Archaeological sites in Nasca

Nasca Highlights

Nasca is defined by its enigmatic desert geoglyphs, including the iconic Hummingbird and Spider figures etched into the arid plains. Beyond the lines, the region features the massive adobe ceremonial center of Cahuachi and the Cantalloc Aqueducts, a sophisticated pre-Columbian hydraulic system still in use. The Chauchilla Cemetery preserves mummified remains in open tombs, while the Antonini Didactic Museum displays archaeological finds from the Cahuachi excavations, providing historical context for the Nazca and Inca civilizations.

Nasca Highlights — Map

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A

Chauchilla Cemetery

Chauchilla Cemetery is a cemetery that contains prehispanic mummified human remains and archeological artifacts, located 30 kilometres…

B

Lineas de Nasca

Massive ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor, depicting animals, plants, and geometric shapes created by the Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE.

C

Museo Didactico Antonini

Archaeological museum displaying textiles, pottery, and trophy heads recovered from the Cahuachi ceremonial center, managed by the Italian Archaeological Mission.

D

Acueductos de Cantalloc

A system of over 40 ancient underground aqueducts built by the Nazca culture. These stone-lined channels feature distinct spiral ventilation shafts and still provide water for local agriculture.

E

Los Paredones

An Inca administrative center constructed with adobe and carved stone. It served as a strategic waypoint and control center connecting the coast with the Andean highlands.

F

Cementerio de Cahuachi

Burial grounds associated with the Cahuachi ceremonial center, once a major pilgrimage site featuring massive adobe pyramids and platforms overlooking the Nazca River valley.

G

Hummingbird

The Nazca Lines are a group of very large geoglyphs made in the soil of the Nazca Desert in southern Peru.

H

Monkey

The Nazca lines are a group of geoglyphs made in the soil of the Nazca Desert in southern Peru.

I

Spider

The Nazca Lines are a group of very large geoglyphs made in the soil of the Nazca Desert in southern Peru.

J

Condor

The Nazca lines are a group of geoglyphs made in the soil of the Nazca Desert in southern Peru.

K

Hands

The Nazca lines are a group of geoglyphs made in the soil of the Nazca Desert in southern Peru.

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