The Nazca Lines
Ancient art from an airplane
The Nazca Lines
Who built these? Why the hell would they build them? How in the world are they still here?
The Nazca Lines are a true enigma of Peru. These ancient geoglyphs etched into the Peruvian desert are among the world’s greatest mysteries. Some of them are so massive that they can only be seen from the sky. Ever since we first heard of the Nazca Lines, we knew we had to experience them firsthand.
Taking a flight over the Nazca Lines was a bucket list experience. To be honest, I think we left with more questions and no answers, which made this whole experience even better.
Located just a few miles outside the city of Ica, Huacachina is a small oasis nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Atacama desert. Surrounded by towering sand dunes that seem to go on forever, it’s a place that feels almost magical – like something out of a fairytale.
‘You have to fly over – the [Nazca] signs are made for somebody who flies.’
– Erich von Däniken
The Nazca culture was a pre-Columbian civilization that existed in the southern region of what is now Peru, from around 100 BCE to 800 CE. The Nazca people are perhaps best known for the Nazca Lines, a series of geoglyphs that were created on the desert plains of the Nazca region.
The Nazca Lines are a collection of large designs etched into the ground, often in the shape of animals, plants, and geometric patterns. The designs were made by removing the reddish-brown iron oxide-coated pebbles that cover the surface of the Nazca desert and revealing the light-colored earth underneath. Some of the designs are as large as 1,200 feet across.
The Nazca Lines were created by removing the topsoil and revealing the lighter-colored earth underneath. The lines themselves were made by removing the reddish-brown iron oxide-coated pebbles that cover the surface of the Nazca desert.
About the Nazca civilization
There are a variety of theories about why the Nazca people created these designs. Some researchers believe that the lines were used in astronomical and religious ceremonies, while others believe that they were part of an irrigation system or served some other practical purpose. There are even some who speculate that the lines were created by extraterrestrial beings!
Despite the many mysteries surrounding the Nazca Lines, they remain a fascinating and enigmatic part of ancient Peruvian culture.
In addition to the geoglyphs, the Nazca people are known for their impressive ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and their mumification expertise (as seen in the image here). They were also skilled farmers and developed sophisticated irrigation systems to cultivate crops in the arid desert environment.
The Nazca culture was likely influenced by the earlier Paracas culture, which also created intricate textiles and ceramics. The Nazca people, however, developed their own unique style, characterized by bold, colorful designs and intricate patterns.
One of the most striking features of Nazca textiles is the use of the “resist” technique, in which certain areas of the fabric are treated with a substance that repels dye. This allows the weaver to create intricate patterns and designs, often featuring animals and birds.
The Nazca culture declined and eventually disappeared around 800 CE, likely due to a combination of factors such as environmental changes, internal conflict, and outside invasions. Despite their relatively short-lived civilization, the Nazca people left an indelible mark on the history and culture of Peru.
Today, the Nazca Lines remain a popular destination for tourists and archaeologists alike, and ongoing research continues to shed light on the fascinating history and culture of the Nazca people.
Did aliens build the Nazca Lines?
We LOVE a good alternative theory. Did aliens have anything to do with the construction of the Nazca Lines? Who knows, but it’s a super fascinating idea to ponder.
There are a number of alternative theories that have been proposed about the Nazca Lines, including the idea that they were created by ancient aliens.
One of the most well-known proponents of the ancient alien theory is Swiss author Erich von Däniken. In his book “Chariots of the Gods?” (1968), von Däniken suggests that the Nazca Lines, as well as other ancient structures around the world, were created with the help of extraterrestrial beings. According to von Däniken, the complex designs of the Nazca Lines would have been too difficult for ancient humans to create without some sort of advanced technology.
However, the ancient alien theory has been widely criticized by archaeologists and historians, who argue that there is no evidence to support the idea that extraterrestrial beings had any influence on ancient civilizations.
Other alternative theories about the Nazca Lines include the idea that they were created as a giant astronomical calendar, or as a way of communicating with the gods. Some researchers have also suggested that the lines were used in rituals and ceremonies, and that they may have been a way for the Nazca people to connect with the spiritual world.
There have been claims of elongated skulls being found near Nazca, which have sparked interest and speculation in recent years. In fact, the images here were taken at the Mueseo Arqueologico Antonini where these skulls are on display. We saw them for ourselves.
Some proponents of alternative theories have suggested that the elongated skulls are evidence of an ancient extraterrestrial civilization, or that they were artificially elongated through some sort of ancient practice. However, most mainstream archaeologists and historians argue that the skulls are the result of a cultural practice known as cranial deformation, which was common in many ancient civilizations.
Cranial deformation involves binding the skull of an infant with cloth or other materials in order to reshape it as the child grows. This practice was used for a variety of reasons, including to signify social status or to honor the gods. In some cultures, elongated skulls were seen as a sign of beauty or intelligence.
While the practice of cranial deformation is not well understood, it is believed to have been widespread throughout the ancient world, from South America to Africa to Europe and Asia. The Nazca culture is known to have practiced cranial deformation, and there is evidence of artificially elongated skulls being found in other parts of Peru and South America as well.
Our experience flying over the Nazca lines
One of the very first tours we booked after securing our PeruHop tickets was the Nazca Lines flight. We were beyond excited to see these infamous geoglyphs in person. The excitement and anticipation were palpable as we drove to the small airport in the middle of the desert. My heart was pounding with adrenaline, as I knew this was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The airport is very small and an interesting experience for sure. You’ll show your passport, go thru light security, and then be weighed to ensure that the (very) small plane can handle the total weight of all of the passengers. We then boarded the plane, secured our seatbelts and headsets before a quick safety briefing. After that, we were off!
As we soared over the desert landscape, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the Nazca Lines. Our pilot expertly pointed out the various shapes and animals depicted in the lines below us – telling us over the radio headset “thunderbird under the left wing tip….now.” These are amazing pilots, they literally put the geoglyphs under an orange spot on the end of the wing to make it super easy for passengers to spot before circling around to ensure both sides get the stellar view.
It was a truly surreal experience to see these ancient drawings that have been the subject of so much speculation and intrigue.
But it wasn’t until we made a sudden, sharp turn that I fully grasped the majesty of the Nazca Lines. Our plane banked at an angle that made my heart skip a beat, and we flew over one of the larger geoglyphs – a massive hummingbird that stretched nearly 300 feet across. It was a moment of sheer awe and wonder that’s hard to put into words. They are so much bigger in person than you expect.
The precision and detail of the Nazca Lines are truly astounding. How did the ancient Nazca people create such intricate designs with such accuracy? Theories abound, but the truth is that we may never fully understand the origins of these enigmatic geoglyphs and we kind of hope it stays that way.
As we made our way back to the airport, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of deep appreciation for the experience I had just had. Flying over the Nazca Lines was a true adventure, one that I will always cherish. It was an experience that brought me closer to the mysteries of the ancient world, and reminded me of the beauty and majesty that still exist in our world today.
Looking back on my flight over the Nazca Lines, I realize how privileged I was to have had this experience. Seeing these ancient wonders from above was a truly humbling experience, one that filled me with a sense of wonder and awe that I will never forget. If you’re ever in Peru, I highly recommend taking a flight over the Nazca Lines – it’s an adventure that will leave you feeling transformed.
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