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Archaeological site in Peru
Photo: Sharon odb, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Chavín de Huántar is a town and archaeological site from the pre-Incan Chavin culture of around 900 BC containing ruins and other artefacts. The site in the Central Andes of Peru is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Chavín de Huántar archaeological site
The remains of the administrative and religious center of the Chavín culture is the main attraction of the town and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List already in 1985. It sits at the confluence of the Huachecsa and Mosna rivers at the southern edge of modern Chavín de Huántar. Notable features are the squares; a large one, a rectangular and a circular one, as well as two kilometers of underground tunnels. Another highlight is the old temple (Templo Viejo) with the Gran Huaca, also known as the Lanzón Monolítico, a carved pillar which is a representation of a Chavín deity and still in its original place.
Chavín national museum
The national Chavín museum was opened in 2008 and displays artifacts from the Chavín culture. Exhibits include the Tello obelisk, carved conch trumpets (pututos) and carved stone statues and heads.
Megalithic wall
A wall with carvings, created around 800 BCE. At the beginning of the Túpac Amaru there's a stone carved into the shape of a snake's head. Archaeologists are not sure whether this is the northern wall of the ceremonial complex or the southern wall of another (now obliterated) place of worship.
Shallapa viewpoint
The trail to the Shallapa viewpoint is a bridle path, continuing to the Pójoc archaeological site and the town of Putcor. The hike will take 30-60 minutes uphill and from the viewpoint you can see the town and the Chavín site. Below it there's a small cave named Chico Patac.
The central square is lined by the cathedral, town hall, shops, cafés and other businesses. It has a fountain in the middle, benches and colorful flowers and trees.
Quercos thermal baths
Sulfurous waters emerging from a rock formation. Pay at the ticket office, then descend a staircase towards the river.
Pójoc archaeological site
The other archaeological site in the region, also serving as a ritual site, and with views to Mount Huantsán and the main Chavín site. Stone sculptures of the Chavín culture were found here during excavations led by archaeologist Richard L. Burger.
Mama Rayhuana house
Perched on a mountainside, this ruined building is rather inaccessible but you can see it from the road to Nunupata. According to legend it was the residence of Mama Rayhuana, the "original mother", who created the flora and fauna of the valleys.
Yurac Machay cave
Yurac Machay means "white cave" and named so as it's in white volcanic tuff. In Yurac Macay there's a monolith similar to the one in the temple in Chavín. There's another cave nearby, the Cachi Machay.
Peru Llama Trek
Peru Llama Trek is an adventure tour operator especially for Olleros Chavin Trek being based with its main office in the Pre-Inca trail Olleros Chavin in Canrey Chico (place where Inca Trail starts to Chavin).
Has a great variety of dishes and prices are affordable. For breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Traditional food like cuy (guinea pig) and chicha de jora (corn beer). Great view of the site and town and friendly service.
Traditional dishes on the menu like trout ceviche, spicy cuy, papakashki (potato soup), choclo con queso (corn with cheese). Nice indoor garden with view to the site.
In an old house, items on the menu include cuy, trout prepared in different ways, pork rinds and salted loin.
A pretty café in an old building, great for breakfast before visiting the archaeological site or for lunch afterwards. Serves sandwiches and desserts.
Great for breakfast, or a light lunch or dinner. They have sandwiches and various hot drinks including coffees, herbal teas, shakes and punches.
Operating in the morning and the evening. They have sandwiches, and hot and cold drinks. Friendly ambience and they're happy to tell you about things to do and the history of the town.
Hot drinks and desserts, and has a small shop with artisan works, books and other souvenirs.
Varied menu, operating from early in the morning to late at night.
Traditional rooms in an older building, and the hotel has a friendly ambience. The patio has a colonial style with plants.
Friendly small hostel in an old building with an indoor patio, around which the rooms are situated on two floors. The place has a restaurant also.
Also this hotel, with 18 rooms, is in an old building and has an indoor garden. Offers breakfast in the morning and free Wi-Fi and has indoor parking.
8 double rooms, and as such capacity for 16 persons. Free Wi-Fi.
Sells works by artesans, Mrs Gudelia Obregón Minaya and Mr Martín Loarte Valenzuela. You can find weaving works, and carvings in different stones, horns and other materials.
One of the biggest artisanry shops, with textiles and stone sculptures for sale.
By taxi
You might also be able to find shared taxis and combis from Huaraz. From San Marcos, a town 14 km away, you can get in by taxi colectivo or combi.
By foot
There are hikes of two days and longer from other villages, going through the beautiful Huascarán National Park.
By tour
You can also get to Chavín by tour from Huaraz, all the agencies offer a package transportation + Guide for S/35-40 (as of May 2014).
Attractions within the town are within walking distance, the same goes for most of the sites outside town (see the See section for individual advice).
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