Chavin de huantar

This immense archaeological site is the only one of the Chavin culture, which is one of the oldest civilizations of Latin America (between 1200 and 800 B.C.).  It was a major religious and artistic center and maybe, a pilgrim place according to the first Spanish conquerors. The most interesting part of the visit is in the underground; landslides of 1945 have buried everything. On the main square, a stair lead to the Castillo, where there is a 3 levels temple made of rough stone, with decorations (today noticeable in different museums). Important tunnels are crossing the site, with underground rooms. The presence of mirrors, shells, etc, seems to indicate that visual and sound effects were made in order to inspire terror and to enforce the hierarchical authority. The small museum also has frightening statues.