Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa
Location: Wari, Peru
Year of Inscription: 1994
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa are a collection of ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor of southern Peru. These enormous drawings, known as the Nasca Lines, were created by the Nasca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE. The geoglyphs depict various animals, plants, and geometric shapes, and they cover an area of about 450 square kilometers.
Prominent Features:
History: The Nasca Lines were created by the ancient Nasca civilization, who carefully removed the dark-colored pebbles from the desert surface to expose the lighter-colored soil underneath. The purpose and significance of these geoglyphs remain a subject of speculation and research. It is believed that they may have served as ceremonial or astronomical markers, possibly related to rituals or religious beliefs of the Nasca people.
Family-Friendly Activities:
Fun Fact: The Nasca Lines were rediscovered in the 1920s when commercial airlines began flying over the region. From the air, the lines and figures became visible, captivating the world with their mysterious beauty and precision.
Entry Fees: As of the last available information, there is an entrance fee to access the viewing tower and the Nasca Culture Museum.
Flights are $US80-$100
Viewing Tower is 3 PEN, 10PEN for the bus to the site
How to Reach it: The Nasca and Palpa regions are located in southern Peru. The nearest major city with transportation connections is Lima, the capital of Peru. From Lima, visitors can reach Nasca by bus or by domestic flights to the Maria Reiche Neuman Airport in Nasca.
From Lima:
Where to Stay: Nasca and the surrounding area offer a range of accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and resorts. The town of Nasca has several options for lodging, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Next Stop: Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa 572km down the coast
Year of Inscription: 1994
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa are a collection of ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor of southern Peru. These enormous drawings, known as the Nasca Lines, were created by the Nasca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE. The geoglyphs depict various animals, plants, and geometric shapes, and they cover an area of about 450 square kilometers.
Prominent Features:
- Hummingbird: This geoglyph is one of the most famous and recognizable figures, representing a large hummingbird in flight.
- Spider: The spider geoglyph is another iconic image, depicting a spider with long legs and a round body.
- Monkey: The monkey figure showcases a monkey with its tail extended, captured in a dynamic pose.
- Tree: The tree geoglyph depicts a stylized tree with branching patterns.
- Astronaut: This figure, known as the "Astronaut" or "Spaceman," is a human-like figure with arms raised as if in flight.
History: The Nasca Lines were created by the ancient Nasca civilization, who carefully removed the dark-colored pebbles from the desert surface to expose the lighter-colored soil underneath. The purpose and significance of these geoglyphs remain a subject of speculation and research. It is believed that they may have served as ceremonial or astronomical markers, possibly related to rituals or religious beliefs of the Nasca people.
Family-Friendly Activities:
- Overflight Tours: One of the most popular ways to experience the Nasca Lines is through an aerial tour. Families can take a small plane or helicopter ride to get a bird's-eye view of the geoglyphs.
- Nasca Lines Viewing Tower: There is a viewing tower located near the Nasca Lines that allows visitors to see some of the geoglyphs from an elevated platform.
- Nasca Culture Museum: In the town of Nasca, families can visit the Nasca Culture Museum to learn more about the Nasca civilization, their lifestyle, and their artistic creations.
Fun Fact: The Nasca Lines were rediscovered in the 1920s when commercial airlines began flying over the region. From the air, the lines and figures became visible, captivating the world with their mysterious beauty and precision.
Entry Fees: As of the last available information, there is an entrance fee to access the viewing tower and the Nasca Culture Museum.
Flights are $US80-$100
Viewing Tower is 3 PEN, 10PEN for the bus to the site
How to Reach it: The Nasca and Palpa regions are located in southern Peru. The nearest major city with transportation connections is Lima, the capital of Peru. From Lima, visitors can reach Nasca by bus or by domestic flights to the Maria Reiche Neuman Airport in Nasca.
From Lima:
- By Bus: You can take a bus from Lima to Nasca, which is the closest town to the Nasca Lines. The bus journey takes approximately 7-8 hours. Several bus companies operate daily routes between Lima and Nasca.
- By Flight: Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight from Lima to Nasca. The flight duration is about 1 hour, making it a quicker option. There are several airlines that offer flights between Lima and Nasca.
- By Bus: From Arequipa, you can take a bus to Nasca. The bus journey takes approximately 10-12 hours, depending on the specific route and bus company. There are several bus companies that operate between Arequipa and Nasca.
Where to Stay: Nasca and the surrounding area offer a range of accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and resorts. The town of Nasca has several options for lodging, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Next Stop: Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa 572km down the coast