Chauchillas Ancient Tombs – Nazcas Burial Site Journey

Set out on a captivating journey to the Chauchillas Ancient Tombs, a remarkable pre-Inca necropolis in Nazca. This tour offers the chance to explore well-preserved mummies, skeletons, and artifacts over 1,000 years old. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the fascinating burial practices of the Ica-Chincha culture. But the experience doesn’t end there – uncover the secrets of ceramist workshops and informal gold mining sites, all while enjoying the scenic drive through this archaeological wonder.

Key Points

• Explore the pre-Inca Chauchilla Cemetery, a well-preserved necropolis featuring ancient tombs, mummies, and artifacts dating back over 1,000 years.
• Enjoy a guided tour with insights into the Ica-Chincha culture and the burial practices of the Nazca civilization.
• Witness a ceramist workshop showcasing traditional Nazca craftsmanship and visit an informal gold mining site.
• Experience a 30-minute scenic drive from Nazca to the archaeological site, with hotel pickup and private transportation included.
• Prepare for the tour with comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and bring snacks to enhance the overall experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Chauchillas Ancient Tombs tour provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore a well-preserved pre-Inca necropolis and gain insights into the Ica-Chincha culture.

A well-preserved pre-Inca necropolis offering insight into the Ica-Chincha culture through a unique exploration opportunity.

Priced at $40 per person, the 3-hour excursion includes hotel pickup, private transportation, and a guided tour of the ancient burial site.

Guests will discover remarkably intact mummies, skeletons, and artifacts dating back over 1,000 years.

The tour also features a visit to a ceramist workshop and a stop at an informal gold mining site.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a minimum of 2 passengers is required for the tour to depart.

Itinerary and Activities

After being picked up from their hotel in Nazca, guests embark on a 30-minute bus/coach journey to the Chauchilla Cemetery.

There, a guided tour awaits, allowing them to explore:

1. The ancient tombs, well-preserved mummies, and artifacts dating back over 1,000 years to the Ica-Chincha culture.

2. The archaeological zone, where they can examine tombs, skeletons, skulls, and mummified bodies, including children.

3. A ceramist workshop showcasing the Nazca civilization and its ceramic-making techniques.

4. An informal mining site for gold extraction.

Finally, guests are transported back to their hotel in Nazca.

Highlights and Features

Chauchillas Ancient Tombs offers an immersive archaeological experience, enabling visitors to explore a historical necropolis and gain insights into the pre-Inca Ica-Chincha culture. Highlights include ancient tombs, well-preserved mummies, and a wealth of artifacts. The tour also features a scenic drive and a visit to a ceramist workshop showcasing Nazca civilization and ceramic-making techniques. Guests can skip the line with express security checks, while a live guide is available in Spanish and English to provide in-depth commentary.

| Highlights | Features |

| — | — |

| Ancient Tombs | Scenic Drive |

| Mummified Remains | Ceramist Workshop |

| Archaeological Insights | Live Guided Tour |

| Pre-Inca Culture | Express Security Check |

| Artifact Exploration | Ica-Chincha Culture |

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Chauchillas Ancient Tombs tour includes pickup from your hotel in Nazca, private transportation, entrance fees, and a professional guide who can provide commentary in both Spanish and English.

The tour excludes food, drinks, and any other unspecified services.

To make the most of your experience, consider bringing:

1. Comfortable walking shoes

2. Sunglasses and a sun hat

3. Sunscreen

4. Water and snacks (as there may not be opportunities to purchase them on-site)

The tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the ancient Nazca burial site and gain insights into the pre-Inca culture.

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Important Information and Recommendations

To make the most of your Chauchillas Ancient Tombs tour, there are a few important recommendations to keep in mind.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen, as you’ll be exploring an outdoor archaeological site.

Check with the tour operator for available start times, as schedules may vary. Solo travelers can inquire about joining existing groups.

While the itinerary is generally set, it’s subject to change, so be flexible.

With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the fascinating history and mummified remains of this ancient Nazca necropolis.

Exploring the Chauchilla Cemetery

Although it lies about 30 minutes from Nazca, the Chauchilla Cemetery offers a unique window into the region’s precolonial past.

Visitors can explore the well-preserved mummies, skeletons, and artifacts that date back over 1,000 years.

The experience provides:

1. A glimpse into the funerary practices of the Ica-Chincha culture.

2. An up-close encounter with the mummified remains of their ancestors.

3. Insights into the advanced preservation techniques used by these ancient people.

4. A sense of the reverence they held for their dead and their commitment to honoring their legacy.

Discovering the Nazca Civilization’s Burial Practices

Exploring the Chauchilla Cemetery offers only a glimpse into the complex burial practices of the Nazca civilization.

The well-preserved mummies, skeletons, and artifacts found here provide insights into how the Nazcas honored their dead. Interred in elaborate tombs, the deceased were adorned with jewelry and surrounded by personal belongings, reflecting their status and identity.

Children were often buried with their parents, showcasing the importance of family. These ancient burial sites, dating back over 1,000 years, offer a rare window into the rich cultural traditions of the Nazca people, whose advanced engineering and art continue to captivate visitors today.

Experiencing the Ceramist Workshop and Gold Extraction Site

Beyond the ancient tombs, the tour also takes visitors to a ceramist workshop and a nearby informal gold extraction site.

Here, travelers can:

1. Observe skilled artisans demonstrating the traditional techniques of Nazca ceramic-making, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

2. Explore the makeshift gold mining operation, where locals use rudimentary methods to extract the precious metal from the earth, offering a unique perspective on the area’s informal economy.

3. Learn about the interplay between the ancient Nazca civilization and the present-day communities that continue to shape the region.

4. Appreciate the multifaceted nature of the Chauchillas tour, which encompasses both historical and contemporary aspects of the local landscape.

Since You Asked

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Tombs?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photographs inside the ancient tombs, but they should be mindful of the fragility of the site and avoid touching or disturbing the artifacts and mummified remains.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, but children under 12 years old are required to be accompanied by an adult. The experience is suitable for all ages, though visitors should be able to navigate uneven terrain.

Is the Tour Accessible for People With Disabilities?

The tour is wheelchair-accessible, though some areas of the ancient tombs may be challenging. Guests with mobility issues should coordinate with the tour operator in advance to ensure their needs can be accommodated.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Tour Sites?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the tour sites. The itinerary includes a stop at a ceramist workshop showcasing Nazca civilization and ceramic-making techniques, where travelers can browse and buy handcrafted souvenirs.

Are There Any Safety Precautions I Should Be Aware Of?

Visitors should exercise caution when exploring the ancient tombs, as the site may have uneven terrain and some delicate artifacts. Wearing proper footwear and sun protection is recommended. The tour guide will provide safety instructions throughout the visit.

The Sum Up

The Chauchillas Ancient Tombs offer a unique glimpse into the Ica-Chincha culture’s burial practices. Visitors can explore well-preserved mummies, skeletons, and artifacts, while also experiencing a ceramist workshop and an informal gold mining site. This captivating tour provides an insightful understanding of the Nazca civilization’s history and is an excellent opportunity for those interested in archaeology and pre-Inca cultures.

You can check availability for your dates here: