Nasca: Cahuachi Pyramids, Aqueducts & Chauchilla Cemetery Tour

Summary

Ancient desert rituals, ingenious aqueducts, and silent tombs in Nasca

You’ll feel the silence of Cahuachi’s pyramids under your feet, cool off by the spiral Cantalloc Aqueducts, and walk among ancient mummies at Chauchilla Cemetery—all with a local guide who brings Nasca’s stories to life. Expect small surprises and moments that stick long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the desert just swallows sound. We were driving out of Nasca, dust curling behind the van, when our guide Julia pointed to a cluster of sandy mounds—Cahuachi. She said people used to gather here for ceremonies, but honestly, standing on those old bricks with the wind tugging at my hat, it felt like time had stopped. Julia handed me a piece of pottery she found half-buried (she said it happens sometimes) and I tried to imagine what this place looked like with crowds and music instead of just us and the sun.

After that we rolled over to the Cantalloc Aqueducts—this part really surprised me. I’d seen pictures but didn’t expect how cool the air felt down by the water, even though everything else was bone dry. Julia explained how these spiral wells still bring water from underground (I tried peering in but got dizzy). There was a faint smell of wet earth—honestly kind of nice after all that dust—and some local kids waved as they biked past. The main keyword here is day trip machu picchu cusco—wait, no, sorry, Nazca aqueducts tour. Got distracted there.

Chauchilla Cemetery was last. It’s quiet in a different way—less wind, more hush. You walk between open graves and see these ancient mummies just sitting there with their hair still braided (that detail stuck with me). Julia told us about the grave goods and why they mattered; I remember her voice going soft when she talked about families visiting their dead for centuries. There’s something odd about laughing near tombs but someone made a joke about sunscreen and we all cracked up anyway.

I keep thinking about that pottery shard in my pocket—I probably shouldn’t have kept it but Julia said it was okay since it wasn’t museum-worthy. The desert light is different out there; it makes you squint but also notice things you’d miss back in town. If you’re even slightly curious about who built those lines or lived between these dunes, this tour sort of lingers with you afterwards.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Nazca pyramids, aqueducts, cemetery

• Discover Cahuachi Pyramids
• Marvel at Nazca Aqueducts
• Explore Chauchilla Cemetery

Top questions

How long does the Nazca trilogy tour take?

The total duration includes travel time; exact hours depend on group pace but covers all three sites in one day.

Are entrance fees included for Cahuachi, Aqueducts & Chauchilla?

Cahuachi is free; Cantalloc Aqueducts cost 10 soles; Chauchilla Cemetery costs 8 soles.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants can join—they may sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram.

What vehicle is used for transport?

An air-conditioned vehicle is provided for comfort during transfers between sites.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, a professional local guide leads the entire experience.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near departure points.

What’s included

Your day includes an expert local guide throughout all three sites—Cahuachi Pyramids, Cantalloc Aqueducts and Chauchilla Cemetery—with comfortable air-conditioned transport between locations so you can focus on exploring without worrying about logistics or desert heat.