What do the Nazca Lines represent? Discover them all by name
In this article, you will learn the names of the Nazca Lines nand the theories surrounding them, although they remain an archaeological enigma.
We will also tell you what the Nazca Lines represent, so you can be informed before visiting this wonderful tourist attraction in Peru.
What are the Nazca Lines?
The Nazca Lines are lines drawn across the desert that form a vast group of geoglyphs representing different shapes. Most are interpreted as animals or plants, but there are also geometric shapes, straight lines, undefined figures, and anthropomorphic forms.
They are located in the Nazca desert, 415 kilometers south of Lima.
Did you know there's much more to discover in this region? Check out this guide to tourist attractions in Nazca to plan your visit.
These figures were apparently created by the Nazca culture between 100 A.D. and 600 A.D.
The Nazca Lines were discovered in 1927 by archaeologist Toribio Mejía Xesspe, but real interest in studying and researching them began in 1940, when aerial photographs of the lines taken by the National Aerographic Service were made public.
For years, scholars have tried to decipher exactly what the Nazca Lines are, but to this day, their origin and purpose remain uncertain.
This set of lines, which can reach up to 300 meters in length, are not the only geoglyphs in the world, but they are the largest and most renowned. In fact, they are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area they cover spans approximately 450 to 800 square kilometers.
All the Nazca Lines have remained in good condition over time, thanks to the region's climate. Temperatures average 25 °C and rainfall is extremely rare.
The best way to view the figures is from above. Some can be seen from nearby hills, but flying over them is the best option.
Beyond the different theories about their meaning and creation, the fact that the figures cannot be properly seen from the ground has led scholars to believe that their design and execution must have been directed from an elevated position.
Because of the precision of some of the figures—even the largest ones—it is believed that the creators may have used grids with ropes and wooden stakes to scale the designs and maintain harmonious proportions.
What are the most important figures?
Among all the Nazca Lines, there are some that are especially iconic and have become widely known around the world.
Here are the names of the most prominent Nazca Lines:
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The Hummingbird
This figure is believed to be an offering to a flying god to prevent drought. It is quite large, measuring 96 meters long and 66 meters wide.
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The Monkey
Approximately 135 meters in size, this figure has 9 fingers on its hands and a large spiral-shaped tail. It is believed the Nazca people used it for astronomical studies, especially regarding the Big Dipper constellation.
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The Giant Bird
This enormous figure is 300 meters long and 54 meters wide. Interestingly, its beak points directly at the sunrise point in June.
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The Spider
Measuring around 46 meters, this figure is associated with the Orion constellation, one of the brightest in the sky. Another theory links it to rituals for preventing droughts.
If this type of theory sparks your interest, you can dive deeper into our specialized blog about the Nazca Lines, where we explore their symbolism, history, and new discoveries.
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The Owl Man
Also known as "The Astronaut" or "The Giant," this figure has an odd and undefined shape. Some believe the Nazca Lines were messages to extraterrestrials, while others think this figure represents a man from the Paracas culture.
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The Pelican
Also known as the "Flamingo" or "Phoenix," this is one of the largest figures, at 285 meters long. Its beak aligns with the sunrise during the June solstice, suggesting it may have marked the Inca solar festival "Inti Raymi."
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The Dog
Around 52 meters long, this figure may depict the Peruvian Inca Orchid dog. It could be shown either stretching or standing alert.
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The Whale
Possibly representing a revered sea deity, this figure measures 60 meters wide and 20 meters high.
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The Condor
Depicting the majestic Andean condor soaring over the desert, this figure is 140 meters long and about 115 meters in total diameter.
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The Tree
This figure features a trunk-like line and several branches and roots extending above and below.
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The Hands
Depicting two outstretched hands, this figure, like the monkey’s hands, has 4 fingers on the right and 5 on the left.
Theories about the Nazca Lines
When we ask what the Nazca Lines are, many theories attempt to answer this still-mysterious question.
These geoglyphs have been studied for years by researchers around the world, each proposing different conclusions:
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Peruvian archaeologist Julio César Tello believed they were a kind of "sacred road."
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U.S. anthropologist Paul Kosok theorized they formed the world’s largest astronomical calendar. He observed some lines aligned with the setting and rising of the sun and with the Pleiades star cluster.
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German archaeologist Maria Reiche Neumann also believed the lines served an astronomical function. She thought they worked as a giant calendar to predict harvests and rains, aligning with solstices and equinoxes.
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Archaeologists Markus Reindel and Johny Isla concluded the lines were drawn as rituals to invoke rain in the arid desert region.
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Swiss author Erich von Däniken claimed the geoglyphs were signs of extraterrestrial visits, suggesting aliens had the Nazca people draw landing strips for their spacecraft. The scientific community has widely rejected this theory as a myth due to lack of evidence.
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Artist and writer Jim Woodman believed they were made for religious purposes, to be seen by the gods.
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German researcher Georg A. Von Breunig suggested the lines were ritualistic, used for athletic competitions, functioning as racetracks.
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German archaeologist Han Horkheimer believed they were linked to funeral rites and referred to them as “soul paths,” walked during religious ceremonies honoring the dead.
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American scientist Johan Reinhard theorized the lines were linked to fertility. The Nazca lived in a dry region and may have used the lines to symbolically point to the mountains—the source of divine water.
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In 2015, Japanese researchers from Yamagata University proposed that the geoglyphs fall into four types along routes leading to Cahuachi, the Nazca capital. They believe two cultures created them over time for religious and pilgrimage purposes.
Recently, these Japanese researchers, in cooperation with Peruvian archaeologists, discovered 168 new geoglyphs using drones. The new figures include human forms, animals, and linear or trapezoidal patterns yet to be fully interpreted.
Discover the Nazca Lines with us
This mysterious tourist site is one of the most fascinating places you can visit in Peru. It’s become internationally renowned and attracts curious travelers from around the world.
If you'd like to experience this incredible destination, Guru Explorers offers the perfect tour.
On the 2-day, 1-night Huacachina + Paracas + Nazca Lines Tour, you’ll not only visit Huacachina and Paracas but also take a 30-minute flight over the 17 main Nazca figures—the best way to truly appreciate them.
If you have questions about the most famous oasis in Peru, you might be interested in this section with frequently asked questions about Huacachina.
Don’t miss out—contact us today!