Sacred sites in Peru
Pre-Columbian

Nasca - El Pelícano

Nearly three hundred metres of zigzagging neck — the longest figurative geoglyph and the most liquid in its geometry

Nazca, Ica, Peru

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Nasca - El Pelícano
Photo: Photo by Diego Delso

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
-14.7120, -75.1350
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

At approximately two hundred and eighty-five metres, the Pelican is one of the longest figurative geoglyphs. Its zigzagging neck is the most dynamic element in the Nazca corpus.

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 gives way to a lengthy zigzagging neck ending in a narrow head and beak.

The zigzagging neck may represent the bird's fishing motion or carry symbolic meaning related to water's sinuous paths.

Part of Líneas de Nazca.

Context and lineage

Water worship.

Nazca and Paracas cultures.

Paul Kosok

First aerial researcher

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.

Traditions and practice

Ritual processions.

Conservation.

Follow the neck.

Nazca culture religion

Historical

Water symbolism.

Water worship.

Experience and perspectives

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.

Liquid geometry in the desert.

Coastal seabird.

No living tradition.

N/A.

Species debated.

Visit planning

Nazca airport.

Nazca town.

UNESCO site.

Sun protection.

From aircraft.

None.

Walking prohibited

Plan your visit

Open in Google Maps

Address

PE-1S, 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.

Líneas de Nazca

Líneas de Nazca

Nazca, Ica, Peru

0.6 km away

Nasca - El Mono

Nasca - El Mono

Nazca, Ica, Peru

0.7 km away

Nasca - El Perro

Nasca - El Perro

Nazca, Ica, Peru

1.1 km away

Nasca - La Ballena

Nasca - La Ballena

Nazca, Ica, Peru

1.4 km away

References

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

  1. 01Nazca lines - Wikipedia — Wikipedia contributors
  2. 02SA Vacations — SA Vacations

Key questions

What pilgrims usually ask

Why is Nasca - El Pelícano considered sacred?
The Pelican — 285 metres in the Nazca desert.
What should I wear at Nasca - El Pelícano?
Sun protection.
Can I take photos at Nasca - El Pelícano?
From aircraft.
How long should I spend at Nasca - El Pelícano?
Part of flight.
How do you visit Nasca - El Pelícano?
Nazca airport.
What offerings are appropriate at Nasca - El Pelícano?
None.
What etiquette should visitors follow at Nasca - El Pelícano?
UNESCO site.
What is the history of Nasca - El Pelícano?
Water worship.