TOUR TO CHAUCHILLA CEMETERY
Join our Tour to the Chauchilla Cemetery in Nazca and discover one of Peru’s most mysterious archaeological sites. Located in the heart of the Nazca desert, the Chauchilla Cemetery preserves ancient mummies, textiles, skulls, and burial chambers dating back more than 1,000 years.
Trip essentials
Duration
2 hours
Tour Type
Archaeology
Travel Style
Comfort
Physical Rating
Easy
Starting from
TOUR TO CHAUCHILLA CEMETERY
Join our Tour to the Chauchilla Cemetery in Nazca and discover one of Peru’s most mysterious archaeological sites. Located in the heart of the Nazca desert, the Chauchilla Cemetery preserves ancient mummies, textiles, skulls, and burial chambers dating back more than 1,000 years.
“A Private Archaeological Experience in the Heart of the Nazca Desert”
Real Destinations, Real Experiences.
“Discover Peru’s Ancient Burial Grounds”
Chauchilla Cemetery, located in the Nazca Desert of Peru, dates back to around 1000 AD and was used by the Ica Chincha culture. Notably, the site is renowned for its well-preserved mummies, which were naturally dried by the desert climate and buried with pottery, textiles, and personal items. Although looters extensively disturbed ChauchillaCemetery in the past, recent preservation efforts have since improved the site. As a result, visitors today can view mummies in their original tombs, thus offering a unique glimpse into the funerary practices of the ancient pre-Inca people.
“Importance of the Site in Peruvian Culture and Archaeology”
The cemetery’s well-preserved mummies and artifacts provide valuable insights into ancient burial practices, social hierarchies, and daily life in pre-Columbian Peru. Moreover, Chauchilla serves as a testament to the rich and diverse history of Peruvian culture. By highlighting the significance of preserving and studying ancient heritage, the site helps us understand the nation’s past more comprehensively.
“A Unique Desert Destination”
What sets Chauchilla apart is its combination of historical significance and breathtaking scenery. As you wander through the cemetery, you will immerse yourself in the stark beauty of the desert, where rugged terrain and expansive vistas stretch out before you. Furthermore, the contrast between the ancient tombs and the barren landscape enhances the experience, making it truly unforgettable. Each step reveals new insights into the mysteries of the past, enriching your journey with profound discoveries.
“A Haven for Archaeology and History Enthusiasts”
For archaeology and history enthusiasts, Chauchilla Cemetery serves as a remarkable testament to the ancient civilizations that once thrived in Peru’s desert. Additionally, this unique archaeological site presents a treasure trove of insights into the customs, beliefs, and daily life of the pre-Inca people. Consequently, it becomes an ideal destination for those passionate about unraveling the mysteries of the past.
Discover the mysteries of ancient Peru during our Tour to the Chauchilla Cemetery in Nazca. This fascinating private excursion begins at 09:00 AM. with pickup from your hotel in Nazca. Explore the legendary Chauchilla Cemetery, home to remarkably preserved mummies, ancient tombs, skulls, and funerary artifacts from a Pre-Inca culture. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and includes private transportation, guided service, and drop-off at your hotel at the end of the excursion.
- Starting PointYour hotel in Nazca.
- Duration2:00 hours.
- Departure9:00 AM
- Languageenglish
Part I: Journey to the Ancient Chauchilla Cemetery
09:00 h. Our private Tour to the Chauchilla Cemetery begins with pickup from your hotel in Nazca by our local guide. Shortly after, we will travel south along the Pan American Highway, crossing the mysterious desert landscapes surrounding Nazca.
Upon arrival at the legendary Chauchilla Cemetery, we will explore one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Peru. During the guided visit, we will follow a walking circuit through ancient burial chambers containing remarkably preserved mummy bundles, skulls, textiles, and human remains belonging to the ancient pre-Inca culture.
As we continue exploring the cemetery, visitors will discover family tombs, smaller graves, and the famous long human braids still hanging from the walls after centuries in the desert. Along the route, our guide will explain the history, beliefs, and funeral traditions of this mysterious pre-Inca civilization.
Part II: Return to Nazca
After exploring the ancient Chauchilla Cemetery and learning about the secrets of the pre-Inca civilization, we will begin our return journey to the city of Nazca.
Upon arrival in Nazca, our driver will drop you off comfortably at your hotel.
End of the Tour.
What's Included
Pick up from your hotel in Nazca.
Private transportation.
Visit the Chauchilla Graveyard.
English speaking guide & Entrance fees.
Drop off at your hotel at the end of the tour.
What's Not Included
Extras and gratuities.
TRANSPORT
"Transportation for Chauchilla"
Private Transportation
Modern Private Vehicle
What to expect:
Professional Guide.
Comfortable seats.
Safe, smooth and personalized tour.
Local Guide
"Tour in English"
Explore with a Local Expert
English-Speaking Local Guide
What to expect:
Friendly and knowledgeable local guide.
Learn about the history of ancient Pre-Inca cultures.
Fascinating explanations about mummies, tombs, and ancient burial traditions.
Ancient Textiles Revealed the Meaning of Colors
Inside the ancient tombs of Chauchilla, archaeologists discovered large textiles with important symbolic colors used by ancient Andean civilizations. For ancient Peruvians, brown was the traditional color of mourning and was worn during periods of grief and funerals. Interestingly, black symbolized purity and nobility, while red represented power, vitality, and the authority of the Inca rulers.
Burrowing Owls Live Along the Road to Chauchilla
While traveling through the desert toward Chauchilla Cemetery, visitors may spot the famous Burrowing Owl, a small owl that lives underground instead of in trees. These curious birds are active during the day and are commonly seen standing near their burrows in the Nazca desert.
Download Tour PDF
Download this tour PDF brochure and start planning offline
Jim P. / Canada
“We did a private tour to Chauchilla with a guide named Julio who was professional, kind, courteous, and extremely knowledgeable. He spoke excellent English, explained everything in detail, and answered all our questions thoroughly, making our trip very enjoyable and magical.”
Michael M. / USA
“We were stunned to discover open tombs in the middle of nowhere! Grave robbers had ransacked these ancient resting places, stealing valuables and leaving the mummies strewn about. It felt like stepping into another world, filled with eerie remnants of the past.”
Select the day you would like to enjoy this experience.
Selected: June 11th, 2026
