Located about four hours east of Huaraz, the massive temple fortress of Chavín de Huántar is one of the last remaining large scale reminders of the Chavín culture, which stretched across the northern highlands of Peru from Cajamarca and Chiclayo in the north to Ayacucho and Ica in the south, from 900-200 BC.

As one of the first pan-Andean cultures, the Chavín established a rich set of traditions that would infuse succeeding cultures like the Tiahuancaco, Wari, and even the Inca. The fortress itself was built around 800 BC and was declared a World Heritage Trust Site by UNESCO in December 1985.

The main attractions include intricate stone carvings of symbolic figures and a network of tunnels that snake their way beneath the fortress floor. Three of these passages converge underground at the famous Lanzón stone monolith, which dates to 800 BC. The northern part of the pillar points upward towards a gallery where priests may have once performed rituals.

Some areas are closed to the public in order to preserve the site, but public areas are illuminated by electric lights. A small museum at the entrance houses interesting carvings and Chavín pottery. Camping nearby is also possible, with permission from the guards.

Agencies in Huaraz offer a day trip to the site, which leaves around 8 a.m. If you decide to take the do-it-yourself tour you may want to hire one of the Spanish-speaking guides at the entrance. For active travelers there is a great trek that winds its way across the southern end of Cordillera Blanca from Olleros to Chavín. Relatively free of tourist traffic, the trail follows an ancient trade route that ascends the Yanashallash Pass (4, 700 m).

Ruin

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Reviews

Traveler Reviews of Chavín de Huántar

A Forgotten Corner

Cahvin is a great place to go overnight, too. That way you have time to enjoy all the sites. There are a few inexpensive hostels in town. The ruins are some of the best in Peru. Walks along the river and into the countryside are nice. Don't forget the hot springs!

Traveler from United States on Oct 01, 2008

Very Good

This was a very FUN trip!

Traveler on Apr 25, 2007