Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PLANETARIUM MARIA REICHE
| Planetarium
( 52-2293;
www.concytec.gob.pe/ipa/inicio_ingles.htm
; Nazca Lines Hotel, Bolognesi s/n; admission
S20)
This small planetarium in the Nazca Lines Hotel offers scripted evening lectures on
the Lines with graphical displays on a domed projection screen. Call ahead or check the
posted schedule. These last about 45 minutes.
The Nazca Lines: Ancient Mysteries in the Sand
Spread across 500 sq km of arid, rock-strewn desert in the Pampa Colorada (Red Plain), the Nazca Lines remain one
of the world's great mysteries. Consisting of more than 800 straight lines, 300 geometric figures (geoglyphs) and
some 70 spectacular plant and animal drawings (biomorphs), the Lines are almost imperceptible at ground level. It's
only when viewed from above that they form their striking network.
They were made by the simple process of removing the dark sunbaked stones from the surface of the desert, thus
exposing the lighter soil below. The most elaborate designs represent animals, including a lizard, a monkey and a
condor.
Yet questions remain. Who constructed the Lines and why? And how did they do it if the Lines are only visible
from the air? Maria Reiche (1903-98), a long-time Nazca researcher, theorized that they were made by the Paracas
and Nazca cultures between 900 BC and AD 600, with later additions by Wari settlers in the 7th century. Some have
hypothesized that the Lines linked ceremonial sites. Others have suggested they were a giant running track. A more
down-to-earth theory, given the value of water in the desert, was suggested by anthropologist Johann Reinhard, who
believed that the Lines were involved in mountain worship and a fertility/water cult.
About the only thing that is certain is that when the Nazca set about turning their sprawling desert homeland into
an elaborate art canvas, they also began a debate that will keep archaeologists busy for centuries to come.
CHAUCHILLA CEMETERY
(admission S5)
The most popular excursion from Nazca, this cemetery, 30km south of the
city, will satisfy any urges you have to see mummies. Dating back to the Ica-Chincha cul-
ture, around AD 1000, the mummies were, until recently, scattered haphazardly across the
desert, left by ransacking tomb-robbers. Now they are seen carefully rearranged inside a
dozen or so tombs. Organized tours last three hours and cost US$10 to US$35 per person.
| Cemetery
CAHUACHI
( 9am-4pm)
A dirt road travels 25km west from Nazca to Cahuachi, the most important
known Nazca center, which is still undergoing excavation. It consists of several pyramids,
a graveyard and an enigmatic site called EstaquerÃa, which may have been used as a place
| Ruins
