Machu Picchu, Incan marvel nestled in the Peruvian Andes, epitomizes the grandeur of pre-Columbian architecture and culture.
“The Chichictara Petroglyphs Tour offers a rare glimpse into Peru’s earliest desert art, predating even the famous Nazca Lines. In the remote Palpa Valley, carved into dark volcanic rock, lie enigmatic depictions of condors, snakes, llamas, and ancient deities—silent storytellers of a long-lost civilization. This is a journey for those who seek to read history written in stone.”
Delve into the roots of one of the world’s greatest archaeological enigmas. The petroglyphs of Chichictara—dating back over 4,000 years—are believed to be among the earliest symbolic expressions of the ancient Andean world. These rock carvings represent a conceptual and artistic foundation that likely inspired the Nazca culture to later draw its vast geoglyphs across the desert plains. Your guide will reveal how these carvings offer a rare glimpse into the beginnings of Peru’s sacred desert art.
Located in the heart of the Palpa Valley, the “Rock of the Three Ages” features three distinct anthropomorphic figures carved side by side. Their postures and arrangement are thought to represent stages of life, ancestral deities, or cosmic cycles. Surrounding this sacred rock, the narrow canyon walls are adorned with dozens of additional carvings, each contributing to the spiritual atmosphere of the site. It is here that the ancient worldview—linking humans, animals, and celestial movements, comes into vivid focus.
Throughout the archaeological route, visitors encounter an astonishing array of zoomorphic figures. Serpents with dual heads, majestic birds with spread wings, and powerful Andean cats are carved into flat volcanic stones. These beings were not mere decorations—they were sacred symbols used in rituals, encoded with messages about fertility, protection, and cosmology. As you walk among them, you’ll feel immersed in an open-air temple built over millennia.
On the way to Palpa, the tour includes an essential stop at the Nazca Lines metallic tower, offering a panoramic view of famous geoglyphs such as the Tree, the Hands, and the partial remains of the Lizard. From this vantage point, the vast scale and alignment of the lines come into perspective. Just nearby, you’ll witness the recently rediscovered Nazca Cat, an enormous feline figure etched onto the slope of a desert hill. Its stylistic differences and elevated placement suggest it may predate many of the flatland geoglyphs—shedding light on the evolution of sacred iconography in the region.
The Chichictara Petroglyphs Tour is a private archaeological journey into one of the oldest rock art sites in Peru. Departing from Nazca, this half-day tour takes you through the desert plains and into the hills of Palpa, where over 300 ancient petroglyphs, carved 5,000 years ago, await discovery. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Nazca Lines metallic tower and the hillside Cat geoglyph, bridging the connection between these early carvings and the later Nazca geoglyphs. With expert guidance and a personalized pace, you’ll explore symbolic engravings of animals, shamans, and sacred signs etched into volcanic stone, offering a rare look at the spiritual legacy that shaped the Nazca culture.
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Your Hotel in Nazca
4.00 h. Approx.
At Request.
English
Travelers choose the Chichictara Petroglyphs Tour to witness some of the oldest known carvings in South America. Created over 4,000 years ago, these petroglyphs depict animals and mythical beings.
Many visitors are fascinated by the mystery of the Nazca Lines—but few realize that their story begins in places like Chichictara. This tour allows travelers to trace the artistic and symbolic evolution that eventually gave rise to the Nazca geoglyphs.
Chichictara is a destination for curious travelers who crave genuine archaeological discovery. Far from the crowds, this site invites you to step over rocky paths and volcanic slopes.
Travelers choose the Chichictara Petroglyphs Tour for its exclusivity and personalized attention. This private tour ensures a quiet, unhurried exploration of ancient rock art, guided by a knowledgeable local archaeologist or expert.
Full Itinerary
Tour to the Petroglyphs of Chichictara
A Journey Through Sacred Rock Art and Mythical Deities
I. Journey Through Time Across the Pampas
Your Chichictara Petroglyphs Tour begins with a hotel pickup in Nazca. From there, we drive north along the arid Pampas, passing through the same desert plateau that hosts the world-famous Nazca Lines. As we travel, the stark landscape hints at the mysteries waiting to be uncovered in the Palpa Valley—home to some of the oldest known rock art in Peru.
Our first stop is the Nazca Lines observation tower, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of two iconic figures: The Hands and The Tree. Just across the Pan-American Highway lies the recently uncovered Nazca Cat, an enormous geoglyph etched into the hillside. This brief stop allows travelers to appreciate how these lines evolved and opens the door to understanding their deeper origins, which many archaeologists believe trace back to earlier societies such as those in Palpa.
II. Entering the World of Chichictara
We continue to Palpa, where the rugged foothills conceal one of the most extensive petroglyph fields in Peru. Located about one hour from Nazca, the Chichictara petroglyphs predate the Nazca Lines by over a millennium. Archaeologists estimate these carvings were made between 4,000 to 5,000 years ago by early Andean civilizations.
Our local expert guide will introduce you to the first major site, known as the Rock of the Three Ages. This remarkable boulder features three stylized human figures, interpreted as ancient priests or ancestors, marking distinct generational representations. From there, we’ll ascend gradually through a narrow valley where more petroglyphs are carved on massive volcanic stones, scattered across the desert hillsides.
III. Iconography and Sacred Symbols
As we progress uphill, your guide will highlight specific figures including serpents with twin heads, large feline-like creatures, llamas, Andean deer, birds of prey, and abstract geometric designs. One section features a striking Andean Cat, possibly symbolizing fertility or shamanic transformation.
You’ll also witness a beautifully engraved spiral labyrinth, a motif interpreted as a symbol of the cosmos or the journey between life and the afterlife. Throughout the tour, your guide will share archaeological insights into the symbolic meaning of the engravings, the techniques used by early artists, and their influence on the later geoglyphic traditions of the Nazca culture.
IV. Final Exploration and Return to Nazca
The final segment of the tour leads you to the uppermost petroglyph zone, where dozens of carvings await discovery. This open-air gallery allows you time to explore freely, take photos, and reflect on the immense time span that separates us from the artists who shaped these stones.
Afterward, we begin our return journey to Nazca. Along the way, you may continue asking questions or simply enjoy the desert silence. We drop you off at your hotel, concluding an unforgettable experience that connects you not only to the Nazca Lines, but to their ancient origins in the Chichictara petroglyphs.
Exclusions:
Years of Experience
“A Deeper Understanding of the Nazca Civilization”
I didn’t expect to learn so much about the roots of the Nazca culture. Visiting the petroglyphs and hearing how they influenced the later geoglyphs was eye-opening. I especially loved the Rock of the 3 Ages and the double-headed snake carvings—powerful symbols that stick with you.
“The Best Private Tour for History Lovers”
We were looking for a private, educational tour, and this exceeded all expectations. Our guide was patient and passionate about the site, and we loved stopping at the Nazca Lines tower and seeing the Cat geoglyph too. The Chichictara site is a hidden gem, quiet, untouched, and full of mystery
Suggestions
Book in Advance: Private tours have limited availability, especially in high season. We recommend booking early to secure your spot.
Dress Comfortably: Wear light clothing and closed shoes (sneakers or sports shoes). The desert gets warm, and you’ll be moving around.
Protect Your Eyes: Sunglasses are essential! They protect you from both the sun and blowing sand during the ride.
Bring Sunscreen: The desert sun can be intense, apply sunscreen before and during the tour.
Carry Water: Stay hydrated! Bring a bottle of water to sip during stops.
Bring a Small Backpack: Handy for keeping personal items like your phone, camera, and water bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions – Tour to the Chicchitara Petroglyphs
1. How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off in Nazca. It can be done in the morning or afternoon, depending on your preference and weather conditions.
2. How far is the Chichictara petroglyph site from Nazca?
The site is located about 40 minutes north of Nazca, in the Palpa Valley. The drive takes you across the Nazca desert, offering scenic views and a stop at the Nazca Lines metallic tower along the way.
3. What will I see during the tour?
You’ll visit the Nazca Lines viewing tower, the hillside Cat geoglyph, and several key petroglyph zones in Chichictara. Highlights include the Rock of the 3 Ages, Andean cats, twin-headed serpents, llamas, deer, and other symbolic figures carved into volcanic stones over 4,000 years ago.
4. Is this tour physically demanding?
The tour involves light walking and some uphill terrain over rocky ground. It’s suitable for most visitors in good health, but we recommend comfortable shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water.
5. Is this a private tour?
Yes. The Chichictara Petroglyphs Tour is private, ensuring personalized attention from your guide and the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
6. Do I need any special permits?
No special permits are required. Entry to the petroglyph site is included in your tour, and your guide will handle all access and logistics.
7. Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, this tour is family-friendly. However, due to the terrain, we recommend it for children aged 7 and up who enjoy walking and exploring nature.
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