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First Day of Fall, No Spring, in Nazca

It is hard to believe it is the first day of Spring in Peru.  I can't seem to get used to the reversed seasons! 

I spent this day in Nazca, flying over the Nazca Lines.  The Nazca Lines are ancient engravings of different figures in the barren ground around Nazca.  The figures include such things as a monkey, whale, triangles, astronaut, parrot, spider, humming bird, condor, tree, dog, hands etc.  These figures can only be seen from the air because of their size. 

They do not really know who, when or why these figures were etched into the earth.  There are many theories including aliens.  They were discovered in 1929 by Paul Kosok.  Scientists say the lines were made by the Nazca Pre-Inca culture between 300 BC and 700 AD.  Some think there is a direct relation between the constellations and the drawings.  Others think the lines are maps of space and run ways.  It is quite a mystery - just like Stone Henge!

Unfortunately, as with many of the historical things in Peru, the lines have suffered damage from vandals and uninterested citizens.  Some of the lines even have the major road into Nazca running right through them.

In order to see the lines, you have to take a small 5 passenger plane.  I was warned that the plane ride is not easy on the stomach since the pilot banks the plane right then left and back around so all the passengers can see the figures.   I am glad I was pre-warned so I could take some very necessary precautions.  It was difficult to make out the figures at first since you don't know exactly what to look for even though they gave you a map of the route.  It took me until the third figure before I knew I was really seeing them.  I expected the lines to be very wide, but in reality, they were very fine like a pen etching.  Once I knew what to look for, the figures jumped right out at you.  It is quite a trip, especially from the front seat!

There are some other ancient ruins to see around Nazca.  However, I was scheduled to go back to Lima on the afternoon bus, so the Nazca Lines and the town of Nazca are all I saw.  It definitely was worth the 8 hour bus ride.  

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