Nasca - El Pelícano
Part ofLíneas de Nazca
Nearly three hundred metres of zigzagging neck — the longest figurative geoglyph and the most liquid in its geometry
Understand sacred places, explore living traditions, and learn how to engage respectfully with Pilgrim Map.
Access has not been verified. Check current local guidance before planning a visit.
Nazca, Ica, Peru
Read the sources
Image of Nasca - El Pelícano. Image source · CC-BY-SA-4.0
Visit essentials
A quick read before you go
- Duration
- Part of flight.
- Access
- Nazca airport.
Overview
At approximately two hundred and eighty-five metres, the Pelican—also called the Alcatraz, Phoenix, or Flamingo—is one of the longest figurative geoglyphs. Its stunted winged body leads into a long zigzagging neck and narrow beaked head. The neck may portray the bird's fishing motion or symbolise water's sinuous paths.
Why this place is sacred
The Pelican's neck zigzags across the desert for hundreds of metres, a line that refuses to be straight in a landscape dominated by straight lines. The sinuous path invokes water itself — the meandering of rivers, the curving of coastlines. The longest figurative geoglyph is also the most liquid in its geometry.
Part of water worship.
Created between 500 BC and 500 AD.
Experience and orientation
The zigzagging neck unfolds beneath the aircraft like a river drawn on the desert floor. The figure reveals itself sequentially.
Follow the neck. Experience it as motion, not image.
Context and lineage
Water worship.
Nazca and Paracas cultures.
Paul Kosok
First aerial researcher
Traditions and practice
Ritual processions.
Conservation.
Follow the neck.
Nazca culture religion
HistoricalWater symbolism.
Water worship.
Perspectives and open questions
Liquid geometry in the desert.
Scholarly perspective
Coastal seabird.
Living and traditional perspectives
No living tradition.
Alternative interpretations
N/A.
Open questions
Species debated.
Plan your visit
Access and arrival
Nazca airport.
Nazca town.
Respectful visit
Sun protection.
From aircraft.
None.
Walking prohibited
Ground access prohibited.
Current practical details
Address
PE-1S, 11350, Peru
Hours
Hours, fees, and access can change — verify on the official source before you travel. Practical details last checked Jun 2026.
Location
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Pilgrim reflections
A portrait of encounter, not a score
Pilgrims describe what they felt, how present they could become, and whether the place would shape a journey. There are no stars and no ranking of traditions.
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Nearby sacred places
Explore other sacred places in the region. Proximity does not establish access or travel time; check each place’s guidance.
References
Sources consulted for this page. Source categories describe the publication, not a guarantee that every claim is verified. Traditional accounts and outside interpretations may differ.
- 01Nazca lines - Wikipedia — Wikipedia contributorsencyclopedia935ft/285m measurement
- 02SA Vacations — SA VacationsguideZigzagging neck description
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