Chauchilla Cemetery - Image 1
1 / 10

Chauchilla Cemetery

4.5
·450 reviews·Nazca, Peru

An ancient Nazca burial ground where remarkably preserved mummies rest in their tombs, offering a haunting glimpse into pre-Incan life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid midday desert heat

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Chauchilla Cemetery - Image 1

Chauchilla Cemetery

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid midday desert heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An ancient Nazca burial ground where remarkably preserved mummies rest in their tombs, offering a haunting glimpse into pre-Incan life.

4.5
(450 reviews)

"It’s haunting, it’s fascinating, and it’s unsettling in a way that sticks with you."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Accessing the Site

It's remote; a 4x4 or guided tour is recommended. Roads can be rough.

💧 Stay Hydrated!

The desert sun is intense. Bring more water than you think you'll need.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Preserved Mummies in Tombs

Preserved Mummies in Tombs

Ancient burial chambers

Witness remarkably preserved mummies in their original tombs, a haunting testament to ancient funerary practices.

Archaeological Artifacts

Archaeological Artifacts

Throughout the cemetery

See remnants of pottery and burial goods, offering glimpses into the lives and beliefs of the Nazca and Wari cultures.

Desert Landscape

Desert Landscape

Surrounding Nazca Desert

Experience the stark beauty of the Nazca desert, the silent guardian of this ancient necropolis.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Respect the Sacred Ground

Chauchilla Cemetery is an ancient burial site. Visitors are urged to stay on marked paths and refrain from touching artifacts to preserve this fragile historical treasure. Looting has already taken a toll, making respectful visitation crucial.

Prepare for the Desert Environment

Located in the arid Nazca desert, expect intense sun and dry conditions. Bring plenty of water, wear sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and comfortable walking shoes. The remoteness means services are limited.

Best Times

When
Morning or late afternoon
Why
Avoid midday desert heat
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We know Peru, we love Peru, and we want to share it with you. ☀️🏜️🇵🇪 📩 peruvianmysteries@gmail.com 📱WhatsApp: +51 950 657 964 #peruvianmysteries #peru #nascalines #turisminperu #turismo #chauchillacemetery #cementeriodechauchilla
peruvianmysteries
9 likes • 150 views

🚗 Accessing the Site

It's remote; a 4x4 or guided tour is recommended. Roads can be rough. TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated!

The desert sun is intense. Bring more water than you think you'll need. Reddit

Among the dunes of the Nasca desert lies a unique place: the Chauchilla Cemetery. 🏜️ An archaeological site full of history, where you can see real mummies and uncover the secrets of the ancient Nasca culture. A different kind of experience that connects you with the past. Would you dare to visit it? #Peru #TravelAgency #Nasca #ChauchillaCemetery #PeruvianHistory #CulturalTourism #TravelPeru #Di...
limaexperienceperu
6 likes • 391 views
Chauchilla cemetery in Nazca. Happy Tour Guide Day in Peru 👏❤️😃🇵🇪 . Es un gran trabajo el que desempeñamos en transmitir nuestro rico pasado histórico, del cual nos sentimos muy orgullosos y nos esforzamos en hacerlo en idiomas extranjeros, y preparándonos profesionalmente, poniendo siempre Alma, Vida y Corazón en cada servicio para que nuestros pasajeros vean que Sí valió la pena y mucho venir a ...
tourguideanasofia
11 likes • 246 views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking on uneven desert terrain. Sturdy shoes are a must. Instagram

💰 Affordable Entry Fee

The entrance fee is very low, making it a budget-friendly historical experience. Reddit

TR/EN Chauchilla Mezarlığı, Peru’nun güney kıyısındaki Nazca kentinin yaklaşık 30 kilometre güneyinde bulunuyor.Tüm cesetler çömelme pozisyonunda bulunuyor ve mumyalanmış bu cesetler, çok iyi korunmuş olarak günümüze kadar gelmiş... The Chauchilla Cemetery is located approximately 30 kilometers south of the city of Nazca on the south coast of Peru. All the corpses are in a crouching position, and...
prehistorya_sanat
364 likes • 18.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Accessing the Site

It's remote; a 4x4 or guided tour is recommended. Roads can be rough. TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated!

The desert sun is intense. Bring more water than you think you'll need. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking on uneven desert terrain. Sturdy shoes are a must. Instagram

💰 Affordable Entry Fee

The entrance fee is very low, making it a budget-friendly historical experience. Reddit

📸 Respectful Photography

Capture the history, but be mindful and respectful of the sacred nature of the site. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(450 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Chauchilla Cemetery is a hauntingly fascinating and unsettling historical site, offering a rare glimpse of remarkably preserved mummies in their ancient tombs. While the raw history is compelling, the site's condition, marked by looting, is a somber reminder of its fragility. Visitors often leave with a profound sense of awe and a deeper appreciation for ancient cultures, despite the tragic impact of past disturbances.

"Tough one to rate. How do you “review” a place where looters have ransacked graves, leaving human bones scattered across the desert? It’s haunting, it’s fascinating, and it’s unsettling in a way that sticks with you.

Full marks for the raw, unfiltered history—actual mummies still sitting in their tombs, preserved by the dry air. But the lack of funding shows. This isn’t some pristine archaeological site; it feels abandoned, which somehow makes it even more tragic. If you’re in Nazca, go. Just be prepared to leave with more questions than answers."

Rich Potter

"This place is amazing and needs to be saved. Already torn to pieces by graverobbers, who threw the mummified remains of the Nasca peoples into the desert. Some have been recreated but all grahe sites have been robbed of the pottery, jewlery, and other "valuables". This is a rare site where the mummies are kept on-site. Please go see this site and promote its protection and welfare. Be respectful and stay in the paths. Only 8 soles to get in and was one of our most memorable places we visited in Perú."

Sarah “Red” Dezelin

"A Nazca cemetery. Great to see how this civilization used to bury their loved ones. Unfortunately all the graves have been looted so there's little left of the pottery and utensils"

Anto Bellog

What People Like

Remarkably preserved mummies
Raw, unfiltered history
Affordable entry fee

What People Dislike

Impact of looting
Lack of funding/maintenance
Remote location

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Chauchilla Cemetery is located about 30 kilometers south of Nazca. The journey involves driving on desert roads, which can be challenging. Many visitors opt for a guided tour or hire a taxi/private car, often a 4x4, for easier access. Some tours combine a visit with the Nazca Lines. TikTokInstagram

Yes, it's possible to visit independently if you have your own vehicle, preferably a 4x4 due to the sandy terrain. However, be prepared for a remote location with limited facilities. Reddit

Public transportation directly to the cemetery is not readily available. Most visitors rely on organized tours or private transportation from Nazca. Instagram

The drive from Nazca to Chauchilla Cemetery typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on road conditions and your mode of transport. Instagram

Absolutely! Many tours and independent itineraries combine a visit to the Chauchilla Cemetery with viewing the Nazca Lines, as they are in the same general region. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is quite affordable, often around 8 soles, making it a very accessible historical site. Reddit

The cemetery is an open-air archaeological site. While official hours might vary, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Some reviews mention it being accessible even during pandemic closures. Reddit

Tickets can usually be purchased on-site. Booking in advance is generally not necessary unless you are part of a pre-arranged tour. Reddit

While not always mandatory, hiring a local guide at the site can greatly enhance your understanding of the history and significance of the cemetery. Instagram

Yes, you can visit independently if you have transportation. However, a guide can provide valuable context about the Nazca and Wari cultures. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll see ancient tombs containing remarkably preserved mummies, some still in their original burial positions. You can also observe remnants of pottery and other artifacts, offering a direct connection to pre-Incan cultures. Instagram+1

Yes, the mummies are real and have been preserved by the dry desert climate. While some graves have been disturbed by looters, many original mummies remain in situ. InstagramReddit

Some visitors report a haunting or eerie atmosphere due to the nature of the site and the presence of human remains. It's a place that evokes a sense of history and mystery. Instagram

The cemetery has unfortunately suffered from looting, with graves disturbed and artifacts removed. This has left some areas looking ransacked, but the preservation of the mummies in situ is still remarkable. Reddit+1

Wear light, breathable clothing suitable for a desert climate. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for navigating the sandy terrain. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed, but it's important to be respectful. Avoid intrusive photography of the mummies and focus on capturing the historical context and the desert landscape. Instagram

Capture the stark desert scenery, the unique tomb structures, and the preserved mummies (from a respectful distance). The contrast between the ancient site and the vast desert is striking. Instagram

While there aren't usually strict rules, always be mindful of the sacred nature of the site. Avoid flash photography directly on the mummies if possible, and never touch or disturb anything for a photo. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light offers softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel for photography, while also being cooler. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area, as it's an archaeological site. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Chauchilla Cemetery can be a fascinating, albeit somber, educational experience for older children interested in history and archaeology. The sight of real mummies can be captivating, but it's important to prepare them for the solemn nature of the site. Ensure they understand the importance of respecting the burial ground and staying on paths. The desert environment requires ample water and sun protection for everyone. Instagram

Consider booking a guided tour that can tailor explanations to a younger audience, focusing on the historical context and cultural practices rather than the more macabre aspects. The drive through the desert can also be an adventure in itself. Remember that the site is remote, so pack snacks and ensure everyone has comfortable footwear for walking. TikTok

🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts

For those passionate about ancient civilizations, Chauchilla Cemetery is a must-visit. It offers a rare opportunity to see mummies in situ, providing direct evidence of Nazca and Wari burial rituals. The site's condition, though impacted by looting, still holds immense historical value, revealing details about their beliefs, social structures, and daily lives through the remaining artifacts and tomb arrangements. InstagramReddit

Engage with local guides if possible, as they can offer deeper insights into the archaeological significance and the ongoing challenges of preservation. Understanding the context of the Nazca Lines and how this cemetery fits into the broader cultural landscape of the region will enrich the experience. Be prepared for a raw, unfiltered historical encounter that sparks curiosity and contemplation. Instagram

👻 Paranormal & Mystery Seekers

Chauchilla Cemetery is often cited as one of Peru's most interesting and eerie places. The presence of ancient mummies in their tombs, combined with the vast, silent desert landscape, creates a uniquely haunting atmosphere. Some visitors report feeling a strong sense of history and even a paranormal presence, making it a draw for those interested in the mysterious and unexplained. Instagram+1

While the site's history is rooted in ancient funerary practices, its reputation for being haunted adds an extra layer of intrigue. Explore the tombs, absorb the atmosphere, and let your imagination wander. Remember to approach the site with respect, even as you seek out its more chilling aspects. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Nazca and Wari Cultures

Chauchilla Cemetery offers a direct window into the funerary practices of the ancient Nazca and Wari civilizations, who inhabited this region between approximately 200 AD and the 9th century. The Nazca are famously known for the enigmatic Nazca Lines, massive geoglyphs etched into the desert floor. Their culture was sophisticated, with advancements in agriculture, textiles, and pottery. The Wari, who later rose to prominence, were known for their empire-building and intricate textiles. The cemetery provides tangible evidence of their burial rituals and beliefs about the afterlife. Instagram+1

The preservation of the mummies is a remarkable feat of nature, largely due to the extremely dry and arid conditions of the Nazca desert. This environment naturally desiccates the bodies, preventing decomposition. The mummies are often found in a seated position, wrapped in textiles, and accompanied by grave goods such as pottery, tools, and personal ornaments. These items offer invaluable insights into their daily lives, social status, and spiritual beliefs. InstagramReddit

Unfortunately, the archaeological integrity of Chauchilla Cemetery has been severely compromised by grave robbers over the centuries. Many tombs have been looted, and artifacts have been stolen or scattered. Despite this, the site remains a crucial location for understanding ancient Peruvian cultures, with many mummies still resting in their original tombs, offering a poignant and haunting connection to the past. Reddit+1

Preservation and Challenges

The Chauchilla Cemetery is a testament to the power of the desert environment in preserving ancient remains. The arid climate acts as a natural embalmer, allowing mummies to survive for centuries with their features and even hair intact. This natural preservation is what makes the site so unique and compelling for visitors, offering an unparalleled glimpse into pre-Columbian funerary customs. InstagramReddit

However, the cemetery faces significant challenges. Looting has been a persistent problem, with grave robbers disturbing tombs in search of valuable artifacts like pottery and jewelry. This has not only led to the loss of historical objects but has also desecrated the burial sites, scattering human remains. Reddit+1 While efforts are made to protect the site, its remote location and open-air nature make it vulnerable. Visitors are strongly encouraged to be respectful, stay on designated paths, and avoid touching any remains or artifacts to help preserve what is left for future generations. Reddit

The site's condition, while impacted by looting, still offers a profound experience. The raw, unfiltered history, with mummies still in their tombs, is both fascinating and unsettling. It serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of historical sites and the importance of conservation efforts. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2