"Las Lineas de Nazca" Nazca by staindesign

What is the big deal about a little town that sits next to the pampas? For one thing, here lies ancient lines that are drawings of animals and other organic things. Until you visit you cannot comprehend the dimensions of these drawings, ranging from the size of 1 football field to several football fields. Up until 1939 these lines were though to be an early form of aquaducts, a visiting Professor Dr. Paul Kosok from Long Island University, his specialty was ancient irrigation systems. He concluded these couldn't be irrigation systems because the trenches weren't deep enough. Also he discovered that these lines created drawings once he flew over the desert. He discovered the first of the solstice alignments by accident. From there he asked his research assistant Maria Reiche to continue, which then became her lifes work for over 40 years.

my favorite line drawing: the astronaut

Once you arrive in Nazca, walk up and down the main avenue asking for the prices of the tickets to fly over the lines. We found NC Travel was the best deal $55 per person, this included them picking you up from your hotel and driving you to the airport and the return. At the airport you'll sign in with your airline and then be asked to pay 20 soles a fee they charge to use the airport. It is pretty much a rip off, a way for them to make extra money. Also if you don't pay and have this ticket in hand, you can't get on the plane for the tour! There are 3 options of planes, 4, 6, 10 seater planes. The tour is about 1 hour. The plane snakes over the pampas as the drawings appear, the friendly pilot tells you when a particular animal is coming up. Also, a semi uncomfortable part is that when the plane passes an animal the pilot will turn the plane almost on its side to provide a better angle to shoot pictures. This happens twice at each drawing for the left and right side of the plane. Yikes, and there isn't barf bags in the plane. It is an amazing experience, just for-go the breakfast before hand because you could end up wearing it!

This is a great option for a day or two trip from Lima. This is a cute little town that makes you feel like this is Peru, Lima can be such a terrible first impression of the country. Nazca is simple with enough to fill about 2 days; everything from the museum about the mummies; to the plane rides, to tasting local pisco! Take the night bus from Lima, it is about 6.5 hrs.

• Pros:Amazing ancient history, Adventure, & Relaxation