South America 2019-2023
unknown length - solo travel - Suzuki DR650

Ancient civilizations around Nazca

October 13, 2019  —  Peru

Cahuachi Ruins

Cahuachi Ruins - Nazca - Peru

The site of Cahuachi was an important ceremonial centre of the Nazca culture, from AD 1 to 500.

The site of 1.5 km2 contains more than 40 mounds topped with structures made of adobe bricks. It is only possible to visit a few of the partially restored structures.

Cahuachi Ruins - Nazca - Peru
Cahuachi Ruins - Nazca - Peru
Cahuachi Ruins - Nazca - Peru
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Chauchilla Necropolis

Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru

The necropolis was used from AD 200 over a period of 600 to 700 years.

The site was discovered in 1920, but its protection by the Peruvian government only started in 1997. For this reason, the tombs were extensively robbed by huaqueros (tomb raiders, or grave robbers).

In 1997, most of the tombs were regrouped on the actual site with a careful restoration in order to preserve this heritage.

Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
Chauchilla Necropolis - Nazca - Peru
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Paredones Ruins

Paredones Ruins - Nazca - Peru

The site of Paredones is now two steps away from the town of Nazca.

It was an Inca administrative centre around AD 1400.

Paredones Ruins - Nazca - Peru
Paredones Ruins - Nazca - Peru
Paredones Ruins - Nazca - Peru
Paredones Ruins - Nazca - Peru
Paredones Ruins - Nazca - Peru
Nazca - Peru
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Cantayoc Aqueduct

Cantayoc Aqueduct - Nazca - Peru

Aqueducts have been built by the Nazca culture around AD 1500. Some archeologists think that they may have been built around 540 BC. At that time, there were more than 40 reservoirs as seen on the photos.

The reservoirs, or puquios in Spanish, still partly work to this day. After the rain, the reservoirs can still store water for a long period.

Cantayoc Aqueduct - Nazca - Peru
Cantayoc Aqueduct - Nazca - Peru
Cantayoc Aqueduct - Nazca - Peru
Cantayoc Aqueduct - Nazca - Peru
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Antonini Museum

Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru

This museum has an excellent collection of artefacts from the surrounding area.

Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru
Antonini Museum - Nazca - Peru