Chauchilla Cemetery
Cemetery Pre-Columbian cemetery near Nazca, preserved mummies and tombs
Chauchilla Cemetery outside Nazca preserves pre-Hispanic mummies and funerary tombs; visitors see exposed graves, skeletal remains and learn about burial practices during Nazca-period tours.
Chauchilla Cemetery is a pre-Columbian burial ground and archaeological site in the Ica Region of southern Peru, associated with the Nazca culture. The site is famous for its preserved human remains, burial shafts and funerary textiles exposed in sand-lined tombs.
Visitors encounter mud-brick tombs, skeletal remains and bundles of grave goods that survived in the arid desert environment; many of the mummies display preserved hair and textiles. Conservation measures and an on-site visitor area allow viewing while protecting the better-preserved tombs and remains.
The cemetery is located in the desert to the south of the town of Nazca in the Ica Department, accessible by road from Nazca and situated within the wider Nazca archaeological landscape.
- Nazca mummies and textiles: The cemetery contains well-preserved mummies and funerary textiles of the Nazca culture and is one of the best-known ancient burial sites in southern Peru.
- Access from Nazca: Located along the desert south of the town of Nazca, the site can be visited by road from Nazca as a short excursion off the Pan-American Highway.
How to Get to Chauchilla Cemetery #
From the town of Nazca, the site is a roughly 30-40 minute drive south along the Panamericana Sur (Route 1). Local colectivos and tourist buses stop at the small visitor center; many travelers hire a taxi or join an organized tour from Nazca.
Tips for Visiting Chauchilla Cemetery #
- Combine a visit with the Nazca Lines schedule-many visitors fly over the lines in the morning and drive to Chauchilla afterward.
- Hire a local guide at the small visitor center; guides can point out grave goods and explain motifs that are easy to miss.
- Bring sun protection and water-there's very little shade at the excavation park.
Best Time to Visit Chauchilla Cemetery #
Visit during the dry season (May-October) for the most comfortable conditions and best visibility.
Weather & Climate near Chauchilla Cemetery #
Chauchilla Cemetery's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 12°C to 29°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
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December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and partly cloudy skies.
