Excursion to the Chavín de Huántar Archaeological Sanctuary
Our Chavín de Huántar tour crosses the Cordillera Blanca to one of the oldest ceremonial centers in the Americas, with its underground galleries, the Lanzón monolith and the tenon heads.
The temple of one of the mother cultures of the Andes
Summary
Chavín de Huántar was the main ceremonial center of the Chavín culture, one of the oldest and most influential civilizations in the Andes, which flourished almost three thousand years ago. Therefore, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On the Chavín de Huántar tour, you cross the Cordillera Blanca, stopping at Querococha Lake and passing through the Kahuish tunnel, at about 4,500 meters. Then, at Chavín, you explore its plazas and temples and descend into its underground galleries, home to the Lanzón, a carved stone monolith representing the main deity.
Finally, the visit is completed with the Chavín National Museum, which displays the famous tenon heads, stone sculptures with the faces of mythical beings that once decorated the temple walls. If you prefer nature, Laguna 69 and Pastoruri are the region’s other great excursions.
Highlights
Itinerary
09:00 - 09:30
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in Huaraz before the drive.
Our team picks you up at your hotel. Then we begin the drive to Chavín de Huántar by tourist transportation.
09:30 - 11:00
Querococha Lake
Stop at a lake in the Cordillera Blanca, especially for photos.
We drive south through the Callejón de Huaylas and climb into the Cordillera Blanca, while we stop at Querococha Lake to take photos of the snow-capped peaks.
11:00 - 12:30
Kahuish tunnel and descent to Chavín
Crossing the range, then the descent into the Mosna valley.
Then we cross the range through the Kahuish tunnel and descend into the Mosna River valley until we reach the town of Chavín de Huántar.
12:30 - 14:30
Chavín de Huántar Sanctuary
Temples, plazas and underground galleries.
Later, we explore the archaeological complex, its ceremonial plazas and temples, and then descend into the underground galleries to see the Lanzón monolith.
14:30 - 15:30
Lunch in Chavín
Free time for lunch before the museum.
Then you have free time for lunch at one of the restaurants in the town of Chavín.
15:30 - 16:30
Chavín National Museum
Tenon heads and original pieces.
Later, we visit the Chavín National Museum, which displays the original tenon heads, ceramics and other pieces found at the sanctuary.
16:30 - 19:30
Return to Huaraz
Return by tourist transportation during the afternoon.
Finally, we return to Huaraz, crossing the Cordillera Blanca again, and drop you off at your hotel.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in central Huaraz
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Entrance to the Chavín de Huántar Archaeological Sanctuary
- Entrance to the Chavín National Museum
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Lunch
- Drinks and snacks
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
Important information
What to bring
Warm layered clothing, beanie and gloves
Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
Hiking shoes with good grip
Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
Water and energy snacks
Cash for personal expenses
Passport or identification document
Weather
Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca have a cold, dry climate, with temperatures between -1 and 20 °C. Days are sunny and nights cold; also, December to March is the rainy season.
Operating days
The sanctuary and the museum have a weekly closing day, so we coordinate the tour date when you book.
Recommendations
The underground galleries are narrow and dimly lit, so they are not recommended for people with claustrophobia. Also, the route crosses the range at about 4,500 meters, so it is best to be acclimatized.
Gallery
FAQ
How old is Chavín de Huántar?
The sanctuary was built and used for nearly a thousand years, while it reached its height about three thousand years ago, long before the Incas.
What is the Lanzón?
It is a carved stone monolith over four meters tall, located inside the temple galleries, which represents the main deity of the Chavín culture.
What are the tenon heads?
They are stone sculptures with the faces of mythical beings that were embedded in the temple’s outer walls.
How demanding is the tour?
The Chavín de Huántar tour is easy, because most of the time is spent in the vehicle and the walks are short.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, although on the Chavín de Huántar tour you should consider the length of the journey and the altitude of the mountain pass.
Can I book this tour as a private service?
Yes. The tour is available as a group or private service, so you can choose the option that suits you.
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