subject: Peru Vacations - Is it worth visiting the Nazca Lines & South Coast? [print this page] Peru Vacations - Is it worth visiting the Nazca Lines & South Coast?
What are the Nazca Lines?
Between the towns of Nazca and Palpa on the high and arid plateau of Pampas de Jumana, the site of the Nazca Lines stretches for more than 80 kilometres.
The Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs that cover the surface of the desert; forms ranging from simple lines to complex geometric shapes like a spider, fish, a hummingbird and a monkey. The largest of the figures are over 200 meters across. The shallow lines were made by removing the iron-rich red topsoil to uncover the whiter subsoil beneath.
Despite extensive scientific and archaeological research, no one can explain the precise reason for the existence of the Nazca Lines; their purpose remains shrouded in mystery, although a type of astronomical calendar is among the forerunning theories.
Who visits the Nazca Lines?
As the Lines were designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1994, the only option available to visitors is to look, but not touch. The Nazca Lines are a great destination for culture and archeology enthusiasts. Archaeologists put the age of the Lines at around 400 to 650 AD, which makes them a great example of a pre-Inca culture. Those wishing to find out more about the diverse range of cultures and civilizations that existed before the Incas dominated Peru and much of neighboring countries with their empire, should visit the Nazca Lines.
How much time do I need to visit the Nazca Lines?
It is possible to see the lines by light aircraft over-flights which take between 30 minutes and one hour depending on where you fly from. Flights can be taken from the towns of Nazca, Ica and more recently Pisco. Many visitors combine a trip to the Lines with a general itinerary around the popular sites along the south coast of Peru. Nazca itself has some archeological sites and interesting ceramic and gold processing workshops to visit.
What else can you combine with the Nazca Lines on a Peru vacation?
Nearby on the dry desert coastal region are the towns of Ica and Paracas. Paracas is famous as the jumping off point to the Islas Ballestas, otherwise known as the poor man's Galapagos. The small offshore islands are packed full of bird and marine species, a great option for nature lovers. There is also a land reserve. Ica is a well known wine growing region where you can visit bodegas to see how wine and Pisco are made as well as taking the opportunity to sample and buy. It is also a popular spot for taking rides by sand buggy around the giant dunes near the picturesque Huacachina oasis.
