Chavín de Huantar

Another early morning for us as we decided to visit ruin in Chavín de Huarán that is part of the UNESCO heritage.
Most of the tourist join a tour directly from Huaráz but we decided to take local bus that comes cheaper and visit the site ourselves.
We took the bus at 7:30 a.m. from a small bus terminal heading that direction.
The journey was very picturesque and we could admire the Cordilera Blanca along the way.
Once we crossed the tunnel, the early morni g caught up with us and we had a little nap before we got out in Chavín.
The village of the site is rather small and easy to navigate. After quick maintenance break we headed directly towards the entrance. The fee is very reasonable and before we knew it, we were reading all about the Chavín culture.
From the interpretation centre we took the circuit around the ruin. From becoming there wasn't that much to admire but once we got on the right site, the remains of the temple opened in front of us.
The temple has been built by Chavín culture around 800 BC and was visited only by the high society.
Priest who took hallucinogens performed in front of few selected "multimedia show". River passing by together with musical instruments and costumes created show for all senses.
Part of the circuit takes you into passages leading I side of the temple and that s where it got really impressive. We absolutely loved this part even though it felt slightly claustrophobic.
Once we finished with the ruins we should have headed towards the museum with the artefacts found in the temple.
But instead we got stuck with beer for 5 Soles (around 32 Kč or €1.30 for a litter) on a bench in front of a small shop in God forgotten street.
We must have been quite am attraction as local girls passing on their way to school greeted us with the usual "Hola" and giggled right after.
After very pleasant talk and just chilling we headed, slightly tipsy, towards the main square to catch a bus back to Huaraz.
When we sat on the sun, we have discussed₩ as many things are not so much of cultural shock for us any more and how we got used to the exotic sight around us. That must have changed for the locals who we joined on the bus ride back, as we were the only tourists around.
The rest of the journey was nice and we slept most of the journey.En savoir plus