From Ica: 2-Hour Chauchilla Cemetery Tour

Your tour begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel or the bus station in Nazca. After gathering the group, we’ll drive approximately 30 kilometers south through the scenic Nazca Desert toward the Chauchilla Cemetery. During the drive, your guide will introduce you to the rich history of the Nazca culture, whose mysterious Nazca Lines and advanced irrigation systems continue to intrigue researchers and visitors alike.

Upon arrival at Chauchilla Cemetery, you’ll step into an ancient necropolis where rows of mummies rest in their original tombs. These tombs, carefully preserved by the arid climate, offer a unique opportunity to see the ancient burial customs up close. Unlike other sites where mummies are displayed in museums, Chauchilla allows you to see them in their original resting places. Many mummies are positioned in a seated, fetal-like posture—believed to aid their journey into the afterlife—with their clothing and offerings surrounding them.

The dry desert conditions have preserved the mummies remarkably well, with visible hair, textiles, and even skin in some cases. Your guide will explain the significance of these features, offering insights into the Nazca civilization’s beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife. As you walk among the tombs, you’ll also see shards of pottery and other artifacts that tell stories of the lives these people once led.

After exploring the cemetery, you’ll have time to take photos of the breathtaking desert landscape and the ancient tombs before we return to Nazca. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or bus station, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the ancient Nazca civilization and their fascinating burial practices.