Sacred sites in Peru
Pre-Columbian

Nasca - El Loro

A tropical bird drawn in colourless stone — the jungle invoked on the desert floor

Nazca, Ica, Peru

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Nasca - El Loro
Photo: Photo by Pavel Šplinder

Plan this visit

Practical context before you go

Open in MapsVisit notes
Duration

Part of flight.

Access

Nazca airport.

Etiquette

UNESCO site.

At a glance

Coordinates
-14.6895, -75.1092
Type
Geoglyph
Suggested duration
Part of flight.
Access
Nazca airport.

Pilgrim tips

  • Sun protection.
  • From aircraft.
  • Ground access prohibited.

Continue exploring

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Overview

The Parrot depicts a tropical bird with head, beak, and crest visible. Lower portions partially erased.

The Parrot geoglyph depicts a tropical bird with a visible head, beak, and large crest. The lower portions have been partially erased by erosion and human construction.

Parrots are Amazonian birds — their representation at Nazca indicates cultural contact between coast and jungle. Its partially eroded form adds impermanence to a site defined by endurance.

Part of Líneas de Nazca.

Context and lineage

Amazon exchange.

Nazca cultures.

Paul Kosok

Researcher

Why this place is sacred

A parrot in the desert — a creature of colour drawn in colourless stone. The Nazca Parrot brings the tropical forest onto the arid pampa. Its partially eroded form reminds us that even the desert cannot hold everything forever.

Amazon-coast cultural connection.

Created between 500 BC and 500 AD. Partially damaged.

Traditions and practice

Ritual processions.

Conservation.

Appreciate what remains and what is lost.

Nazca culture religion

Historical

Tropical symbolism.

Ritual.

Experience and perspectives

The head and crest are the clearest elements. The figure rewards knowledge of what was there.

Look for the head first. The Parrot is a fragment.

Impermanence in the Nazca corpus.

Amazon connections.

No living tradition.

N/A.

Original form partially lost.

Visit planning

Nazca airport.

Nazca town.

UNESCO site.

Sun protection.

From aircraft.

None.

Walking prohibited

Plan your visit

Open in Google Maps

Address

8V6R+5WH, Estudiantes 11350, Peru

Hours

Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours

Hours, fees, and access can change — verify on the official source before you travel. Practical details last checked Jun 2026.

Nearby sacred places

Sacred places within a half-day’s reach. Pilgrims often visit them together: walk one, stay for the other.

Nasca - La Flor

Nasca - La Flor

Nazca, Ica, Peru

0.5 km away

Nasca - El Manos

Nasca - El Manos

Nazca, Ica, Peru

0.7 km away

Nasca - El Árbol

Nasca - El Árbol

Nazca, Ica, Peru

0.8 km away

Nasca - La Lagartija

Nasca - La Lagartija

Nazca, Ica, Peru

1.0 km away

References

Sources consulted when researching this page. Independent verification by readers is welcome.

  1. 01Nazca lines - Wikipedia — Wikipedia contributors

Key questions

What pilgrims usually ask

Why is Nasca - El Loro considered sacred?
The Parrot — a tropical bird partially reclaimed by time.
What should I wear at Nasca - El Loro?
Sun protection.
Can I take photos at Nasca - El Loro?
From aircraft.
How long should I spend at Nasca - El Loro?
Part of flight.
How do you visit Nasca - El Loro?
Nazca airport.
What offerings are appropriate at Nasca - El Loro?
None.
What etiquette should visitors follow at Nasca - El Loro?
UNESCO site.
What is the history of Nasca - El Loro?
Amazon exchange.