We leave Huaraz in the morning by vehicle and head for Chavín de Huántar, an ancient and mysterious temple located in the Peruvian Andes. On the way, we will pass typical Andean villages such as Recuay, Ticapampa, and Catac, accompanied by a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. We will take a short break at Lake Querococha (3980m.) where we can take photos and enjoy a cup of coca tea. Passing through the Tunel de Cahuish (4,555m), we reach the site of Chavín, located just outside town at the confluence of two rivers: the Mosna and the Huanchecsa, at 3140m. Some of the earliest Andean cultures can be traced to the ceremonial complex of Chavín de Huántar. This fascinating temple was probably built between 900-200 years B.C. and was the religious center of the Chavín population. Impressive stone sculptures and artistic reliefs characterize this mysterious place, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. We will visit the Chavín Museum, which holds many artifacts found at the site, some dating as early as 1200 B.C. While some of these artifacts emerged from the Chavín culture, others were brought from afar, demonstrating that people made long pilgrimages to this ceremonial center. Chavín is an important location for learning about the origins of Andean culture, which is counted among the world’s six “cradles of civilization.” Overnight in the town of Chavín de Huantar.
The Great Inca Trail - From Chavín to Huánuco Pampa
Embark on a journey through time as you explore one of the best-preserved portions of the Great Inca trail that connected Cusco, the ancient ceremonial capital of the Inca Empire, with Tomebamba, her northern sister city that is modern-day Cuenca, Ecuador. Explore over 70 km. of the main artery of the greatest road network in Pre-Columbian Latin America, speckled with archaeological sites in the remote landscapes of Northern Peru’s Central Andes. We’ll begin with a visit to Chavín de Huantar, a mysterious temple where ancient religious ceremonies took place over 3,000 years ago. We will immerse in diverse natural landscapes, crossing the Continental Divide and trek across two departments: Ancash and Huánuco, experiencing amazing vistas along the journey. On our last day we’ll arrive at Huánuco Pampa, the largest Inca administrative center outside the department of Cusco where we’ll marvel at feats of engineering achieved by a civilization whose abilities with stonecutting and placement remain unmatched to this day. This amazing trek will challenge, delight, and inspire you.