Chauchilla Cemetery - Nazca

In the South of Peru lies Nazca famous for the Nazca Lines however, located 28 KM from the city lies the Chauchilla Cemetery an ancient burial site of the Nazca civilization that thrived in the area 200 BC to 600 AD.

This is located in the middle of the desert and was discovered in the 1920’s most likely by tomb robbers and for many years after has been a victim of countless robberies and acts of disrespect on the tombs that lied there undisturbed for years many of the stolen items included pottery, jewellery and many priceless artefacts.

What is important to know about this site is that most of the skeletons that remained untouched by the thieves can still be seen in their traditional burial poses and it gives an insight to their burial traditions; most of them are buried in family tombs and are facing the sky facing east.   Also due to the burial techniques especially the use of resin combined with the harsh arid desert some remains still have some skin and hair still hanging on.

It was not until 1997 that the Peruvian government decided to act and passed a law that would protect the site and now a small fee needs to be paid upon entry (around S/.8.00 to S/.10.00 soles)  however, although this act is good it is still apparent that action should have been taken many years before. Bones, bits of ceramics and materiel from the tombs can be seen scattered across the desert close to the site.

I promise to visit this place and write my own story to let you know how to get there and what to do, but I couldn't resit to mention about this amazing place. If you're in Nazca or near around Ica don't forget to visit it. 

Pictures from: Slate.com / PeruToptours / El Rincon de Sele