Back

Fly over the Nazca Lines

perex002-peru-nascalines-free-istock000005115326

Contemplate the mystery of ancient desert etchings from the air as you fly over linear depictions of animals and plants in a light aircraft.

Mystery surrounds the origins of these endlessly intriguing geoglyphs, created by the Nazca people well over a millennium ago for a purpose we can today only guess at. What is clear is that the stylised forms, many in the shape of animals, people or flowers, can only be appreciated from the air, causing bafflement as to how and why an ancient culture would draw them so precisely and on such a huge scale. You'll also be amazed at how well these seemingly fragile desert markings have withstood the centuries, surviving as a perfect if enigmatic record of their creators' artistry.

Light aircraft flights from Pisco on the coast circle directly over the Nazca Lines for around half an hour. There is live commentary pointing out each of the different shapes in the sand, including the distinctive monkey, spider, condor and hummingbird designs and the much-discussed 'spaceman'.

Peru
Paracas, Ica and Nazca

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

  • Finn Clennett
    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

  • Rosie profile
    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

0 1 2 3 4 5