Chavín de Huántar
"Birthplace of South American culture”
If you have an interest in the formation of Andean civilisation, Chavín de Huántar is vastly more significant than the famed Machu Picchu, but with a fraction of the crowds.
Situated in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca, some 160 miles north of Lima and within easy reach of the trekking hub of Huaraz, the site was once the most important pilgrimage destination in the Andes. The renowned Peruvian archaeologist Julio C. Tello called Chavín de Huántar “the birthplace of South American culture.”
Due to their extreme age, with portions dating to at least 1,000 BC, the ruins don't look like much from the outside. But get inside -- and underground -- and you'll discover an eerie world of subterranean passageways, sunken courtyards and strange carvings that help explain the origins and rituals of the original Andean civilisation. Many mysteries still surround Chavín de Huántar. How much power did local priests wield over the surrounding communities? What was the exact nature of the rituals carried out at the site? Archaeologists are still trying to piece together the pieces, and excavations are ongoing. As recently as 2018, laser scanning and robot explorers have discovered more tunnels and graves beneath the temple, potentially offering further insights into the mystery of Chavín de Huántar.
Hidden gems in Chavín de Huántar
Chavín de Huántar
Relax at Chavin's hot springs
Relax in the Baños Termales de Chavin, a series of hot springs located about a mile or so south of the archaeological site. There are five private pozos, or baths, with temperatures in excess of 104°F (40°C). Locals believe that the mineral-rich waters have curative properties, especially for stiff joints and any illnesses related to the bones.
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Chavín de Huántar
See the Lanzón stela
Venture deep into the heart of Chavín de Huántar and you’ll encounter the Lanzón stela, a 15-feet-tall stone obelisk that stands at the centre of the Old Temple. Carved with the image of a supernatural being, the Lanzón is the most important, and most intriguing, artefact in the temple. The figure is likely linked to agriculture and was possibly worshipped to ensure a successful harvest.
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