Nazca Lines

In Peru's Nazca Desert, the Nazca Lines are a sequence of gigantic shapes engraved in the dirt known as "geoglyphs." The origin of the Nazca Lines, which span 450 square kilometers of the Pampa Colorada region between the towns of Nazca and Palpa, is a source of much discussion, but they are thought to have been erected by the Nazca Civilization between 500 BC and 500 AD.

A monkey, two humans, one of whom is known as the "astronaut," a hummingbird, a spider, and a tree are among the perplexing shapes. Over 300 geography (geometric figures) and 70 biomorphs (animal/plant drawings) are included, as well as many more straight lines. The shapes were made by shifting darker stones to reveal lighter soil beneath them; the lines would have been visible only from above, leading some to believe that the Nazca could see them. With the variety and uniqueness of the lines, this site is said to be one of the most beautiful historical sites in Peru.

Location: Southern Peru