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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.

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