📍 Location of the Aqueducts
Located 4 km north of Nazca, in the Nazca Valley, the Cantalloc aqueducts represent a unique hydraulic system in the world. This underground water network extends over several kilometers and includes more than 40 functional puquios still operating today.
📜 History of the Aqueducts
Built between 300 and 600 AD during the Nasca period, these aqueducts enabled desert survival for centuries. Rediscovered by archaeologists in the 20th century, they continue to supply water to the Nazca region, testifying to the technical genius of their builders.
🏗️ Architecture of the Puquios
- Filter gallery: underground channel capturing groundwater
- Access wells (ojos): spiral wells for maintenance
- Surface channels: water distribution to crops
- Stone construction: river stone walls and vaults
- Calculated slope: natural gravity flow
🎯 Principle of Filter Galleries
The Nasca developed an ingenious technique to capture groundwater:
- Capture of deep groundwater
- Natural filtration through geological strata
- Gravity flow to cultivable areas
- Year-round flow regulation
🔍 The Spiral Wells of Cantalloc
The spectacular wells that visitors see today served to:
- Access galleries for maintenance
- Ventilate underground conduits
- Mark the gallery route on the surface
- Create a Venturi effect to improve flow
🚰 Role in Nasca Development
The aqueducts were essential to the flourishing of the Nasca culture:
- Year-round drinking water supply
- Crop irrigation (corn, cotton, beans)
- Development of intensive agriculture
- Support for growing population
- Economic base for craft activities
🔗 Connection with the Geoglyphs
The aqueducts were part of an integrated system with the Nazca Lines:
- Water points along ceremonial lines
- Hydraulic knowledge used in construction
- Essential resource for ceremonies
- Strategic location near figures
💧 Modern Functionality
Incredibly, 30 puquios still function today:
- Agricultural use by local communities
- Constant flow despite centuries
- Exceptional water quality (natural filtration)
- Preserved traditional maintenance
🛡️ Conservation Efforts
The aqueducts are subject to protection measures:
- Classification as national cultural heritage
- International restoration projects
- Surveillance against vandalism
- Educational programs for visitors
🎯 Technical Specialization
Unlike ceremonial sites, Cantalloc represents the practical genius of the Nasca:
- Cahuachi: religious and ceremonial center
- Estaqueria: astronomical observatory
- Cantalloc: hydraulic and agricultural achievement
- Three complementary aspects of Nasca civilization
🔍 Recommended Visit Circuit
For a complete understanding of Nasca culture:
- Morning: Cantalloc Aqueducts (engineering)
- Midday: Cahuachi (religion and power)
- Afternoon: Antonini Museum (art and crafts)
- Option: Estaqueria for astronomy
💡 Did you know? The Cantalloc aqueducts are considered one of the greatest hydraulic engineering achievements of the pre-Columbian world, comparable to Roman systems but adapted to extreme desert conditions.
