Candelabra
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Nazca Peru is located about 275 miles south of Lima. This desert town, based near the coast, is known for its famous and intriguing Nazca Lines. Covering an area of about 200 square miles, these lines were created over 1,000 years ago. The debate is to how and why they were created. Some theories argue that the Lines of Nazca were some sort of astronomical calendar, while others believe that they could have been “walking temples”. Regardless of how they got there, or for what purpose, they are absolutely amazing. Among the designs, you will see plant and animal figures, and hundreds of lines. Some of the figures measure about 1,000 feet across. The only way to truly appreciate the Nazca Lines is to fly over them. You can book a flight from different tour agencies in town, at a cost of around $50. Make sure that you have a firsthand recommendation from someone you trust. If flying in a small plane doesn’t agree with you, there are tours that you can take to the observation tower. The sights from the tower are limited in what you can view, but at least there is that option.

You can get to Nazca by way of Lima, Ica, Cusco and Arequipa. From Ica, it is about a 2-3 hour trip. Coming from Arequipa will take you around 9 hours, while the ride from Cusco is approximately 14 hours. From Lima you would take a bus to Arequipa, which is a 6-7 hour bus ride. You will have plenty of time to read up on the Nazca history while you enjoy the scenic ride. Once you arrive you can visit the Museo Antonini to check out the artifacts that were uncovered in local excavations. You can also take a trip to the Acueductos de Cantalloc, located right outside of the town, to check out the beautiful aqueducts that are still being used to irrigate the farming land. The Nazca civilization is also known for its detailed pottery, which is considered by some scholars to be the finest and most sophisticated of all the pre-Columbian Peruvian cultures. A perfect example of the skills of this artistic culture is obvious in the Nazca lines.

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There are an adequate number of hotels to select from if you are considering a visit to Nazca. The Hotel Cantayo Spa and Resort is your best choice if you are looking for an upscale accommodation. There are also some less expensive hotels for the more budget conscious traveler. As always, booking in advance to your arrival is recommended. The journey that you must take, to get to this famous city, is well worth the trip, once you realize the greatness of what lies within its borders. You will leave there, with a sense of wonderment and awe, after you have seen the work of an incredibly gifted civilization.