Nasca: Cantalloc Aqueducts Day Trip & Inca Ruins Tour

Summary

Ancient aqueducts in nazca valley with inca ruins and trapezoid views

You’ll walk ancient Inca ruins near Nazca, climb a small hill for an up-close look at a Nazca Line shape, then wander the spiraling Cantalloc aqueducts with a local guide who shares stories about life here. Expect quiet moments among old stones, real insight into hydraulic engineering, and glimpses of working fields before heading back to town.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our driver waving to a farmer as we left Nazca — just a little nod, but it set the mood. Our guide, Mariela, chatted about growing up nearby and how her grandfather used to bring her to the Cantalloc aqueducts when she was a kid. The road out of town was dusty and quiet, except for the odd rooster somewhere behind a wall. I tried to say “Caxamarca” right (Li laughed at my accent), and then we were already pulling up at these old stone walls that used to be an Inca tambo. It’s strange — you can almost feel how many feet have passed through there over centuries.

We wandered among the stones while Mariela explained how travelers would rest here back when the empire stretched all along this coast. I touched one of the walls (probably not allowed?), cool under my hand even though the sun was getting hot. There’s something about standing in a place that’s been useful for so long — makes you rethink what “old” means. After that, we stopped at Las Agujas; from this little hilltop you can actually see one of those Nazca Lines shapes, a huge trapezoid just lying there in the dust. It’s weirdly quiet up there, except for wind and someone’s radio drifting from far off.

The main event was definitely Cantalloc itself. The aqueducts are these spiraling stone funnels — like giant snail shells leading underground — built by people who really understood water and survival. Mariela showed us how some of them still carry water for fields of cotton and corn (depending on season), which I didn’t expect at all. She picked up a bit of cotton fluff and handed it to me; it felt soft but gritty from the dust. We talked about how the Nazca managed irrigation in such a dry place — honestly, I still think about that ingenuity sometimes when I turn on my tap back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Nazca Valley and Cantalloc Aqueducts

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive to upper Nazca Valley
• Visit Inca ruins of Caxamarca
• Explore stone enclosures with guide
• Visit Las Agujas archaeological area
• Learn about Nazca Lines
• Visit Cantalloc aqueducts
• Discuss ancient hydraulic engineering
• Return to Nazca

Top questions

How do I get to the Cantalloc Aqueducts from Nazca?

The tour includes pickup from your hotel in Nazca with private transportation directly to Cantalloc.

Are entrance fees included in this day trip?

Yes, all entry fees are covered as part of your booking.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited fitness?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels with gentle walking only.

Will I see any Nazca Lines during this tour?

You’ll visit Las Agujas where you can view a large trapezoid design from atop a small hill.

Who leads the tour? Is there an English-speaking guide?

A professional local guide leads the tour and speaks both Spanish and English.

What else will I see besides aqueducts?

You’ll also visit Inca ruins at Caxamarca and see surrounding plantations depending on season.

How long does the day trip last?

The excursion is half-day; exact timing depends on group pace but includes all stops before returning to Nazca.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Nazca, private transportation throughout the valley, entry fees at every stop, and guidance from a professional bilingual local expert before returning comfortably to town.