Nazca Lines 25 km from the town of Nazca (15 minutes), at the height of 424 km of the Pan American Highway South. Huge network of lines , abstract designs and drawings of plants and animals attributed to the Nazca culture covering an area of approximately 350 km2. Some of the best figures achieved are the hummingbird, dogs, monkeys, the chaucato, etc. The lines were not 'discovered' until spotted from above by aircraft in 1939. They are thought to have been drawn by the Nasca civilization (which reached its peak about 700 AD).
There have been numerous theories about why the lines were drawn, The German Maria Reiche spent 50 years studying and investigating the site and concluded that it was an astronomical calendar. The more eccentric Eric Von Daniken attributes them to visitors from another planet.
As many of the lines are orientated towards water sources, many people now suggest that they are likely to be processional routes designed to be walked upon as part of the ritual worship of water (a very important commodity in the desert).
The best way to see the lines is to take to the sky. Flights over the lines leave regularly throughout the day on small planes which take between 3 and 5 passengers. The flight should last from 30-40 minutes
The Nazca lines were declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 1994.
