Nazca, located near the south coast of Peru, is a fascinating destination . Situated in the central Andes, the Nazca Valley was home to the Nazca culture for hundreds of years. If you manage to tour this area, we recommend you add Cahuachi to your list of sites. It often gets overshadowed by the nearby Nazca Lines although we feel these structures are definitely appealing in their own right.
Cahuachi, located 30 kilometers outside Nazca, was thought to be a non-urban ceremonial or pilgrimage center and during its decline period, a burial center. Llama, bird plumage and guinea pig remains were discovered in the building known as The Great Temple – a further proof of the sacrificial offerings and divination rituals that took place here. Whilst no permanent agricultural or farming system was ever set up here as the Nazca culture did not stay here long term, discovery of objects such as food, fine pottery and textiles, engraved gourds, panpipes and drums seem to be indicative of items brought to the site by those passing through.
This fascinating complex, rediscovered in 1922, features approximately 40 mounds, many built on natural pre-existing hills for ease of construction. Some of the mounds were used for burials while others were temples or living spaces, possibly for priests, although not all the mounds had rooms. Experts are still excavating the area to learn more about this fascinating culture and period of history.
What is interesting about this site is that the entrance to Cahuachi is seemingly unrestricted. Back in the day it would have been possible to visit Cahuachi from any direction with no walls or buildings preventing access.
Please note that if you will be visiting the ruins in the height of the day you will need a hat and plenty of water as this site is built in the pre-mountainous desert landscape and on the southern side of the Nazca River.
