I visited Peru earlier in the year, but there were many reasons I wanted to return and one of them was to see the mysterious Nazca Lines, geoglyphs drawn in the soil in the desert. Most of the lines are narrow trenches which, when the gravel is removed, reveal a lighter coloured lime soil which hardens when exposed, thus protecting the trenches/lines from erosion.
I was fortunate to take a twenty five minute plane ride over the desert, but I have to thank Laura and Warner for the photographs as I was too intent on actually seeing the amazing shapes and drawings than snapping away at them. (Truth be told I was somewhat terrified as the plane was the size of an average car and we were not flying very high above the ground. Staying alive was my highest priority, not taking photos!)
I tried hard to put my terror aside and enjoy the spectacle, managing to spot many of the geoglyphs once I realised exactly what I was looking for. There are lines and shapes all over the landscape, but it soon became clear that some were more recognisable than others.
The whale was one of the first I spotted, then the monkey and the hummingbird and the condor.
The astronaut stood out leading some to believe aliens carved these amazing geoglyphs, but it was more likely the pre-Hispanic societies, but why is an on-going debate.
I’d like to think they are astronomical, a calendar, rather like Newgrange in my homeland of Ireland, but they could also have religious significance or signs revealing water sources.
Everyone seems to have a theory, but it’s pretty much agreed there are hundreds more of these scattered about the desert, as they are much clearer when viewed from above. Something we’ve only been able to do in recent times.
As we flew our co-pilot explained the significance of some of the beasts depicted. The hummingbird is associated with fertility, the monkeys suggesting an abundance of water and the spider as a sign of rain. However, they could simply be depictions of the animals that dwell in the Amazon or in Peru.
My bear Paddington was interested in the lines, but did not have a ticket for the flight, so he remained on the ground, but was quick to spot a cat carved into the mountains as we drove past and wanted to climb the viewing tower. Unfortunately it was closed, but he may have another opportunity in the future. I hope I do too and I’ll be sure to put my terror of small planes to the very back of my mind and enjoy the experience!
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My trip to Peru was amazing and it’s a country well worth visiting. Discover more by clicking on the links and reading my other blogs.
I mention Newgrange in this blog, which is fascinating too. Please click on the link to read of my experience there a few years ago.
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