Ancash, Peru
Explore a 3,000-year-old ceremonial center in the Peruvian Andes. Walk through functioning underground galleries and see the 4.5-meter Monolithic Lanzón.
4.4 from 16 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Compare full-day guided bus and van trips departing from Huaraz.
Most bookedChavin de huantar is one of the most important tour in Huaraz because in this tours we will visit a very important building of the chavin culture, a very old building...
Best valueUncover the mysteries of Peru's ancient civilizations on this full-day cultural journey to Chavín de Huántar. Begin your adventure with a scenic stop at Querococha Lake,...
Enjoy a full-day tour to the millenarian capital of archaeology of Chavin de Huantar. in the way you can stop at nice spots for photographs and specially in the...
Explore
The ruins and the nearby museum feature monumental stone architecture and original carvings.
4 spotsThe Ancient TemplesThe central religious and administrative ruins of the Chavín culture.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsNational MuseumModern facility 1 km from the ruins housing original Chavín artifacts.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
2 spotsRoute from HuarazThe high-altitude mountain journey required to reach the ruins.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
The Cahuish Tunnel crosses the Andes at 4,516 meters.
You will pass through it on the 3-hour drive from Huaraz.
Plan your visit
Expect a 9 to 10-hour day from Huaraz. The drive takes 3 hours each way.
Visit during the dry season from May to September. Mountain roads are safer then.
Most visitors take a full-day guided tour or a local colectivo from Huaraz.
General admission is 15 PEN. Guided day tours run between $25 and $40 USD.
Chavín de Huántar predates the Incas by over 2,000 years. Built from around 1200 B.C., in use until about 500 B.C., this complex served as the administrative and religious center for the Chavín culture. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
The site is famous for its intricate stone architecture. You can walk through the The Ancient Temples to see ancient drainage systems and air shafts that still function today. Deep inside the temple sits the Monolithic Lanzón, an original 4.5-meter tall carved idol.
About 1 kilometer from the ruins is the National Museum. Your single 15 PEN entrance ticket includes access to this facility, which houses the original Tello Obelisk and a large collection of stone Tenon Heads.
We detail exact travel times and stops along the mountain route.
We list which tours exclude the 15 PEN site entrance fee.
We highlight warnings from travelers about language barriers.
From Viator
16 reviews of the chavín de huántar on Viator
The place itself is magic and wonderful. The guide (spanish speaking) was professional, I enjoyes his explanation. The thing I dont like (about all peruvian tours) is a very exausting travelling to and from destination. Distances are short, but the roads are bad. But Chavin site is worth getting there anyway!
We visited Chavin de Huantar in April 2025 and learned a lot about this ancient pre-Inca culture. The tour with the Qorianka angency was well organised and the guide excellent. Definitely recommended.
Travel tips
Ticket Prices & DiscountsCurrent 2026 ticket prices, student discounts, and what is included.Read 
Transit GuideCompare buses, tours, and driving for your day trip.Read 
Best Time to VisitFind out when to go for safe roads or to see the ancient drains work.Read 
Altitude Safety TipsTips for acclimatizing before visiting Chavín de Huántar.Read 
Chavín vs Machu PicchuCompare the 3,000-year-old Chavín ruins to the famous Inca site.Read Museum HighlightsDiscover the original stone sculptures and artifacts inside the museum.Read General admission is 15 PEN, which is approximately $4 USD. Students in higher education pay 5 PEN, and minors pay 2 PEN. Seniors over 60, teachers, and persons with disabilities get a 50% discount. See Ticket Prices & Discounts for more details.
The archaeological site and the National Museum of Chavín are open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. They are closed on Mondays.
It takes 2.5 to 3 hours to drive the 109 kilometers from Huaraz to the site. The mountain road is paved but features steep, winding passes. Most day tours last 9 to 10 hours in total. Read more in our Transit Guide guide.
The archaeological site itself sits at 3,180 meters (10,433 feet) above sea level. However, to reach it from Huaraz, your vehicle must cross the Cahuish Tunnel at 4,516 meters (14,816 feet). Learn Altitude Safety Tips prevention before you go.
The site was built by the Chavín culture from around 1200 B.C., in use until about 500 B.C. This makes the ceremonial center over 3,000 years old, predating the Inca empire by more than two millennia.
Yes. Visitors can explore a marked section of the underground galleries. These labyrinthine passageways contain ancient drainage systems and air shafts. Flash photography is prohibited inside to protect the stone.
Book your transport from Huaraz and prepare for a high-altitude historical journey.
