Andina

Peru: Over 80% of vestiges wait to be discovered at Chavin de Huantar site

15:31 | Huaraz (Ancash region), Aug. 9.

Back in August 1919 —in Ancash region's Huari province— renowned Peruvian doctor and anthropologist Julio C. Tello discovered the archaeological vestiges of one of the most important cultures of ancient Peru: Chavin.


Nowadays, 100 years later, thousands of vestiges wait to be unveiled at Chavin de Huantar Archaeological Monument —a legacy of this fascinating culture.

According to Ancash Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur) Head Fatima Rodriguez, only 15% of archaeological vestiges have been brought to light so far.


"There is still much to be explored about this culture. There is a lot of work to do within the complex itself and also in the surroundings," she said.

The Chavin de Huantar Archaeological Site is located about 86 km from Huaraz, the capital of Ancash region, and more than 450 km away from Lima.


The monument is at 3,177 m.a.s.l., thus providing a wonderful view of snow-capped mountains and landscapes.

One of the latest Chavin-related discoveries took place in August last year, and is considered one of the most important ones of the last 50 years.

Archeologists used micro camera-equipped small robots to explore underground spaces.

The findings —walls, hallways, drainage channels, and utensils— give testimony of the various stages of the Chavin culture.

They included three new underground galleries featuring the first Chavin-period human burials found in Peru.

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Published: 8/9/2019