So what makes this one of the coolest things around is that people can only guess how and why these amazing long straight lines, geometric shapes and images were made in the middle of the desert. The theories ranging from silly ( landing directions for aliens, ancient hot air balloon site) to possible (astrological aids, ceremonial pathways, star maps). They call them geoglyphs. The gravel and pebbles that litter the ground where removed exposing the soil below them. This contrast is what makes the lines. Since it rarely rains they have been well preserved over the years. The best way to view them is from a small 6 person plane. A healthy dose of Gravol is recommended prior to leaving as the pilot dips the plane to both sides as you spiral in to get closer and closer to the image.
The flight takes 30 minutes and costs an outrageous $70/person! You get to see 12 figures. There are 100s of other images found in the area that can be spotted. We saw a hummingbird, hands, a tree, a parrot, a dog, a cat, a whale, an astronaut ( I`m sure that`s what they called it 2000 years ago!) a condor, two trapazoids, a monkey ( with a real cool spiral tail) and .
Before we`d left Lima we`d spent a time at a travel agency booking the whole excursion ( buses, taxi, hostel and the tickets.) It was totally worth it as a local guide took care of us for the day. We arranged to meet at 8:30 that morning if it wasn`t foggy. He called us before 8 and our flight had been postponed. The flights only take off when it is clear. It turned out the first runs didn`t go out till 11:30 ( the planes are taking off every 5 minutes!). Our guide ended up picking us up at1pm and by 2:30 we were on the tarmac. That day over 100 people were turned away and lots of other spent hours waiting at the airport. We visited a museum instead.
A Long time
11 years ago
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