Sitio Arqueológico Chavín de Huántar

This is a fantastic experience to see the site. 15 soles entry. A few hours from Huaraz by public transport (15 soles each way). Caution: during the long often unnerving, winding route, you reach high altitudes and must take a day or two to adjust to elevation before attempting to cross the mountain. A museum with objects taken from the site is on the other side of town. The site dates from 1500BC, and has been used since long before, though signage explains most the main structures are 800s BC. They do not allow you to climb most stairs or explore a significant portion of the site, and some paths are controlled for continued excavations. You mostly see things from the other side of a fence. But in some moments you get to interact with the site and go down passageways etcetera. The environment is gorgeous, as you're surrounded 360° by mountains. Don't miss out heading down to the creek that surrounds the site on two sides to enjoy the tranquility by the edge of the flowing stream still going 3000 years later.

Great spot to understand more about the history of this country.

Fascinating historical site to discover the Chavin people. You’ll need a tour guide to get the most out of it and understand the surroundings. The signs are in Spanish and English. The most fascinating part of the site are the underground tunnels. Several of the tunnels don’t allow photos so the place is even more interesting than the photos you see online would suggest.

One of the most beautiful places I ever seen of my country ❤️ the landscapes are just amazing, the entrance fee is affordable and the local people is very nice and helpful. I would definitely be back!

I can't give this site less than 3 stars because even though it was closed, I'm fairly confident I will rate it 5 stars if/when I revisit and have the opportunity to go inside with a tour guide. Unesco world heritage site 330. Be careful visiting as they seem to close randomly and have weird visiting hours/days. May require a reservation/appointment. 2022.08.20 0429 PET-RMN update: Interesting, I didn't read my own note as we went there on Tuesday 2022.08.16 (~8 hour drive by car from Lima) and it was closed due to a recent landslide in the area (~2 weeks prior). We did not call in advance or attempt to make reservations. However, we were able to see the u shaped complex, main temple (from the outside), and sunken plaza. We could also see the fanged deity from pretty close, taking pictures from over the wall. The fanged deity is much larger than I thought. I anticipated that it would be around 6-8 inches in diameter but it was more like 3-4 feet in diameter. If we have the opportunity, we should revisit to take the tour and see the museum located in the town of Chavin, as it was also closed. Tickets/tours include the ability to go inside the temple and view the several meter high stone rock pillar (obelisk) with partially transformed fanged deity carvings.

Nice site if you like history. You can get here with public bus from Huaraz for 15/s for one way. I paid 15/s ticket to enter the site. I came with 10:00 am bus from Huaraz and got back in 15:00 bus from Shavin. The bus stop in the city center. It’s take 2.5-3 hour only for one way.

If you take the collectivo to the small town of Chavin then it is only a few minutes until you get to the ruins. The site is extensive and during my visit hardly to moderately visited. Tickets can be bought quickly at the ticket office, a guide was not possible in english and i hardly speak spanish. The galleries are admirable and it was very interesting to explore them. The whole place is noticeably full of energy.

not expensive to enter (minors who are in school & university students get a good discount), and really interesting history. Loved exploring the galerías but warning it gets EXTREMELY hot and you are in direct sunlight here. Worth a visit!