Peru · Archaeology

1-Day Chavín de Huántar Tour from Huaraz with Scenic Highland Drive

1 Day Round trip from Chavin de Huantar Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Chavín de Huántar, a major pre-Inca archaeological site in Peru
  • 02 Travel through the typical villages of Recuay and Huacapampa across the Santa River
  • 03 Pass highland landscapes of pastures, small valleys, and sheepherders' settlements
  • 04 Visit the ceremonial Lanzón and learn about the Chavín culture at the site museum

Take a scenic trip from Huaraz to Chavín de Huántar, one of Peru's most important archaeological sites, with ruins and artifacts dating back as early as 1200 BCE and occupied until around 400-500 BCE by the Chavín, a major pre-Inca culture. Travel through the typical villages of Recuay and Huacapampa across the Santa River, see sheepherders' settlements along the way, and discover highlands filled with pastures and small valleys before exploring this remarkable heritage site.

Take a scenic trip from Huaraz to Chavín de Huántar, one of Peru's most important archaeological sites, with ruins and artifacts dating back as early as 1200 BCE and occupied until around 400-500 BCE by the Chavín, a major pre-Inca culture.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Huaraz, Chavín de Huantar
Languages French, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Scenic Journey to Chavín de Huántar

  • Pick up from your hotel in Huaraz at 8 am and depart for the ruins of Chavín de Huántar.

  • Drive through the villages of Recuay and Huacapampa, crossing the Santa River.

  • Continue past eucalyptus trees and through a sheepherders' village.

  • Join the paved highway and travel along highlands filled with pastures and straw-covered landscapes.

  • Arrive at a small valley and discover Lake Querococha.

  • Continue to the highest pass at Túnel de Cahuish, an important hydrographical division where water on the west side flows to the Pacific Ocean and water on the east side flows to the Atlantic Ocean.

  • Travel through the narrow valley in a zigzag route, passing along the flanks of the Río Mosna.

  • Arrive at the archaeological site of Chavín de Huántar.

  • Have lunch at a local restaurant.

  • Explore the castle of Chavín and discover its many labyrinthine rooms.

  • Proceed to one of the main buildings among the Chavín ruins - the Lanzón, a large carved stone remnant of the pre-Incas.

  • Observe the plazas, cabezas clavas, the main porch, the modern museum, and more to learn about the Chavín culture.

Return to your hotel in Huaraz.

Lake Querococha, Túnel de Cahuish high pass, Chavín de Huántar ruins

Where this trip takes you

Lake Querococha, Túnel de Cahuish high pass, Chavín de Huántar ruins

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Chavin de Huantar 2 cities · 1 Day

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • English-speaking guide

  • Transportation

What's Not Included

  • Entrance tickets
  • Mineral water
  • Food
  • Drinks

What to bring

  • Hat
  • Sunblock cream
  • Some cash for lunch and entrance fees

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
First Class Huaraz, altura de la Catedral, Jirón 28 de Julio, Huaraz, Perú
Tour start
Chavin de Huantar, Peru
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 1 day finishes where it began, in Chavin de Huantar.

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