Chavin is one of Peru's oldest civilizations and laid the cultural foundations of all later Peruvian civilizations. The Chavin culture started in a time period called the Early Horizon in about 400 BC, although many elements of the culture can be traced back about 1,000 years before its start. Chavin de Huantar developed around 900 B.C. late in the Initial Period. At an elevation of 3,150 m., Chavin de Huantar was situated at the bottom of Cordillera Blanca's eastern slopes, approximately halfway between tropical forests and coastal plains. At the intersection of major routes, Chavin de Huantar was in the position to control the routes, increase their exchange with others, and receive goods that were not natural to their area. Chavin de Huantar was an agricultural society, home to a fairly large population. Its appearance is striking, with the complex of terraces and squares, surrounded by structures of dressed stone, and the mainly zoomorphic ornamentation. The trip to Chavin de Huantar is an unforgettable experience. The road passes blue coloured lakes, crosses the Andes and the views are incredibly spectacular. |
