If you are looking for tourist destinations with history and that are varied in their ecosystems, representing an entire culture behind them, Peru is the right place. Although it may not seem like it, the Peruvian country has many major tourist attractions, with great history and nuances of ancient civilizations and cultures.
And no!, there is not only Machu Picchu. There are many other sites that are worth visiting and knowing, such as the Cantalloc Aqueduct. One of the most surprising works of hydraulic engineering in the world, since it was made at the beginning of the first millennium by the Nazca culture.
The ancient Nazca culture, in order to combat the prolonged and constant droughts of the desert, put all its technological and engineering knowledge to the test.
Thanks to this, a total of 46 underground aqueducts 12 meters deep were born that cover many kilometers. These are fed by “puquios” (natural springs) that, due to the ventilation they receive, produce and purify water so that it can be collected.
In fact, this amazing feat of engineering still works today. There are 32 aqueducts used by local farmers in the surrounding areas to plant corn, cotton and other export-quality crops.
Although there are no actual terminals in place, getting to the Cantalloc Aqueducts is quite simple. They are located just 4 km from the city of Nazca, Peru, from where various transfer options are available. This makes the estimated arrival time about 15 minutes.
But, without a doubt, it is best to make the trip or transfer through authorized tourism agencies, since they offer special tour plans and, obviously, more information about the attraction. If you want to have a complete experience of the site and enjoy an explanation of all the details, it is preferable to go through an agency.
Now, if what you want is to have a much more adventurous and personal experience, you can travel without problem in taxis or small buses that will take you from Nazca to the aqueducts.
In the vicinity of the Nazca Aqueduct there are few hotels or other types of accommodation. This is because it is a relatively quick attraction to visit. That is, you can visit it in a day trip.
However, this does not mean that the monument is boring and much less that you cannot enjoy a good accommodation in the city of Nazca. This city does have various hotels and cultural houses where you can enjoy swimming pools, restaurants and tours.
The climate in the Nazca Aqueduct and in the city in general is hot and dry almost all year round. You can take a tourist trip at any time without major complications or problems.
Temperatures range between 23° C outside of summer and, during summer (which includes the months of January to March), they can exceed 30° C.
So if you are thinking of visiting this historic place, keep in mind that you should bring the following in your luggage:
The activities in this place can be divided into two groups: activities inside the attraction and activities outside the attraction. Let's look at some of them:
The activities that can be carried out in the place itself range from taking a tour of the different existing aqueducts, to learning about their stories or the farmers of the area and their daily work of harvesting and planting.
Remember that the Nazca aqueducts have centuries of history. So taking the tour is being able to experience the stories of its inhabitants and how they have been able to survive thanks to it.
Once you have visited the aqueduct of the Nazca culture, there is still much to do. You can enjoy everything that the city of Nazca has to offer, beyond its hotels and accommodations.
Archaeological museums such as the Antonini, a visit to the Telar de Buena Fe, or a visit to the Plaza de Nazca await you, which is waiting for you to show you its beautiful landscapes and culture. Of course, the famous and intriguing Nazca lines stand out above the rest.
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
