Chavin

Understand

Chavín de Huántar is a town of around 9,000 inhabitants, most of which are bilingual in Spanish and Quechua. It's the capital of a district with the same name and is perched high up in the Andes at an altitude of 3,137 m above sea level.

Once it was an important center of Chavín ceremonies and a pilgrimage destination, which had a cultural influence on much of Peru from the coast to the highlands from the 15th to the 3rd century BCE. Today the site attracts visitors who want to learn more about this ancient culture from a historical point of view but also visitors interested in the spiritual and mystic site of the place even in the present day, as well as the entheogenic plants of the region (also used in the ancient ceremonies).

Moreover, there's a great deal of beautiful nature in the surroundings. Part of the district is in the Huascarán National Park and there are several day or multi-day treks to see snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and streams.

Get around

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).

See

thumb|El Templo Nuevo from the circular square, view to the east thumb|Exhibit at the Chavín national museum

Buy

The region has long traditions of making carved stone art, and many shops in town where you can buy such artworks by local artisans.

Sleep

thumb|Plaza de Armas It's a small city but there are several places to sleep, most of which are concentrated downtown.

Stay healthy

As with many locations in Peru, altitude sickness and sunburn are real risks.

There's a health center in the city, and a few pharmacies. The closest hospitals are in Huari (38 km away) and in Huaraz (104 km away, has three hospitals). In addition there are a few small health centers in nearby hamlets.

Connect

Some hotels offer free Wi-Fi. Operators Claro and Movistar have 3G coverage in town and a bit outside of it, Movistar also has 2G coverage further out.