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More to see in the area

By Bonnie Hamre, About.com

Nazca farms buildings Peru

Farms at Nazca, Peru

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Southwest of Nazca on the Pan American Highway, is the archaeological site of Chauchilla Cemetery, where the desert is littered with bones and material from burial shrouds. In the late nineties, 13 tombs were excavated and the wrapped mummies inside all face the rising sky. There is an admission fee. While there is no doubt that some of the gravesites suffered from looters, it is nature and the unceasing wind that has blown away the sand covering the graves and exposed countless skeletons to view.

You'll need a local guide to take you to two other sites of interest. b]Cahuachiis an archaeological site of importance. There are a number of adobe pyramids built around a series of plaza-like spaces. It is thought to ba a religious center from the early Nazca culture and the unescavated mounded forms may conceal additional temples. The other site is the vicuña reserve at Pampas Galeras about 60 mi (90 km) east of Nazca.

Nazca is roughly 272 mi (440 km) southeast of Lima and 353 mi (570 km) north of Arequipa.

Check flights from your area to Lima and other locations in Peru. You can also browse for hotels and car rentals.

There is frequent bus service from Lima or Arequipa plus bus or a colectivo from Ica. There are restaurants and hotels in town that cater to budget travelers as well as organized tours. If you want to stay in the area, check oout the Hotel Nazca Lines.

From Nazca, vistors often proceed to see Paracas and the Islas Ballestas , often called the Galapagos of Peru, and the small town of Pisco, famous for the grape brandy popular as a Pisco Sour. There is another drawing, similar to the ones at Nazca, on the hill overlooking Paracas Bay.

Have you been to Nazca and seen the famous lines? Tell us about it! Share your experiences via the South America for Visitors Forum.

Whenever you visit the Nazca lines, buen viaje!

Bonnie Hamre
Guide since 1997

Bonnie Hamre
South America Travel Guide

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