The Nazca Lines of Peru stand as one of archaeology's most captivating mysteries, featuring massive geoglyphs etched into the desert floor by ancient civilizations over 1,500 years ago. These extraordinary drawings, depicting everything from hummingbirds to geometric patterns, can only be fully appreciated from the air, making them a truly unique archaeological wonder. As featured on Expedition Unknown, these ancient masterpieces continue to puzzle researchers and inspire visitors from around the world.
The Nazca Lines are a collection of massive geoglyphs etched into the arid soil of the Nazca Desert in southern Peru, created between 500 BC and 500 AD by the ancient Nazca and earlier Paracas cultures. The geoglyphs were made by removing reddish pebbles to reveal lighter-colored earth beneath, forming designs ranging from simple geometric lines to elaborate depictions of animals, plants, and humanoid figures that can span hundreds of feet. In the 21st century, archaeologists using drone technology have discovered several hundred previously unknown figures, and researchers believe many more remain hidden in the desert. Gates traveled to Peru to investigate these enigmatic designs alongside researchers studying newly discovered lines, exploring theories about their purpose and the cosmological beliefs of the people who created them.
Paracas culture begins creating early phase geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert
Nazca phase begins, lasting until approximately 500 AD with creation of the majority of known geoglyphs
UNESCO designates the Nazca Lines as a World Heritage Site
Archaeologists using drone technology discover several hundred previously unknown geoglyphs
Gates investigates the Nazca Lines for Expedition Unknown
Mainstream archaeologists generally agree that the Nazca Lines were created over approximately 1,000 years by two distinct cultural phases—the earlier Paracas culture (400–200 BC) and the later Nazca culture (200 BC–500 AD). The construction method is well understood: ancient peoples created the designs by carefully removing reddish iron oxide-coated pebbles from the desert surface to expose the lighter-colored ground beneath. The extreme aridity of the Nazca Desert and minimal wind erosion have preserved these shallow incisions for over a millennium, making them one of the most remarkable examples of ancient geoglyphs in the world.
The purpose of the lines remains a subject of legitimate scholarly debate. Early theories suggested astronomical alignments or celestial calendars, though these have largely fallen out of favor among experts. More recent research proposes that the lines served ritual purposes related to water and fertility—critical concerns for a desert civilization. Some archaeologists suggest the geoglyphs were processional pathways used during ceremonies, while others believe they were offerings to mountain and sky deities who controlled rain. The designs depicting animals, plants, and geometric shapes may have held cosmological significance within Nazca spiritual beliefs.
The use of drone technology in recent years has revolutionized Nazca Lines research, with several hundred new figures discovered in the 21st century that were invisible to ground-based surveys. Archaeologists now believe hundreds more geoglyphs likely remain undiscovered. Gates' investigation for Expedition Unknown contributed to public understanding of both the newly discovered lines and the traditional practices of the Nazca culture, including ceremonial uses of psychedelic plants that may have influenced their cosmological worldview.
While fringe theories have suggested everything from alien runways to ancient astronaut landing sites, mainstream archaeology has thoroughly documented the lines as products of human ingenuity and labor. The geoglyphs represent a remarkable feat of ancient engineering and artistic vision, but one entirely within the capabilities of pre-Columbian South American cultures. Gates' episode presented the site through this evidence-based lens, consulting with researchers working in the field rather than entertaining pseudoarchaeological speculation.
The Nazca Lines were created in two distinct phases spanning approximately 900 years, beginning with the Paracas culture around 400 BC and continuing through the Nazca culture until around 500 AD.
Several hundred new geoglyphs have been discovered in the 21st century using drone technology, and archaeologists believe many more remain hidden in the desert awaiting discovery.
The geoglyphs were preserved for over a millennium due to the extreme aridity of the Nazca Desert, which receives less than an inch of rain per year and experiences minimal wind erosion.
The designs range from simple geometric lines to elaborate depictions of animals, plants, and humanoid figures, with some individual geoglyphs spanning several hundred feet across the desert floor.
The Nazca Lines are accessible to visitors, with viewing towers along the Pan-American Highway providing elevated vantage points for seeing some of the geoglyphs. For the full experience, small aircraft flights departing from the nearby towns of Nazca and Ica offer aerial tours that reveal the scale and intricacy of the designs—the only way to truly appreciate figures that can span several hundred feet. Visitors should check current regulations, as foot traffic near the lines is strictly prohibited to prevent damage to these fragile archaeological features.
Nazca, Peru (immediately adjacent to the geoglyphs); Lima is approximately 280 miles northwest
The Nazca Desert experiences year-round arid conditions, making visits possible throughout the year, though May through October offers the driest and clearest weather for aerial viewing. Morning flights are generally preferable when winds are calmer and visibility is optimal.
UNESCO World Heritage Site (1994)
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Best time to visit: Visit during Peru's dry season from May to September when clear skies provide optimal viewing conditions for flights over the lines.
Travel tip: Book your scenic flight early in the morning when winds are calmer and visibility is best, and consider staying overnight in Nazca town to secure early departure times.
Historical data sourced from Wikipedia