Everything about the Cahuachi Ceremonial Center
The Sacred Heart of the Nasca Culture in Peru

📍 Location of Cahuachi

Located 28 km southwest of the city of Nazca, on the left bank of the Nasca River, the Cahuachi ceremonial center extends over 24 km² in the Peruvian desert. This major archaeological complex was the religious heart of the Nasca civilization for more than 600 years.

📜 History of Cahuachi

Founded around 400 BC, Cahuachi reached its peak between 100 and 400 AD before being gradually abandoned around 450 AD. The site was "rediscovered" by Italian archaeologist Giuseppe Orefici who led systematic excavations from 1984 until his death in June 2025.

🏗️ Architecture of Cahuachi

• 40 artificial mounds (huacas) made of adobe
• The Great Pyramid: 28 meters high
• The Staircase Temple and its colorful friezes
• Ceremonial plazas and sacred enclosures
• System of underground aqueducts (puquios)

🎭 Ceremonial Function of Cahuachi

Unlike a traditional city, Cahuachi was a pilgrimage center where Nasca populations gathered for:

• Religious ceremonies and offerings
• Astronomical observations
• Production of ritual textiles and ceramics
• Interregional exchanges

🔗 Connection between Cahuachi and the Geoglyphs

Research shows that Cahuachi was closely linked to the Nazca Lines:

• Several lines point towards Cahuachi
• Visual control center for the geoglyphs
• Preparation site for ceremonies associated with the lines

💰 Associated Costs

• Transport from Nazca: 80-120 soles (round trip)
• French-speaking guide: 50-80 soles per group

⚠️ Tips for Visiting Cahuachi

• Water and sun protection necessary
• Hiking shoes for sandy terrain
• Hat and sunglasses essential
• Allow at least 3 hours for complete visit
• Guide recommended to understand the context

Major Discoveries at Cahuachi

• Polychrome textiles exceptionally preserved
• Ceremonial ceramics with mythological motifs
• Offerings: spondylus shells, minerals, feathers
• Ritual musical instruments (antaras, drums)
• Trophy heads and sacrificial remains

Work of Giuseppe Orefici

The Italian archaeologist directed the Nasca Project Mission for 40 years, enabling:

• Mapping of the entire site
• Restoration of adobe structures
• Understanding of spatial organization
• Study of Nasca construction techniques

Causes of Abandonment

Around 450 AD, Cahuachi was gradually deserted for several reasons:

• Major earthquakes destroying structures
• Catastrophic floods from El Niño
• Climate changes making the area inhospitable
• Shift of regional power centers

Legacy of Cahuachi

Despite its abandonment, Cahuachi influenced:

• The development of subsequent cultures
• Andean ceremonial traditions
• Nasca iconography and symbolism