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Archaeological site · Nazca, Ica
Cementerio de Chauchilla
Pre-Hispanic cemetery in the desert, about 30 km south of Nazca, with open tombs where seated mummies can be seen, wrapped in textiles and with hair preserved by the dry climate.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cementerio de Chauchilla
The Cemitério de Chauchilla is in the desert, about 30 km south of Nazca, near the vale do rio Poroma. Burials began around the year 200 and continued until the 9th century, covering the Nazca culture and the later period. The desert's dry climate preserved the bodies, textiles and even hair.
For decades the site was looted by tomb raiders, who looked for pottery and textiles to sell and left bones and remains scattered in the sand. In the 1990s archaeologists recovered the material and reorganized the tombs, and the cemetery was opened to visitors.
The route follows a path with walkways between about ten open tombs covered by thatched roofs. Inside them, the mummies appear seated, in fetal position as they were buried, wrapped in cotton fabrics, some with long braids. The tomb walls are made of adobe and clay.
The cemetery is in an open area with no shade. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water. The road to the site includes an unpaved stretch.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour at the site, plus 30–40 minutes of road from Nazca each way.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the strong midday sun. Combine it with the flight in the morning and Chauchilla in the afternoon, or vice versa. Confirm schedules before going.
How to get there
It is about 30 km south of Nazca via the Panamericana Sur and a roughly 10 km dirt road. City agencies sell the half-day tour, and taxis make the trip with waiting.
Tip
Go with a guide to understand the funerary rituals and the history of the looting. On the way back, ask to stop at the Cantalloc aqueducts.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cementerio de Chauchilla
Are the Chauchilla mummies original?
Yes. They are bodies buried between the years 200 and 900, preserved by the dry climate, with textiles and hair. The tombs were reorganized after the looting.
What to bring for Chauchilla?
Hat, sunscreen and water. The site is open and has no shade outside the covered tombs.
Can you go without an agency?
Yes, by taxi with waiting, via the Panamericana Sur and a dirt road. The agency tour includes a guide.