From Nazca || Excursion to the Chauchilla cemetery ||

Exploring the Chauchilla Cemetery from Nazca
Getting a glimpse into Peru’s past doesn’t always mean visiting grand museums or ancient ruins. Sometimes, a short trip to an open desert necropolis like Chauchilla offers an intensely visceral connection to history. For just $72 per person, this 2-hour excursion from Nazca takes you to Peru’s unique pre-Incan cemetery, where well-preserved mummies in open tombs tell stories etched in the desert sands.

Our guides, speaking both Spanish and English, make sure the journey is not just educational but engaging. We love the fact that this trip is short and manageable—perfect for fitting into a broader travel schedule—and that it offers the chance to see mummies in surprisingly good condition despite their age. The main drawback? Because you’re exploring an open-air necropolis in the middle of the desert, you should be prepared for exposure to the sun and the unsettling ambiance of ancient graves.

This tour is best suited for history buffs, curious travelers, or those interested in Peru’s lesser-known archaeological sites. If you’re someone who enjoys authentic experiences with a slightly eerie edge, this visit to Chauchilla will satisfy that craving.

Key Points

• Unique Experience: The only cemetery in Peru where mummies can be seen in an open-air setting.
• Authentic and Offbeat: Offers a rare glimpse into pre-Incan burial practices, far from tourist-heavy sites.
• Good Preservation: Despite their age, the mummies are remarkably well-preserved, sparking curiosity and awe.
• Educational Guides: Guides speak both Spanish and English, ensuring clarity and context.
• Short and Focused: The 2-hour tour is ideal for travelers with tight schedules or those seeking a quick, impactful visit.
• Limited Included Expenses: Entrance fee not included; it’s a must-see for those willing to pay an additional fee to access the site.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Chauchilla Cemetery Tour

What’s Included and How It Works

When booking this tour, your journey begins with a hotel pickup in Nazca—a convenient start that means you don’t have to worry about transportation. The minibus takes you in about 25 minutes to the desert plains of Ica where Chauchilla is located. Once at the site, you’ll spend approximately two hours exploring the 12 different tombs.

Your guide will lead you through the open-air necropolis, pointing out the mummies and their postures, asking questions such as “Why are they like this?” and “What secrets do their positions hold?” As you walk among the tombs, you’ll notice the good condition of the mummies—a testament to the dry desert climate that naturally preserves these ancient remains.

The Tombs and Their Stories

The 12 tombs lie scattered across the desert, each revealing different burial practices and artifacts. Because these tombs are pre-Incan, they predate the Inca Empire’s influence, making them some of the oldest and best-preserved in Latin America. The site’s open-air design makes for a slightly eerie but fascinating experience, especially as you see mummies in various postures, some with cloth wrappings and others exposed to the elements.

The condition of the mummies surprises many visitors, who expect more deterioration. The desert’s dry conditions have helped keep the remains surprisingly intact, giving a real sense of walking through a prehistoric scene. Our guide might share insights about the burial customs of the people buried here—how they prepared their dead, what they believed about the afterlife, and the significance of their postures and grave goods.

The Experience and Atmosphere

The disturbing yet fascinating atmosphere of the necropolis is part of what makes this tour memorable. The creepy ambiance is heightened by the desert wind, the exposed mummies, and the sense of stepping into an ancient story. Several travelers have mentioned that the experience can be “disturbing and creepy” but also “totally worth it” for the rare chance to see mummies in their natural state.

The guided commentary elevates the experience, providing context that makes each tomb’s story more meaningful. The guides are noted for their knowledgeable explanations that help decode the postures and arrangements of the mummies, giving you a deeper understanding of the cultural practices of this ancient civilization.

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Practicalities and Tips

• Entrance fee: Not included in the $72 price—be prepared to pay this separately.
• Timing: Tours last about two hours; check availability to see the start times.
• Weather considerations: Since the site is exposed, bring sunscreen, a hat, and water.
• Photography: Allowed, but be respectful; avoid flash to help preserve the mummies.
• Accessibility: The terrain is uneven; if mobility is an issue, plan accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re interested in less conventional archaeological sites, enjoy authentic, offbeat experiences, or are fascinated by mummies and burial customs, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides and want a clear, insightful narrative to accompany their visit.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those looking for a unique, authentic glimpse into Peru’s ancient past, the Chauchilla cemetery provides a compelling experience. It’s unlike the more polished, heavily touristed sites, offering a raw, almost surreal window to ancient burial practices. While the disturbing atmosphere might be a consideration for some, many find it adds to the sense of discovery and connection to history.

The tour’s short duration makes it an excellent add-on if you’re already exploring Nazca or Ica, without demanding a full day of your itinerary. The knowledgeable guides make all the difference, turning a simple visit into a meaningful story about the people who once called this place home.

In terms of value, paying around $72 for this unique glimpse into the past seems fair, especially given the good preservation of the mummies and the insightful commentary. If you’re curious about pre-Incan cultures and enjoy authentic, slightly eerie archaeological sites, this tour deserves a spot on your travel list.

FAQ

How long is the Chauchilla cemetery tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, including transportation and exploration time.

What’s the starting time for this tour?
You’ll need to check the specific availability when booking, as the starting times can vary.

Is transportation included?
Yes, a minibus takes you from your Nazca hotel to the site and back.

Do I need to pay the entrance fee separately?
Yes, the entrance fee is not included in the $72 price and needs to be paid on-site.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Mostly yes, but consider the uneven terrain and exposure if traveling with young children or mobility-restricted individuals.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak both Spanish and English, making the experience accessible for most travelers.

Can I take photos?
Yes, photography is permitted, but be mindful of flash to help preserve the mummies and respect the site.

Is this a good experience for history enthusiasts?
Absolutely, the well-preserved mummies and informative guides make it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in ancient cultures.

How far is the site from Nazca?
It’s approximately 25 minutes by minibus, a quick trip that’s easy to fit into your schedule.

In sum, this tour provides a rare, authentic opportunity to step into Peru’s ancient past. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager for a meaningful, slightly eerie experience with knowledgeable guides. While there are a few considerations like extra fees and the outdoor environment, the unique insights and well-preserved mummies make it a worthwhile adventure for those wanting to go beyond the usual tourist attractions.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby