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Welcome to our Tour to the Chauchilla Cemetery, a fascinating and unique experience in the Nazca desert.
Step back in time and explore with our local guide an old civilization that thrived in the region long before the Incas.
This is a PRIVATE TOUR SERVICE, which includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, and covers all fees.
Join us on this archaeological excursion and visit one of the largest burial grounds in the Peruvian desert.
The Chauchilla Graveyard is located in the Tranca Valley, some 28 kilometers away from the modern town of Nazca.
Once a sanctuary of eternal rest, Chauchilla fell victim to the relentless pursuit of treasure hunters, whose greed and ambition led them to ransack the site.
Today, as we walk around the site, we can see large tombs holding the remains of the ancient people who used to live at the site.
Despite this destruction, the Chauchilla Cemetery remains an important and fascinating site for archaeologists and visitors alike.
Here, the mummies rest alongside an array of ancient artifacts, offering a glimpse into a civilization that thrived around 1000 AD.
It is the only archaeological site in Peru where ancient mummies can be seen in their original graves.
The past comes alive as you stand before these remarkable relics, feeling the resonance of a time that continues to echo through the ages.
During our visit, we will also go to the Chauchilla Museum, which displays well-preserved mummies and a small collection of ceramics.
But our journey doesn’t end here. Our tour also includes visits to a Nazca ceramic workshop.
At the ceramic workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to see how traditional Nazca pottery is made and learn more about their techniques.
The Nazca people were known for their intricate pottery designs and skilled craftsmanship, and you’ll be able to see this firsthand at the workshop.
Join us on this fascinating journey through history as we explore the Chauchilla Cemetery and learn about the ancient people who once lived in this region.
Our knowledgeable guides will provide you with detailed information about the site and its history, as well as answer any questions you may have.
We look forward to sharing this unique Tour to the Chauchilla Cemetery with you!
Tour Descritpion
Part I:
09:00 h. Our tour begins at your hotel; our local guide will pick you up from there.
Shortly after, we drive to the south of Nazca, following the Pan American Highway.
In the graveyard of Chauchilla, we will visit twelve tombs with mummy bundles.
The site is large, therefore we will follow a circuit, visiting the tombs one by one.
Among the tombs, we will find family graves, as well as small graves for couples.
Perhaps, the most bizarre of all is the long human braids, hanging on the walls.
Along the path, we will also find corpses of babies in small circular tombs.
Our guide will show you around and will provide information about this ancient culture.
Additionally, we will also visit a small room with well-preserved bodies and relics.
Part II:
After touring around Chauchilla, we will go back to the city of Nasca.
Once in Nazca, we will visit a ceramic studio where we will learn a bit about ancient Nazca art.
A craftsman will give us detailed information about the elaboration of making pottery.
Finally, we will return to Nazca. Upon arrival, our driver will drop you off at your hotel.
End of the tour.
See Map of Chauchilla Cemetery here.
PICK-UP TIME: 10:00 h.
PICK-UP LOCATION: Your hotel in Nazca.
TOUR DURATION: Your hotel in Nazca.
DROP-OFF LOCATION: Your hotel in Nazca.
NOT INCLUDED:
1° – Contact us via WhatsApp to confirm the availability of the tour you wish.
2° – Once availability is confirmed, please send us an email with the following information:
3° – Proceed with your payment online through our web.
4° – Finally, receive confirmation via e-mail or WhatsApp.
Change of Tour Date:
You can change the date of your trip at least 3 days of anticipation at no extra charge.
Cancellations:
If you cancel your tour 48 hours before the tour begins, we will charge an administration fee of 20%.
No Shows:
100% cancellation fee.
Important:
Refunds are not issued due to inclement weather or any other problems caused by a third party.
Where is the Chauchilla Cemetery located?
The Chauchilla Cemetery is located in the Nazca Desert, about 28 kilometers south of the town of Nazca in Peru.
What is the significance of the Chauchilla Cemetery?
The Chauchilla Cemetery is an ancient burial ground that dates back to the Ica-Chincha culture, which flourished between 1000 AD.
It is known for its well-preserved mummified remains and artifacts, providing insights into the burial practices and beliefs of the Peruvian people.
How old are the mummies found in the Chauchilla Cemetery?
The mummies found in the Chauchilla Cemetery are estimated to be around 1,000 to 1,500 years old.
What is the condition of the mummies in the Chauchilla Cemetery?
The mummies in the Chauchilla Cemetery are remarkably well-preserved due to the arid climate of the Nazca Desert.
The dry and sandy conditions helped in the natural mummification process, resulting in the survival of the mummies for centuries.
Can visitors enter the Chauchilla Cemetery?
Yes, visitors are allowed to enter the Chauchilla Cemetery.
Mystery Peru organizes private tours to Chauchilla with professional english speaking guidance.
When visiting Chauchilla it is important to respect the site and follow any guidelines or restrictions set by the authorities to ensure the preservation of the mummies.
Are there any restrictions on photography or touching the mummies in the Chauchilla Cemetery?
Generally, photography is allowed in the Chauchilla Cemetery, but it is advisable to check with the tour guide or local authorities for any specific restrictions.
Touching the mummies is strictly prohibited to prevent damage and ensure their preservation.
How can I reach the Chauchilla Cemetery?
The Chauchilla Cemetery is accessible by road from the town of Nazca.
Visitors can either join guided tours that include transportation or hire a taxi or private vehicle to reach the site.
It is advisable to arrange transportation in advance and check the availability of tours or guides.
Are there any other archaeological sites to visit near the Chauchilla Cemetery?
Yes, there are several other notable archaeological sites near the Chauchilla Cemetery.
The most famous one is the Nazca Lines, a series of ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor.
Other sites include the Cahuachi Pyramids, the Cantalloc Aqueducts, and the Antonini Museum, which displays artifacts from the Nazca culture.
What should I bring or prepare for a visit to the Chauchilla Cemetery?
It is recommended to bring sun protection like hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses, as the Nazca Desert can be extremely sunny and hot. Comfortable walking shoes, water, and insect repellent are also essential.
Additionally, bring a camera for capturing the surroundings but ensure to respect any photography guidelines set by the authorities.
FACTS ABOUT CHAUCHILLA CEMETERY
Ancient Burial Ground:
Chauchilla Cemetery is an ancient burial ground that dates back to the Ica-Chincha culture, which flourished around 1000 AC.
It is actually one of the largest of necropolis of Peru, with about 2 kilometres long and about 300 metres wide.
Preservation:
Chauchilla is known for its remarkable preservation of mummified remains, artifacts, and pottery from the Ica-Chincha civilization.
The dry desert climate and the burial methods used by the Nazca people contributed to the exceptional preservation of the site.
Mummification:
The Ica-Chincha people practiced mummification, and the bodies found in Chauchilla Cemetery are remarkably well-preserved.
The corpses were placed in a fetal position and wrapped in several layers of textiles before being buried in mud brick tombs.
Grave Desecration:
For many years Chauchilla cemetery was looted by treasure hunters, who destroyed the place almost completely.
The tomb robbers took away all the treasures the mummies kept in their tombs for centuries.
Grave robbers just left behind the corpses, which can be seen today inside their genuine tombs.
Open to the Public:
Chauchilla Cemetery is now open to the public as a tourist attraction and an archaeological site.
Visitors can explore the cemetery and view the mummies and artifacts that have been restored and put on display.
Cultural Significance:
The artifacts and mummies found in Chauchilla Cemetery provide valuable insights into the funerary practices, beliefs, and daily life of the pre-Inca civilizations.
They have contributed to our understanding of this ancient cultures.
