TRAVEL TO NAZCA
The greatest concentration of lines, figures and trapezoids collectively known as the Nazca Lines are located on the plains of San José, 440 kilometers to the south of Lima in the Ingenio valley, although there are many others in the vicinity of Pampa (north of Nazca).
In 1926 the first archaeological research was published regarding these lines, which until then had been known as “Inca highways”. It was not until 1941, however, that the lines became famous, when the American academic Paul Kosok announced his discovery, describing it as “the largest astronomical calendar in the world”.
By carbon dating the organic objects found on the Nazca plains, it has been established that although most of the geoglyphs correspond to the period 800 BC to 300 AD, some of the figures were produced before that period, while others appeared at a later date.
Maria Reiche, the German mathematician and governess, was asked by Kosok to begin a detailed study of the lines. She went on to become the most dedicated student of the plains and their mysterious lines and discovered many new figures and lines which she then worked to conserve.
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HISTORY
The Nazca culture became famous after the discovery of the so-called Nazca Lines, but it also produced some of the most beautiful pottery and textiles of ancient Peru, as well as producing work using exotic feathers, subterranean aqueducts and macabre trophy heads. The Nazca people erected a series of buildings and pyramids (more than 30 in the vicinity of Cahuachi) based on elaborate construction techniques. They employed conical, earthquake resistant mud bricks. Theirs was a theocratic society influenced by neighboring civilizations such as Paracas. They were eventually subjugated by the Wari culture of the southern Andes, and this led to modifications in the aesthetic patterns of their pottery and textiles.
Trophy Heads
The Nazca people adopted the custom of decapitating their enemies and mummifying their heads. They would sew the lips together with thorns and the hang the heads from their waists in order to benefit from the valor and strength of their deceased enemies.
Textiles
Nazca culture textiles are among the finest and most elaborate of ancient Peru and were produced using a number of techniques and an evolution in styles (experts have identified as many as five distinct styles). The Nazca people then developed embroidery, producing “projecting” images. Subsequently, their iconography became more stylized, with the inclusion of mythical beings and geometric designs. This technique is fascinating, for in the same piece the observer can distinguish varying groups of figures depending on the direction from which the textile is looked at. Later designs became increasingly more abstract and geometric until finally the Nasca people were defeated by the Wari culture (700 AD), after which new techniques such as patchwork and batik emerged.
ELEVATION
Nazca sits at an elevation of 520 meters or 1700 feet above sea level. The desert is flat until it connects with the beginning of the Andes Mountains 20 km or 12 miles from Nazca is located Cerro Blanca the world´s tallest sand dune at 2078 meters or 6820 feet.
attractions
Nazca Lines
The best-known lines are found in the desert 20km north of Nazca. By far the best way to appreciate them is to get a bird´s-eye view from a flight. Flights are taken in light aircraft (three to nine seats) in the morning and early afternoon.
Mirador
This metal lookout tower on the Pan-American Hwy, about 20 km north of Nazca. Has an oblique view of three of the figures: the lizard, tree and hands (or frog)? If you decide to walk around the desert here, note the signs warning of landmines. These are a reminder that walking on the lines is strictly forbidden: It irreparably damages them.
Museo Maria Reiche
When Maria Reiche, the German mathematician and long-term research of the Nazca Lines, died in 1998, her house, which stands another 5 km north along the Panamericana Sur, was made into a small museum. Though it provides scant information, you can see where she lived, amid the clutter of her tools and sketches, and pay your respects at her tomb.
Maria Reiche
This small planetarium in the Nazca Lines Hotel offers scripted evening lectures on the Lines with graphical displays on a domed projection screen. Call ahead or check the posted schedule. These lasts about 45 minutes.
Chauchilla Cemetery
The most popular excursion from Nazca, this cemetery, 30km south of the city, will satisfy any urges you have to see mummies. Dating back to the Inca-Chincha culture, around AD 1000, the mummies were, until recently, scattered haphazardly across the desert, left by ransacking tomb-robbers. Now they are seen carefully rearranged inside a dozen or so tombs.
Cahuachi
A dirt road travels 25 km west from Nazca to Cahuachi, the most important known Nazca center, which is still undergoing excavation. It consists of several pyramids. A graveyard and an enigmatic site called Estaquería, which may have been used as a place of mummification.
Cerro Blanco
Cerro Blanco is the highest sand dune in the world. It resides 2078m above sea level and – more importantly – stands 1176m from base to summit, higher than the tallest mountain in England. Trips leave from Nazca at about 4am to avoid the intense heat. The arduous climb to the top of the dune (buggies can´t climb this behemoth) takes approximately three hours. Going down is counted more in minutes.
ACTIVITIES
Fly over the Nazca Lines
The only way to appreciate the full scale of the Nazca Lines is to get an aerial view in a small, low-flying plane. The usual route provides views of approximately 14 figures, including the whale, the monkey, the dog, the hummingbird, the spider and the so-called astronaut. Hiring in advance (and with an additional cost), flight operators can extend the flight time to also soar over the Palpa Lines which include 14 additional figures. Flights depart from airports in Pisco, Ica, and Nazca.
See the Nazca Lines from the ground
If you do not like flying, then there are other options to see the Nazca lines without having to enter a small aircraft. On your visit to Nazca, there is much to see and learn about the ancient Nazca civilization. Just outside of Nazca on the Panamericana highway, there is an observation tower where you can view the spider, the hands and the condor figures.
Sand board Cerro Blanco
Cerro Blanco the world’s tallest sand dune at an elevation of 2078 meters or 6820 feet, will give the action junkies among you the fix that you need. The dune buggies are unable to reach to top so you will have to walk 3 hours to reach to top with sand board in tow, the views are incredible.
WEATHER
The summer months are from November to March and the weather is dry, sunny and hot. Days go from around 15 to 32 C or 58 to 88 F. The winter months are June to August, the coastal fog keep temperatures down in the cooler months with the average day being 8 to 25C or 46 to 77 F.
TRAVEL TIPS
Getting in
Nazca airport is only used for flights over the Nazca lines and not for flights from other Peruvian cities.
If you are short on time, travel from Lima to Pisco and take the flight over the lines from Pisco airport and return to Lima the same day.
Health
- Remember to stay hydrated; Nazca is in the dry hot desert, drinking plenty of fresh bottled water all day will help you with this.
- If you plan to do the flight over the Nazca Lines, you may experience motion sickness. Being in small aircraft with lots of turbulence and sharp turns with will affect the stomach somewhat. Try and not have breakfast before your flight and drink only water. If you have a reaction to motion sickness, you may want to reconsider the Nazca Lines flight and visit the observation tower.
Safety
The Nazca and Ica regions are not dangerous for travelers. However, take the normal safety precautions with your valuables. Take extra care at bus stations and be careful not to be caught paying high prices locally for tours or with people that approach you in the bus station.
Best time to visit Nazca
There really is not a best time to visit Nazca, as the city is known as the city of eternal summer. The reason for this is the great climate all year round. High tourist season is December to March when flights operate from 7am to 4pm daily. One tip for your flight is that the turbulence is lower in the morning.
