The Nazca lines were created by representatives of the Nazca culture, which thrived on the southern coast of Peru between 200 BC and 600 AD. This civilization, although less well-known than the Incas or Mayans, left a remarkable legacy of giant drawings in the desert that have survived for thousands of years thanks to the region's extremely dry climate and minimal rainfall.

The first references to the mysterious lines in the desert appeared as early as the 16th century, when Spanish chronicler Pedro Cieza de León mentioned 'marks in the desert'. But the real discovery of the Nazca phenomenon didn't come until the 1920s, when Peruvian archaeologist Toribio Mejía Xesspe noticed the strange lines while hiking in the surrounding hills. A turning point in the study of the Nazca lines came in the 1930s and 1940s, when American historian and anthropologist Maria Reiche devoted almost her entire life to researching, documenting and preserving these remarkable geoglyphs.

Reiche, known as the 'Lady of Nazca,' arrived in Peru in 1932 and spent more than five decades researching the lines. It was through her efforts that the world learned of the existence of these fascinating drawings, and the geoglyphs themselves were protected from destruction. Maria Reiche spent long hours in the desert, measuring and documenting the lines with simple tools, often working in the scorching sun. Her dedication to the cause was so great that she took up residence in a small house on the edge of the desert to be closer to the object of her research. Today, her former home functions as a museum dedicated to her work and the Nazca lines themselves.

The technique for creating geoglyphs was surprisingly simple, although it required great precision and organization of work. Ancient artists removed dark, weathered stones from the surface of the desert, revealing the lighter ground beneath. The contrast between the dark surface and the lighter ground created visible lines and shapes. Fascinatingly, despite the simplicity of the technique, many of the figures have remarkable precision and proportion, a testament to the advanced mathematical and astronomical skills of the artists.

It is worth noting that the Nazca lines are not the only geoglyphs in the region. Similar drawings can be found on the Palpa plateau, located north of Nazca. The geoglyphs from Palpa are older than those from Nazca and date back to the Paracas culture period (around 800-100 BC), which preceded the Nazca culture. The drawings from Palpa differ somewhat in style and subject matter, often depicting human figures, while those from Nazca are dominated by animals and geometric figures.

Since their discovery, the Nazca lines have become the subject of intense scientific study. Archaeologists, anthropologists, astronomers and specialists in other fields have tried to unravel the mystery of their origin and purpose. Thanks to modern technologies such as satellite imagery, drones and laser scanning, scientists are discovering more and more details about these ancient works. In 2018, thanks to the use of drones, more than 50 new geoglyphs were discovered, which had previously escaped the attention of researchers due to their small size or location on hillsides that are difficult to access.

In 1994, the Nazca lines were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boosting efforts to protect them. Unfortunately, despite this status, the geoglyphs continue to face various threats, including climate change, infrastructure development and irresponsible tourism. In 2014, Greenpeace activists sparked controversy by placing a huge banner near one of the geoglyphs, causing damage. This incident underscored the fragility of these ancient monuments and the need to better protect them.

The Nazca lines have been the subject of countless theories and speculation since their discovery for the modern world. Scientists, researchers, as well as enthusiasts of paranormal phenomena have proposed various explanations for their purpose and significance. Among the best-known theories is the astronomical hypothesis, which Maria Reiche developed over the years. According to her research, a number of lines and figures were supposed to constitute a kind of astronomical calendar, indicating important phenomena in the sky, such as solstices, equinoxes or the appearance of certain stars and constellations. Reiche noted that some lines indicate the exact locations of sunrise and sunset during the summer and winter solstices.

Another popular theory, proposed by American anthropologist Johan Reinhard, links the Nazca lines to the cult of water and fertility. In a region where rain falls extremely infrequently, water was the most precious resource, and its acquisition was a key element in the survival of communities. According to Reinhard, the geoglyphs may have been part of rituals to invoke rain or to honor deities associated with water. This theory is supported by the fact that many of the figurines depict animals associated with water or fertility, such as hummingbirds (which pollinate flowers) and monkeys (which inhabit moist forests).

Some researchers, like British archaeologist Anthony Aveni, suggest that the lines may have served as processional routes during religious ceremonies. The Nazca people may have wandered along these lines, worshipping their deities. The theory is supported by discoveries of ritual pottery and remains of offerings along some of the lines.

Also not to be overlooked is the controversial theory of Swiss writer Erich von Däniken, who suggested in his 1968 book 'Chariots of the Gods' that the Nazca lines were landing pads for spaceships, and that their creators attempted to communicate with extraterrestrials. Although the theory was dismissed by the scientific community as lacking any basis, it helped popularize the Nazca lines in mass culture and attracted the attention of the general public.

The latest studies, conducted by an international team of scientists using advanced technology, suggest that the Nazca lines may have served multiple functions simultaneously - religious, astronomical and social. They also point to the possibility that different groups within the Nazca community created different geoglyphs at different times and for different purposes.

Among the most famous Nazca figures are a hummingbird with a wingspan of about 66 meters, a monkey with a spiral tail (about 90 meters long), a condor (wingspan of about 130 meters), a spider (about 46 meters long) and a humanoid, called an 'astronaut' or 'owl man' (about 30 meters high). Each of these figures is characterized by extraordinary precision of execution, which is all the more impressive when you consider that the creators were not able to see their creations from a bird's eye view.

In addition to animal and humanoid figures, the Nazca desert also contains a huge number of straight lines, some stretching for miles, and geometric figures such as triangles, spirals and trapezoids. These geometric patterns are as puzzling as the figurative geoglyphs, and may have served as astronomical indicators or elements of religious rituals.

In recent years, scientists have also discovered that some Nazca lines coincide with ancient trade routes and water sources, suggesting that they may also have had practical functions related to navigation and water management. Hydrogeological studies have shown that many of the lines lead to underground water sources, supporting the theory of their connection to water worship.

Another fascinating aspect of the Nazca lines is that many of them are only visible from a bird's eye view, which raises the question: how could their creators have planned and executed such intricate designs without being able to see them from above? Some researchers suggest that they may have used small models or drawings, which they then enlarged using simple measuring tools. Others point to the possibility of using hills as vantage points, although this does not fully explain the precision of some figures.

Also worth mentioning is the influence of the natural environment on the preservation of the Nazca line. The Sechura Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, with rainfall of only a few millimeters per year. This extremely dry climate, combined with minimal wind erosion on the flat terrain, has allowed the geoglyphs to survive for more than 1,500 years. However, climate change and the increased frequency of El Niño-related weather events pose an increasing threat to this fragile heritage.

For tourists wishing to see the Nazca lines for themselves, there are several options. The most popular and effective method is to fly in a small plane over the desert. Tourist flights take off from Maria Reiche Airport in the city of Nazca and usually last between 30 and 45 minutes. During the flight, pilots perform a series of maneuvers that allow passengers to see the most important geoglyphs from both sides of the plane. It is worth noting that these flights take place at a relatively low altitude and may involve sharp turns, which may not be advisable for those with motion sickness or fear of heights.

Prices for flights over the Nazca lines are relatively high compared to other tourist attractions in Peru, but for most visitors this is the only opportunity to see these remarkable works in their full glory. It is advisable to book your flight in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (June-August), when the number of takers increases significantly.

An alternative option for those who can't or don't want to take a flight is to visit the observation tower (mirador) located on the Pan-American Highway. From this 13-meter tower, you can see three geoglyphs: a tree, hands and a lizard. Although the view is limited compared to the aerial perspective, it is a good option for those with limited budget or time.

For the more inquisitive tourist, a valuable experience would be a visit to the Antonini Archaeological Museum in Nazca City, which displays artifacts of the Nazca culture, including pottery, textiles and mummies. The museum also offers information on the history and significance of the lineage. Also worth a visit is the Maria Reiche House-Museum, where you can see the explorer's personal items, her notes and the tools she used to study the geoglyphs.

In recent years, guided tours of the Nazca area have also developed, combining viewing of the line with visits to other places of interest, such as the ancient aqueducts of Cantalloc, the Chauchilla cemetery and ceramics workshops, where you can learn about the traditional techniques of making pottery specific to the Nazca culture.

Access to the Nazca lines themselves is strictly controlled to protect them. Tourists are not allowed to walk in the desert where the geoglyphs are located, except along specially designated paths and viewpoints. This restriction is key to preserving the integrity of the drawings, which can easily be damaged by human feet.

Protecting the Nazca Line poses a major challenge for Peruvian authorities and international organizations. The main threats include both natural factors and human activities. Among natural threats, climate change is the biggest problem, leading to an increase in the frequency and intensity of rainfall in a traditionally very dry region. Even small amounts of rainfall can cause erosion and damage to the fragile geoglyphs.

As for anthropogenic threats, the biggest problem is uncontrolled infrastructure development, illegal settlements on the edge of the protected area and irresponsible tourism. In 2014, Greenpeace activists caused an international scandal by placing a huge banner near a hummingbird geoglyph, causing permanent damage. The incident underscored the need for stricter protection and oversight of the area.

In response to these threats, the Peruvian government, in cooperation with UNESCO and international scientific organizations, has implemented a series of protective measures. These include monitoring with drones and satellites, increased ranger presence in the desert, education of the local community, and severe penalties for vandalism and illegal trespassing on the geoglyphs.

Sustainable tourism is also an important part of the conservation strategy. The authorities are trying to balance between allowing tourists to admire this remarkable heritage and minimizing the negative impact on the environment. Limits have been placed on the number of tourist flights per day and strict regulations on flight routes to reduce air and noise pollution over the desert.

For scientists, the Nazca lines continue to be a fascinating object of study. Modern technologies such as photogrammetry, remote sensing and artificial intelligence are making it possible to discover new geoglyphs and better understand the ones already known. In 2019, Japanese researchers, using machine learning algorithms to analyze satellite images, discovered more than 140 new geoglyphs, including a humanoid figure just 5 meters high that had eluded previous studies due to its small size.

The future of the Nazca line depends on an effective combination of scientific research, environmental protection and sustainable tourism. Peruvian authorities, in cooperation with international experts, are working on a long-term management plan for this unique heritage that will ensure its survival for future generations, while allowing scientists to continue investigating the mysteries that still hide these ancient drawings.