NAZCA: UNRAVELING THE MYSTERY OF DESERT LINES

An overnight bus journey with Cruz del Sol ($10) transported us from Arequipa to Nazca – a town surrounded by one of archaeology’s greatest enigmas. At dawn, for just $38, we began our journey into the secrets of the ancient Nazca civilization.

Chauchilla Cemetery: Face to Face with the Ancestors

Our adventure started at the Chauchilla necropolis, where the Nazca people buried their dead for over 1,000 years (from 200 AD). This unique site preserves mummies in remarkable condition thanks to the arid desert climate. The bodies, wrapped in intricately decorated textiles, rest in fetal positions – reflecting Nazca beliefs about rebirth after death.

Mummies at Chauchilla Cemetery
Eerily preserved mummies at Chauchilla

Nazca Lines: Earth’s Greatest Archaeological Puzzle

The true highlight awaited us – the legendary Nazca Lines, giant geoglyphs created between 200 BC and 600 AD. These monumental drawings, fully visible only from the air, span over 170 square miles of Nazca Desert. The most famous figures include:

  • Hummingbird (315 ft long)
  • Monkey (443 ft)
  • Spider (151 ft)
  • Astronaut (98 ft)
  • Condor (440 ft)
  • Tree of Life

The lines were created by removing the top layer of reddish stones to reveal lighter-colored soil beneath. The Nazca people likely used simple tools and mathematical calculations, though their exact methods continue to puzzle researchers.

Aerial view of Nazca Lines
The mysterious hummingbird geoglyph

Why Were They Made? Competing Theories

The purpose of the Nazca Lines has fascinated researchers for decades. The leading theories include:

  • Religious significance – Processional paths or offerings to gods
  • Astronomical calendar – Some lines align with solstice points
  • Water mapping system – Markers for underground water sources
  • Celestial communication – Messages meant to be seen from above

Erich von Däniken’s controversial alien theory has been firmly rejected by the scientific community.

Nazca Lines from ground level
The mysterious lines stretch to the horizon

Flight Over the Lines: An Unforgettable Experience

Viewing the geoglyphs from a Cessna is a breathtaking experience. The 30-minute flight reveals about 12 major figures, with pilots banking the plane for better views. Those prone to motion sickness should prepare accordingly – the flight can be quite turbulent.

Small plane flying over Nazca Lines
The best way to see the full-scale designs

After our flight, we visited a local pottery workshop showcasing replicas of famous Nazca ceramics, known for their vibrant colors and depictions of animals and mythological creatures.

The Nazca Lines remain one of pre-Columbian South America’s most mysterious achievements. Their precision, scale, and endurance (surviving over 1,500 years!) testify to the Nazca people’s extraordinary skills and astronomical knowledge.