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Author: Nazca Lines Tour Editorial Team
Quick Summary: The Cantalloc Aqueducts are a still-working Nazca-culture irrigation system just a few kilometres from Nazca, famous for their spiralling stone “puquios” that let you walk down to the underground water. Of the 46 known aqueducts, 32 still irrigate the valley today. It’s a quick, easy stop — around 30–60 minutes — usually combined with nearby sites and a Nazca Lines flight. A guide adds a lot, and the site is compact, so it fits neatly into a Nazca day.
The Nazca Lines get all the attention, but a few kilometres from town sits an arguably more impressive achievement of the same culture: the Cantalloc Aqueducts, an underground irrigation system that has kept water flowing through the desert for more than 1,500 years — and still does. The spiralling stone wells that dot the surface are one of Nazca’s most photogenic and genuinely mind-bending sights.
This guide covers how to visit Cantalloc in 2026: what it is, how to get there, what it costs, how long you need, and how to combine it with the rest of a Nazca trip. For the full picture of the area, see our guide to what to do in Nazca.
The Acueductos de Cantalloc are part of a network of puquios — underground canals built by the Nazca culture to tap groundwater and carry it to their fields in one of the driest places on Earth. What you actually see are the corkscrew-shaped access points on the surface. A few facts worth knowing:
As one reviewer on its TripAdvisor page describes it, the spiralling stone vents are an amazing example of early engineering.
Cantalloc lies just a few kilometres east of Nazca — close enough that it’s a short drive or an affordable taxi hop, not a desert expedition. The site itself is compact: the wells are clustered fairly close together, so it isn’t a large area to walk.
Plan for roughly 30 to 60 minutes on site. That makes it easy to combine with other nearby attractions in a single outing.
Your realistic options, and who each suits:
| Option | What it’s like | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided tour from Nazca | Hotel pick-up + guide explaining the engineering; ~2 hours | Travelers who want the “why” behind the spirals | Often bundled with Paredones & geoglyphs |
| Combined multi-site ticket | Aqueducts + Los Paredones + Cantalloc geoglyph on one ticket | Value-seekers wanting several sites | ~10 soles has covered several sites |
| Taxi from Nazca | Cheap and quick given the short distance | Budget travelers comfortable arranging locally | Confirm fare first |
| Self-drive | Flexible; watch the signage | Confident drivers | A reviewer notes the turn-off sign can be confusing |
Practical notes:
If you’d rather have it all arranged, booking your Nazca day through a specialist like Nazca Lines Tour lets you pair the aqueducts with your Nazca Lines flight and other sites without juggling taxis.
Because it’s short and close to town, Cantalloc slots easily into a wider Nazca itinerary. Common pairings:
If you’re weighing how much to fit in, our 1-day vs 2-day Nazca tour comparison and our things to do in Nazca in one day guide lay out realistic plans. And since Nazca is reached overland — there are no commercial flights into the town — our Lima to Nazca guide covers how to get there in the first place.
Reviews on the Cantalloc Aqueduct TripAdvisor page are broadly positive, with the engineering the clear draw.
One detailed review marvels at how an ancient culture built the spiralling access paths without modern technology, notes that visitors can walk right down to the water, and points out that Cerro Blanco — often called the world’s tallest sand dune — is visible in the distance. Others echo two practical themes we flag above: the site is well maintained but compact, with the wells close together, and it makes far more sense with a guide (or after reading up), because the story is what impresses more than the size. Several reviewers also mention the good-value combined ticket that bundles the aqueducts with nearby sites. The occasional lukewarm review comes from visitors who arrived without context and found it a quick stop — avoidable with a little preparation.
Are the Cantalloc Aqueducts worth visiting?
Yes, for most travelers — especially anyone interested in engineering, archaeology or how ancient cultures solved hard problems. Seeing a 1,500-year-old irrigation system that still waters the valley today, and being able to walk down the spiral wells to the water, is genuinely impressive. The site is small, so it’s a short stop rather than a half-day, which makes it easy to add to a Nazca Lines day. It rewards a guide or a bit of background reading, since the marvel is in the how, not the scale.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Travelers have reported a combined ticket of around 10 soles that also covers nearby sites like Los Paredones and the Cantalloc geoglyph, paid in cash on site. On the aqueducts themselves you’ll typically spend 30 to 60 minutes, as it’s a compact area. Guided tours cost more but add the explanation that makes the visit worthwhile. Prices change, so confirm the current fee locally before you go.
How do I get to the Cantalloc Aqueducts from Nazca?
They’re just a few kilometres from Nazca, so a short taxi ride or a guided tour with hotel pick-up both work well; some travelers drive themselves. If self-driving, watch the turn-off signage carefully, as at least one visitor found it confusing. Many people simply add Cantalloc to a tour that also covers a Nazca Lines flight and other desert sites, which keeps transport and timing simple.
Can I combine Cantalloc with the Nazca Lines and Chauchilla?
Absolutely — that’s the most common way to do it. A typical Nazca day might combine a morning scenic flight over the Lines with ground visits to the Cantalloc Aqueducts and the Chauchilla Cemetery, since all are close to town and none takes long. If you want to see Cahuachi’s pyramids too, consider staying a second day so you’re not rushing. Our 1-day vs 2-day guide can help you decide.
Entry and combined-ticket prices, tour costs and taxi fares change and should be confirmed locally before visiting; bring small cash. The site is compact and largely unshaded, so plan sun protection and water, and note that signage on the approach road can be unclear if you’re self-driving. Facilities and opening hours can vary. Nazca Lines flights that many travelers pair with the aqueducts are weather-dependent and can be delayed, so keep your day flexible.