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Chauchilla Cemetery
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Historical site
The Chauchilla Cemetery in the Nazca Desert provides a fascinating, albeit gruesome, glimpse into the burial culture of the Nazca civilization. In the open tombs, mummies can be seen that have been naturally preserved for over 1000 years due to the extremely dry desert climate. The deceased are buried in a fetal position and are often still wrapped in their original cotton cloths, with many even having their hair preserved. The cemetery was long subjected to looting by grave robbers ('Huaqueros') until it was placed under state protection in the 1990s. Today, the tombs are scientifically restored and accessible to visitors, making the history of the Nazca tangible.
- Location: Peru
- Top sights: Museo de Chauchilla · Cementerio de Chauchilla
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Apr, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 16 | 15 | 12 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 14 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Chauchilla Cemetery is an outdoor archaeological site where you can see well-preserved mummies in open tombs. Access is with a guide who explains the Nazca cultures.
Typical hours
Typical opening hours are from 8:00 to 17:00 daily, but it is advised to come early to avoid the midday heat. There are no fixed hours outside the travel season.
Photography
Photography of the mummies and tombs is allowed, but without flash to preserve the artifacts. Drones are prohibited out of respect for the site.
Time needed
Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for the guided walk through the cemetery. The drive from Nazca takes about 30 minutes, so plan for a half-day trip.
Combine with
Combine the visit with the Nazca Lines, just a short drive away. The Cantalloc Aqueduct and the town of Nazca itself are also worth seeing.
Getting there
The cemetery is about 30 km south of Nazca, reachable by taxi or organized tour. The road is mostly unpaved; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Insider tip
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water as it gets very hot in the desert. A guide is mandatory; book in advance through a travel agency in Nazca.
Geography
Facts
- The mummies often have very long hair, which was important for religious ceremonies.
- Numerous shards of ancient pottery can still be found on the site's ground today.
- The Nazca often coated the faces of the dead with resin to delay decay.
- The cemetery is located about 30 kilometers south of the modern city of Nazca.
- It is one of the few places in the world where mummies can be viewed in situ in their original tombs.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Chauchilla Cemetery (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special here?
The well-preserved mummies in the graves.
How do I get there?
Best as part of an organized tour from Nazca.
Is there an age limit?
No, but for very small children, the sight can be scary.
How long is the tour?
About 45 minutes are enough.
Is there shade at the cemetery?
Hardly any, bring sunscreen.
Chauchilla Cemetery: where is it located?
Chauchilla Cemetery is located in Peru.
Chauchilla Cemetery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museo de Chauchilla, Cementerio de Chauchilla.
Chauchilla Cemetery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Apr, Dec.
Chauchilla Cemetery: why is it worth visiting?
The Chauchilla Cemetery in the Nazca Desert provides a fascinating, albeit gruesome, glimpse into the burial culture of the Nazca civilization.
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