The ruins
of Chavin de Huantar are located to
the east of the Cordillera Blanca, about
110km from Huaraz, and at an altitude
of 3250m. This fortress-temple was constructed
between 1200 and 300 BC and is the only
large structure remaining from the Chavin
culture. It is thought to have been
a major ceremonial centre. In 1985 UNESCO
designated it a World Heritage Trust
Site.
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Most visitors come here
on a day trip from Huaraz. It is a long
4-hour drive along a largely unpaved
twisting road, but things should improve
in the future when the road is fully
paved cutting the journey time in half.
The most convenient way to visit Chavin
is by means of an organized tour from
Huaraz (Try Chavin or Pablo Tours).
Prices cost around US$15 per person
including entrance fees. Tours typically
depart at 9am and return to Huaraz at
about 8pm. |
| The Chavin
are considered to be one of the most
influential people to have lived in
the Andes prior to the Incas (who
arrived some 2000 years later). They
were certainly one of the most sophisticated. |
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