Chavin de Huantar
Why the Chavin de Huantar is specialThe 3,000-year-old Chavin archaeological site was the cultural and religious center of the great pre-Inca Chavin civilization. It flourished from about 900 to 300 BC.
Chavin de Huantar tips and insights
Star attraction
The title goes to the giant dagger-like Lanzon granite stone (see photo detail). Human and animal faces of sacred deities are chiseled on its surface. This 5-meter (15-foot) tall monolith dramatically rises vertically in a subterranean room.
Who should go and not go
It's a great site for visitors with for those with at least a strong interest in Pre-Columbian archaeology.
For others, I do not recommend it. Consider:
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Sightseeing
The place lacks the visual wow of, say, Machu Picchu. Most of what you see from ground level is crumbling stone walls. What's most interesting lies in underground chambers.
- Getting there
It isn't easy. First you must reach Huarez city, about 400 kilometers (250 miles) from the capital Lima. Then you must drive on a winding, sometimes ill-maintained mountainous road. Figure on several hours each way - and a morning-to-night outing.
Most of the best ones are in a Lima museum, including the renowned Tellos Obelisk. However, there's a tiny museum at Chavin de Huantar exhibiting items like pottery.
Location