The world famous Nazca Lines are said to have been created by the Nazca and maybe by the earlier Paracas people between 200 BC and 700 AD.  No one knows exactly why they were drawn, but there are many theories.  Maria Reiche, the German mathematician, and others proposed that they were an astronomical calendar.  Others have said they may map out ancient water sources, act as landing strips or signs for extraterrestrial visitors!, or simply are a way ancient cultures had for telling their history or revering the gods and natural forces.

There are geometrical shapes, spirals, lines, and animal and bird figures including a monkey, dog, whales, spider, hummingbird, condor and even one human-like known as the astronaut (others think this one is a priest with an owl headpiece).  The lines cover at least 50 miles from Nazca to Palpa.  The largest figure is over 200 meters across!  The lines were made by removing the darker, rocky level of earth on top, revealing a lighter layer underneath.  The rocks were left along the edges, creating a kind of border and protecting the lines as well.  Some deterioration has taken place, due to weather, time, people driving over the site in later years, and the construction of the Pan American Highway which runs right through.

We were lucky enough to do a 30 minute overflight (Thanks for the Bday present, Dad!).  It was bumpy, and we held on while trying to snap photos right and left while the pilot sharply banked the tiny 3 passenger Cessna around the figures.  My favorite was the spider, while Donny was fascinated by the intricate condor.

There are some important archaelogical sites nearby, and an amazing system of aquaducts, some of which you can visit.  Many of these are still used for irrigation today!!

More Nazca photos here