliens have been touted, the reigning theory guesses that they are actually part of an agricultural calendar meant to remind the gods of the need for rain.

Created by removing darker stones to expose light soil underneath, and preserved by an arid climate, the Nazca Lines can just barely be seen from the ground or from an observation tower 20km north of Nazca, along the Panamericana. (From the tower, one can see a large tree, a lizard, and a pair of hands). The only way to observe the actual shapes and designs, however, is to take to the air. The fact that they can only be properly assessed from high above is part of the enduring mystery surrounding the construction of the lines.

The figures themselves are varied, with animals including a monkey, condor, hummingbird, and spider sprinkled amongst a large range of triangles, rectangles, and what might have been pathways.

There have been accidents in the recent past, so flying over the Nazca Lines is no place to skimp. Resist the touts which overrun the city’s bus terminal offering suspiciously cheap prices. Almost all companies offer 30-60 minute flights over the lines in small Cessna planes, but maintenance and pilot training can vary greatly.

Be prudent regarding any pre-flight nourishment, as the planes bank steeply, twisting and turning notoriously to allow for great views of the landscape and the lines. It’s exciting, but some travelers need to take motion sickness pills prior to flight to ensure that they’ll remain comfortable throughout the flight.

Besides having our own centrally-located hostel in Nazca, Pirwa also boasts its own travel agency, Pirwa Travel Service, which can help arrange your flight over the Nazca Lines or other excursions in and near the city of Nazca. Feel free to contact our experienced travel specialists at pirwatravel@gmail.com- they’d love to hear from you!