Extended Reality on Chachapoya Cliffside Necropolises: From Digital Documentation to Public Engagement

Abstract

Chacha XR is an interactive project developed between 2021 and 2023 that explores contemporary forms of documentation and digital dissemination of cultural heritage in the context of Chachapoya archaeology. Through a web portal and a multiplatform app, users can explore seven pre-Columbian archaeological sites located in the northeastern Andes of Peru. Most of these are necropolises perched on inaccessible vertical cliffs in remote locations. The project leverages extended reality (XR) technologies to generate an immersive experience by integrating photogrammetric models, 360° panoramas, gigapixel imagery, 360° video, and spatial audio. This digital reconstruction enhances accessibility to fragile and geographically remote heritage sites, fostering both public engagement and academic research. Chacha XR builds upon over a decade of speleological and archaeological research, incorporating non-invasive documentation methods to preserve site integrity. The resulting hypermedia system provides an educational tool for researchers, students, and the general public, promoting cultural heritage awareness while addressing accessibility challenges. By bridging archaeological documentation and immersive media, Chacha XR contributes to heritage conservation, digital museology, and public archaeology, offering a replicable model for similar projects worldwide.