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Archive for the ‘Peru Walking Holidays’ Category
There are many different places to go walking in the world – but one place stands out for its mystery as much as the dramatic views it affords those on walking holidays. Peru is home to the Nazca lines, a series of ancient geoglyphs (or long lines, for laymen!) located within the Nazca desert in Southern Peru. Scholars and historians believe the massive lines were drawn between 400 and 650 AD, making them an incredibly well-preserved piece of history. The lines themselves are shallow marks made in the ground by removing the red pebbles of the Nazca desert, and uncovering the whitish ground underneath. While there are many which make simple lines or shapes, there are plenty more (about 70 in total) which are pictographic representations of animals like jaguars, hummingbirds, monkeys, and even human beings.
Discovery
There is a popular misconception that the Nazca lines can only be seen from the air, which led to the theory that they must have been made by some extraterrestrial species that had access to flying technology. However, they can be clearly viewed from the surrounding foothills, which is good news for those in the vicinity on their walking holidays! Peru may not be an alien landing site after all – although you can never rule it out! The lines were discovered by a Peruvian archaeologist named Toribio Mejia Xesspe. He caught sight of them when he was hiking through the foothills in 1927, so it seems the lines have always had a particular connection with walkers!
How were they made?
Scholars have come up with many theories about the formation of the Nazca lines (not least among them the alien-intervention theory described above), but research has shown that the Nazca people could have used simple tools and surveying equipment in order to create them. With the discovery of wooden stakes near the end of some of the lines, more and more evidence supports this theory. Cleverly, one of the stakes was carbon-dated to ensure it came from the same period as the lines themselves – and it did.
For mystery-lovers on walking holidays, Peru’s Nazca lines are definitely a wonderful sight – but less of a mystery than in recent years. One researcher called Joe Nickell reproduced the figures using the same tools and technology available to the Nazca people, and even the largest figures were recreated within days by his small team.
Although there may be a mundane origin behind the method of creation for the lines, they are no less enjoyable when experienced by those on walking holidays. Peru has plenty of highlights, but the Nazca lines certainly stand out among them. But the reason behind their creation in the first place will forever be a mystery.
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. For walking holidays Peru is a fascinating destination. Join us to experience scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.
This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest online marketing agency in London, and the proud host a series of internet marketing training seminars.
Thank you for visiting our article directory! Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
There are plenty of fascinating places to explore all over the world for your walking holidays. Peru, in particular, is an interesting choice for walkers who enjoy a little bit of historical context and discovery on their travels, as well as for those who appreciate the simple joys of a magnificent landscape and environment.
The country has been home to several fascinating civilizations in ancient times – such as the Norte Chico civilization, one of the oldest recorded societies in the world. It was also known for the Inca Empire, an ancient civilization known for its rich mythology and cultural practices. It can be absolutely fascinating to delve back in time while walking in Peru and discovering some of the forces that shaped the modern landscape travellers enjoy today.
The Norte Chico Civilization
Also known as Caral, the Norte Chico civilization included as many as 30 population centres in what is now the Notre Chico area, which is where the civilization’s designation comes from. With so many small population hubs, it’s been deduced that the Norte Chico civilization needed a sophisticated system of government to manage such a sprawling territory, particularly when it came to food resources. The civilization’s most impressive achievement was its colossal architecture, which included large earthwork platform mounds and sunken, circular plazas. It’s a real treat to observe on walking holidays, Peru may have looked quite different in the past when the Norte Chico civilization was at the peak of its development. Interestingly, the areas of construction investigated by historians show
evidence that feasts were held, which suggests that there was an elite class among the society able to feed, mobilize, and reward the population. It may not be so different from modern experiences on walking holidays; Peru is known for its cuisine, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than by having a traditional feast of local delicacies after a long day’s walk!
The Incan Empire
The largest empire in pre-Columbian America, from 1438 to 1533, the Incan Empire used a range of strategies from outright conquest to peaceful assimilation to incorporate a large portion of western and southern America. The political and military centre of this vast power was located in Cusco in modern-day Peru, explaining why so many historical ruins and artefacts have been discovered and analyzed in the country. For those on walking holidays, Peru or elsewhere in South America, there’s a wealth of history to be discovered along with the natural beauty of the country.
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. For walking holidays Peru is a fascinating destination. Join us to experience scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.
This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest online marketing agency in London, and the proud host a series of internet marketing training seminars.
Thank you for visiting our article directory! Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
If you’re looking for walking holidays, Peru has got plenty to offer. Verdant tropical forests, the rambling Andes and sprawling plains – all offer something different for those in search of a serious hiking trip. However, few visitors to the country discover the delights of the country’s second largest city, Arequipa. The city is located in the Andes Mountains, making it an ideal base for those looking for mountain walks. The El Misti volcano stands over the city, and rock from the mountain has given La Ciudad Blanca (the White City) the distinctive aesthetic that saw it receive UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
Arequipa
If Arequipa is your base for walking holidays, Peru’s second city will probably seduce you as soon as you arrive in town. Built from the distinctive sillar rock sourced from the El Misti volcano, the town combines the architectural styles and methods of both the European colonists and the native tribes. This mixture of efforts by European artisans and highly skilled Crillo and Indian masons has produced a unique Baroque fusion style. For these reasons, students of architecture travel from across the Americas to study the walls, vaults and courtyards of the historic city centre.
Plaza de Armas & Cathedral
The Plaza de Armas is considered by locals to be one of the country’s most beautiful, and if you’re exploring the cities during your walking holidays, Peru’s beautiful squares will be well known to you. The distinctive stone that forms the area is a type of dressed sillar known as ashlar. The cathedral that is located on the square is considered one of the most unusual and visually striking Catholic churches in the country. Building began four years after the city was founded in 1540, and the church was assembled in the local ashlar – only to be reduced to rubble in an earthquake in 1583. The church’s history has been one of battling against the combined forces of earthquakes and volcanoes ever since.
Casa del Moral
For those who have an interest in architecture and culture, as well as in walking holidays, Peru’s second city has plenty of gems waiting to be discovered. One of the most popular is the Casa del Moral, a large house built in 1730. As well as being one of the best-preserved examples of the Baroque-Mestizo style found in the area, the Casa del Moral also houses a significant collection of artworks from the distinctive Cusco School – a prominent colonial art form.
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. For walking holidays Peru is a fascinating destination. Join us to experience scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.
This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest online marketing agency in London, and the proud host a series of internet marketing training seminars.
Thank you for visiting our article directory! Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
For anyone interested in top quality walking holidays, Peru has plenty to offer. It is a large country, even if it can’t quite compete with the scale of Brazil next door. It encompasses a whole range of different habitats – from the lush jungle and Andean mountains to sprawling alpine plains – all of which provide great options for walking holidays. Peru’s unique location means that, unlike other equatorial countries, it doesn’t have a purely tropical climate. This is thanks largely to the presence of the Andes and the Humboldt Current, which brings cooler water with lower salinity towards the coast. As one of the most impressive inland sights for those on walking holidays, Peru’s stunning Colca Canyon is a fantastic destination for hiking and walking.
Colca Canyon
A canyon of the Colca River in southern Peru, the Colca Canyon is one of the country’s best-loved tourist attractions. Located 160 km northwest of Arequipa, the Colca Canyon is twice the depth of the Grand Canyon in the USA, at an astonishing 4 km deep. The top end of the region is known as the Colca Valley. The entire valley is inhabitable and has been the site of human settlement since at least pre-Inca times. Further along, from Pinchollo/Madrigal, the region becomes known as the Canyon. The pre-Colombian agricultural terraces still support human life to this day, providing a glimpse into the past for those on walking holidays. Peru’s other landmarks might get more attention, but Colca Canyon offers an unspoilt taste of the real country.
Down in the Valley
One of the biggest draws for visitors to the Canyon is the presence of Andean Condors. These fascinating birds have been under threat in recent years, but the populations around the Colca Canyon are at the forefront of efforts to replenish the numbers of the birds. The Andean Vulture is possessed of the largest wingspan of any land bird. Culturally, these large black birds have become an important symbol of Peru, as well as surrounding countries. For those interested in the historical culture of the region, the canyon is also home to the archaeological sites such as the caves of Mollepunko. These caves are home to rock-art believed to be over 6,000 years old.
Chivay
Another popular attraction is the La Calera hot springs at Chivay, the largest town in the region. The springs are around 3 km from the town and host a number of heated pools that are perfect for relaxing in after a long day walking around the valley and the canyon.
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. For walking holidays Peru is a fascinating destination. Join us to experience scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.
This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest online marketing agency in London, and the proud host a series of internet marketing training seminars.
Thank you for visiting our article directory! Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
There are many fantastic packages available in South America for those interested in walking holidays. Peru is a country that is often overlooked, nestled in the middle of South America between the Andes and the Pacific. It is particularly popular for those travelling through South America along the continent’s western spine. The Pacific coast is particularly worth exploring, with the port of Callao, the port city for Lima the nation’s capital, well worth a visit. The city of Callao has plenty to offer visitors to the region, being both a fascinating place to explore in its own right, and an ideal base for those on walking holidays. Peru’s western coast shows how much more there is to the country than the stunning Andean mountain range.
El Primer Puerto
As the nation’s port, Callao has a long and colourful history. The city was founded by Spanish colonists in 1537, a couple of years after Lima was established. During the wide-reaching Viceroyalty of Peru, which once covered most of Spanish-ruled South America, almost every product that originated from Peru, Bolivia or Argentina crossed the Andes on the back of a mule and passed through Callao on its way to destinations across the planet. For much of its almost 500 year history, the city has experienced a degree of autonomy from Lima, allowing it to develop its own character. This character will be clear to anyone travelling through on walking holidays. Peru’s first port is rightly regarded by the locals as a hidden gem.
Callao Today
The city of Callao inhabits the peninsula that forms the wealthy residential neighbourhood of La Punta. The city has distinctive architecture that developed following Callao’s destruction in 1746 by a tsunami. Thanks to its location on the Pacific coast, Callao provides access to a number of islands in the region. Two – San Lorenzo and El Frontón – aren’t particularly accessible, but the Cavinzas and the Palominos are home to a large number of sea lions and sea birds. The Real Felipe Fortress is a popular site. The building work for the fortress began in 1747 but then took place in various stages over the next half a century. The fortress played a pivotal role in a number of conflicts and was the last place held by the Spanish before they were pushed out of South America.
Tourist Sights Nearby
If you’re prepared to take a trip north during your walking holidays, Peru’s historic treasures are within easy reach of Callao. Caral is around 200 km north of the port city, but it is an essential trip for tourists in the area. Today a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sacred City of Caral Supe is the site of the most ancient city in the Americas.
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. For walking holidays Peru is a fascinating destination. Join us to experience scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.
This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest online marketing agency in London, and the proud host a series of internet marketing training seminars.
Thank you for visiting our article directory! Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
If you’re looking for somewhere different to base your walking holidays, Peru is one of the world’s great undiscovered countries for those with a passion for hiking. The South American country is home to a rich diversity of landscapes and habitats, ensuring there is something for everyone who visits the country. The Andean nature of much of the state means that, for those looking for that kind of thing, there are many very challenging mountainous hikes available during walking holidays. Peru’s Southern Cusco region was formerly the beating heart of the Inca Empire, and today there is plenty to attract visitors to the region. It’s not just Machu Picchu that draws tourists in though; the area is home to the breath-taking Manú National Park.
Manú National Park
Cusco Province is a popular destination for walking holidays. Peru’s government has taken its environmental responsibilities in the region seriously, and to this end the Manú National Park was established in 1973 to ensure the protection and conservation of several ecological zones. Four years after the park’s establishment, UNESCO recognised it as a Biosphere reserve, and a decade later it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status, firmly embedding its importance as a global reserve.
Walking in Manú
The park, located on the eastern side of the Andes, is more than half the size of Switzerland and offers many fantastic opportunities for those who want to partake in South American walks. Much of the area is strictly protected in order to ensure the survival and success of the native animal species, but there are several places where visitors can get close to the huge variety of creatures that call Manú their home. The cultural zone is the most commonly visited area, although there is less wildlife on view in this section of the park. If you are interested in really exploring the park, then a permit is required, but there are tours available that provide wider access.
The Animal Residents of Manú
If you are lucky enough to be heading for walking holidays in Peru and you have access to the restricted areas of Manú National Park, then there will be an incredible range of creatures waiting to be spotted. The park is home to many classically South American species including the jaguar, puma, ocelot, giant otter, and giant armadillo. Animals that have made it across the Andes to the national park include well-known species such as capybara, tapir, paca and sloths. Broken down into groups, the park is home to over 200 species of mammal, 100 species of reptile, 140 species of amphibian and over 1000 species of birds.
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. For walking holidays Peru is a fascinating destination. Join us to experience scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.
This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest online marketing agency in London, and the proud host a series of internet marketing training seminars.
Thank you for visiting our article directory! Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
Whatever views tickle your fancy, whether it is majestic mountain ranges, tropical jungles, vast deserts, or beautiful beaches stretching to the beyond; the stunning country of Peru can provide them for you. If you are a keen walker it is hard to get bored with the scenery. If you tire of what the mountain ranges have to offer, then catch a train to the east and trek through the Amazon rainforest. The unique geography of Peru makes it a must-see destination if you enjoy walking. Peru has many incredible places that you should not miss visiting – here are just a few to tantalise you.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
This trail will present some of the most magnificent mountain views you have ever seen and is worth the two to three day trek; the scenery is so stunning that you sometimes forget that you are walking. Peru has placed certain restrictions on parts of the trail due to previous damage of the environment, so you will need to do your research carefully before you begin. You can start your journey at Ollanta, a striking Inca fortress and town, and then make your way up the mountain range towards the north. Along the path there are plenty of Inca structures to entertain and amaze you as are you are walking. Peru is full of Incan towns and structures and Machu Picchu is no exception. You will probably need a few days to explore everything the region has to offer.
Trail to Choquequirao
This trail starts in Cachora, and will take around one to two days of walking. Peru, as mentioned, is partly covered in jungle forests, and the town of Choquequirao is situated in a micro-climate which generates a dense rainforest that covers the buildings and terraces. Along the route you will find yourself spoilt for choice for your picnic spots with beautiful rivers and smooth boulders upon which to sit along the beginning of the trek. If you’re striking out on your own and the thought of carrying your camping equipment and food supplies along the trail is a little too much, then there are plenty of local muleteers in the town of Cachora who will carry your bags on their mules and donkeys. This may be especially helpful when you reach the steep climb to Choquequirao on the second day of walking. Peru plans to construct a cable car to run up and down to the town to bring more tourists to the area; so if you are someone who enjoys the lesser-travelled paths, then visit this trail before the cable car does.
Trail to Vilcabamba
If you are feeling a little more adventurous, then try the six to eight day hike to Vilcabamba, the last refuge of the Inca Empire. It starts in Huancacalle, visits Vilcabamba and then continues on to Chihuanquiri. As well as Vilcabamba, there will be many more historic sites for you to discover such as Luccma, Rosaspata and Ñusta Hispana. A portion of the walk will be within the rainforest, where you can view the beautiful vegetation and wildlife while walking. Peru really has some picturesque small villages tucked away along these trails, and while trekking to Vilcabamba you can visit Yupanca, Luccma and Consevidayoc to mention just a few.
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 90 different countries. While walking Peru with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you will see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.
The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.
LeadGenerators hopes you enjoyed this article. An Online Marketing agency based in London, LeadGenerators hosts a series of Social Media and Internet Marketing training sessions and seminars.
If you’re planning a holiday walking Peru, chances are you’ve got your brochures creased open to pages on Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. While we can’t argue that both walks have great appeal, we recommend travelling somewhere a little off the beaten track for those wishing to uncover a different side of Peru.
Trekking deep into the Peruvian jungle may sound exotic, but in reality the jungle is peppered with numerous luxury lodges all hoping to make your stay that little bit more comfortable. Most jungle treks start at Puerto Maldonado, located in Peru’s least populated territory. 98% of this territory is covered by thick Amazon rainforest, which means that the biodiversity of this region is amongst the most varied in the world.
The area of Puerto Maldonado connects Peru to both Bolivia and Brazil via the Madre De Dios River. It is also easily connected to Cusco, which is why it appeals to many holidaymakers. Very few people choose to stay in Peru walking the town of Puerto Maldonado, as it offers very little in terms of tourist attractions. Instead, they opt to go straight to one of the lodges located inside one of three main conservation areas. These regions comprise of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, the Tambopata – Candamo Reserve and the Bahuaja Sonene National Park. While bird watchers may opt to stay in the Bahuaja Sonene National Park, as it contains over 450 different species of birds, animal lovers will probably enjoy a stay in the Tambopata – Candamo Reserve which is home to several endangered species. Likewise, the Manu Biosphere Reserve boasts the prestigious accolade of being a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Guests travel by speedboat, from Puerto Maldonado to their preferred area of the jungle and this initial boat ride is, for many people, their first glance at the luxurious greenery of the Amazon. Both sides of the river are covered in dense jungle, but visitors can often spot a stray crocodile lurking about at the river’s edge.
Walking Peru’s jungles is a fascinating experience and gives visitors the best experience they’ll ever have of real jungle life. There are numerous companies offering a wide range of typical jungle treks; from butterfly-spotting excursions where you’ll spot both the largest and most colourful butterflies in the world; to night time treks looking for the elusive black pumas of Peru.
Cooked and delivered direct to your lodge, you’ll find that the food in the jungle is delicious and also much needed after walking Peru. Jungle dishes include sticky rice cooked in banana leaves and meats served in tangy sauces. You may have to the fight the monkeys for your dessert though; the appropriately named ‘monkey bananas’ are so sweet that primates simply can’t get enough of them.
One thing you’ll soon discover when walking Peru’s Amazon is that there’s certainly no such thing as peace and quiet in the jungle. Whether you’re being woken up early by squawking parakeets or listening to the cicadas singing their evening tune, you’re never quite as alone as you might think you are!
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While walking Peru with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.
The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.
LeadGenerators hopes you enjoyed this article. An Online Marketing agency based in London, LeadGenerators hosts a series of Social Media and Internet Marketing training sessions and seminars.
You probably think you can guess what Peru’s national animal is. Well, if you thought it was the llama then you’d be wrong. Peru’s national symbols actually throw up a few more surprises; from a tree used in fizzy drinks, to a flower with a fascinating story behind it. Here are some national symbols that you’ll spot when walking Peru:
Peru’s National Tree
Peru’s national tree is the cinchona, and if you’ve heard of it before then it’s probably because the bark of this tree is used to produce quinine. Quinine is used as a muscle relaxant, but is perhaps best known for being one of the main ingredients of tonic water and thus responsible for that bitter taste that you get in a gin and tonic. The ingredient is also the reason that gin and tonic glows in the dark under a black light. You’ll find that cinchona trees are fairly easy to spot when walking Peru as they have distinct white, pink or red blossoms that are almost tubular in appearance.
Peru’s National Animal
Llamas are synonymous with Peru so most people wrongly assume that the llama is in fact the country’s national animal. However, Peru’s national animal is actually the vicuna, which is very llama-like in appearance. The animal is believed to be the wild ancestor of today’s domesticated alpacas and even features on the Peruvian coat of arms. Like alpacas, which are bred for their coats, the hair of the vicuna is widely sought after, particularly as the animal can only be shorn every three years. During the Incan civilization, the coat of the vicuna was so revered that only Incan royalty were allowed to wear garments made from the hair.
Vicuna can be found all over South America, but when walking Peru’s Andes you’ll see the highest population of these animals.
Peru’s National Flower
Peru’s national flower is the cantuta, a red tubular flower often found in the highlands of the Andes or the Yungas. The flower is also the national flower of Bolivia as it reflects the colours of the national flag.
There is an Incan legend associated with the cantuta that tells the tale of two prosperous kings both annoyed at the wealth of the other. Eventually these two kings attacked each other and both became mortally wounded in the battle. The two kings asked their sons to seek vengeance on one another after their death and the family feud continued.
Once again a bloody battle ensued and, like their fathers, both sons became mortally wounded. However, on their death-beds they generously forgave each other and asked that their servants place them side by side on the green grass of the battlefield.
The legend continues that the Goddess of fertility appeared beside the two kings and told them that they shouldn’t have suffered from their father’s unjustified enmity. To punish their fathers, two stars fell from the sky and became the highest peaks in Andes and the cantuta bloomed as a symbol of the people’s unity, bearing the colour of the two kings (red and yellow), with green standing for hope.
Peru’s National Bird
When walking Peru why not try a spot of ornithology too? Peru’s national bird is the brightly coloured and joyfully named, cock-of-the-rock. The bird has a stunning head-dress of framed orange and red feathers that are reminiscent of the fringes that the Incas used to wear as a badge of rank.
The birds are found in tropical and sub-tropical forests close to rocky areas, where they commonly build their nests.
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While walking Peru with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.
The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.
LeadGenerators hopes you enjoyed this article. An Online Marketing agency based in London, LeadGenerators hosts a series of Social Media and Internet Marketing training sessions and seminars.
When you’re walking Peru you’ll find that you can view most of the country’s attractions by foot. However, it isn’t until you’re airborne that you’ll be able to spot Peru’s most unusual attractions; a series of lines, whose origin and purpose still have historians guessing.
What are the Nazca Lines?
The Nazca Lines are a series of gigantic figures engraved into the Peruvian desert surface, that can only been seen from the air. These lines run for 37 miles and comprise of 26 figures that range from llamas and dogs, to spiders, spirals and killer whales. These lines were made by the Nazca people, a civilization that flourished between 200BC and 600AD.
How were the Nazca Lines Built?
When you’re walking Peru, you’ll find that there is no sand in this area of the Peruvian desert. Instead, the landscape consists of dark-red surface stones, under which lies lighter-coloured subsoil. To make the Nazca Lines, the red surface has been scraped away to reveal the light colour underneath. Scientists believe that the creation of these lines had to be a communal effort stretching out over hundreds of years.
Weren’t they built by aliens?
The sheer size of the Nazca Lines, and the fact that no-one really knows the purpose of them has led many to believe that they were in fact built by aliens. Many academics have put forward the notion that the Nazca lines formed an airfield for alien spacecraft. However, this doesn’t really explain why the pictures of a llama, hummingbird and a dog were used, nor does it concern itself with the reason why aliens would need 37 miles of runway to themselves.
The reason that this theory has surfaced is because few people believe that primitive races, like the Aztecs and Mayans, had the tools or intelligence to create such a project. However, the fact that between them these races created the calendar, universal education, popcorn and chocolate should be proof enough that they didn’t however need alien help.
Why Were the Nazca Lines Built?
They may be fascinating to look at on your Peru walking holiday, but no-one really knows why the Nazca Lines were built. There have been various theories and whilst you’ve heard the theory about the alien airfield, academics and anthropologists are still researching what they believe to be the reason for these lines.
When Georg Von Breunig examined the lines, he found that they had been worn by continuous running. This led him to believe that the lines were used for running races in what could possibly have been a ritual for the Gods.
The most common theory is that the lines are in fact some gigantic astronomical calendar that shows various alignments that may have been useful for planting and harvesting purposes.
How can I see the Nazca Lines?
The lines are located in the Nazca Desert, which is an eight hour bus journey from the capital of Lima. Most people choose to visit the area after they’ve taken a tour of Machu Picchu, or just before walking Peru’s Inca Trail. When you reach Nazca you’ll find that flights over the Nazca Lines are very easy to arrange, as it is the alternative option of taking a hot-air balloon over the desert. With a good pair of binoculars you’ll be able to spot a few of the Nazca Lines from the town’s watchtower, but it’s only from the sky that the true beauty of the Nazca Lines can be experienced. Once seen never forgotten!
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LeadGenerators hopes you enjoyed this article. An Online Marketing agency based in London, LeadGenerators hosts a series of Social Media and Internet Marketing training sessions and seminars.