Archeological site of Chavin

Join us for a visit to an off-the-beaten-path destination, Chavín de Huantar. With an early pick up from your hotel, we will begin driving south along the Callejon de Huaylas, in the northern Andes district of Ancash. We will observe breathtaking, panoramic mountain vistas along the route to Catac. Once at Catac, we will take a detour east and pass through the Cordillera Blanca, enjoying the serene reflective waters of Querococha Lake in passing. Traveling through the Kawish Tunnel, located at 4,550m. (14,927ft.), the view opens on the other side to the spectacular Callejon de Conchucos.
We’ll pass through the colorful Andean villages of Tambillos and Machaq. After another hour of driving, we will arrive at the village of Chavín, where we will find the intriguing Temple of Chavín. This extremely ancient archaeological site was first inhabited as early as 3000 BCE! The pyramidal Temple of Chavín was a gathering place for worshippers from around the region. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, this ruin contains a recently uncovered labyrinth of underground tunnels and caves inside the mound overlooking the ceremonial plaza. We will be able to explore these dark and spooky passages during our trip.
The site holds fascinating ancient carvings and architecture, remnants of the long-dead Chavín civilization. At the village museum located on the outskirts of the area, get a glimpse into the lives of the people that lived here, as we observe grotesquely carved stone figurines, musical instruments, intricately carved stone columns and other relics of this ancient culture. After traversing the site and marveling at these ancient mysteries, we’ll enjoy lunch and then return to the town of Huaraz.