Ancient Culture: The Spiraling Wells of Nazca

These incredible spiraling wells are a testament to the hydraulic genius of the Nazca culture, dating back over 1,600 years! The Nazca people built these aqueducts to ensure a year-round water supply for agriculture, household needs, and irrigation in the harsh desert environment.

The system included both underground galleries and open channels, cleverly designed to direct and maintain the flow of water from local rivers like Aija and Nazca. They built these chimneys in a spiral shape, which allowed them to maintain the trenches and balance atmospheric pressure, ensuring a smooth, steady flow without erosion.

The craftsmanship is amazing, with each stone perfectly placed to withstand natural wear and tear over the centuries. Some chimneys were spaced around 50 to 120 meters apart, while the covered sections were roofed with stone slabs and huarango wood, suggesting the use of advanced surveying techniques.

These aqueducts, more than 30 in total, span the entire Nazca Valley, still managing water flows between 12 to 49 liters per second. It’s a stunning example of ancient engineering that’s stood the test of time!