The lines scratched on the surface of the ground between 500 B.C. and A.D. 500, are among archaeology's greatest enigmas because of their quantity, nature, size and continuity.
These geoglyphs depict living creatures, stylized plants and imaginary beings, as well as geometric figures several kilometres long. They are believed to have had ritual astronomical functions.
They are located in the desert plains of the basin river of Rio Grande de Nazca and basically, that is pretty much the only reason to come to Nazca: it is the proximity to these. You can take a bus and climb a tall viewing platform to see three of the geoglyphs, but plane is the best way.
You just have to make sure you choose a reputable company because there have been a number of crashes. TOP had done some due diligence on this as she had a pilot's licence at one time, so she knows a thing or two.
We had a great flight with two pilots: one pointing out the figures and giving helpful instructions to view them whilst the other (a woman I have to say) did an expert job dropping in on one side, passing over then returning for a drop of the wing to the other side - done so for 12 figures. It was terrific and there were good views over the surrounding countryside of course.
I was very pleased with my photo of the 'aeronaut'! - and my travel sickness medication seemed to work. Towards the end I had a minute or two of queasiness when the plane dropped and tilted quickly, but I basically managed to keep breakfast down.
It was a perfect day for it - no rain of course BECAUSE IT DOESN'T RAIN HERE, but no wind also which is the main thing - so all good!
Afterwards we just hung around the pool area at the hotel until our transfer to the bus station for our journey further south to Arequipa - which we won't arrive to until 11 p.m. tonight. Ugh!!
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Very clear photo of the "aeronaut", looks like you are mastering the Sony. What an interesting place.
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