CHAVÍN DE HUÁNTAR
PERU
2023
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Chavín de Huantar, Ancash Region, Peru
Chavín de Huántar, nestled in the Peruvian Andes, stands as a testament to the significance of its natural and cultural assets. Their careful preservation and active promotion have garnered acclaim both on a national and global scale.
The archaeological site of Chavín de Huántar has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site has given its name to the culture that developed between 1500 and 300 BC and settled along this valley in the Andes. The architecture of the monumental complex of squares and wide terraces surrounded by elaborately carved stone constructions, as well as its largely zoomorphic ornamentation, gives an impressive look to this place of worship, which is one of the most famous and ancient pre-Columbian sites.
The Huascarán National Park, also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, borders Chavín de Huántar, and part of it includes the Nevado Huantsán, one of the main natural attractions of the village.
The village of Chavín de Huántar is an example of how tourism can foster syncretism between religious traditions and ancestral cultural elements, generating experiences with a positive impact for the population and improving the quality of life of its residents. The village administration has set rescuing and promoting Chavín’s cultural identity as one of its main objectives, harnessing the cultural tourism potential of the village and using tourism activities as a means of knowledge transmission and education for residents and tourists.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Chavín by Night
“Chavín by Night” is an innovative experience, full of emotions and history, designed for visitors who come to Chavín de Huántar during Holy Week. During the day, various religious activities, cultural shows, gastronomic fairs, and artisanal markets take place in the village. Chavín de Noche has been created as a complementary product to diversify the tourist offer and promote the cultural heritage of the village.
During the show, demonstrations of the ceremonies performed by the ancient Chavín priests are presented. One of the most symbolic representations is the so-called “payment to the earth”, which shows gratitude for the harvests which have been gathered, along with other rituals performed in the Square Plaza of the Chavín archaeological complex.
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Preserving cultural heritage through science and cooperation
Since 1995 the Ministry of Culture has been carrying out the Archaeological Research and Conservation Program in Chavín de Huántar. The program generates knowledge that allows for the conservation and management of the archaeological resource, as well as its promotion.
Cultural tourism activities in Chavín de Huántar are led by a multi-sectoral tourism board, a space for coordination and collaboration between the district municipality of Chavín de Huántar and other institutions in the village.
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Improving value chains and integrating them into tourism
Through the implementation of the PROCOMPITE Program, the village has been able to formalize and strengthen the productive chains in the rural area. They work with value chains in agriculture (potatoes, choclo corn, tarwi, vegetables, avocado, and peaches), livestock (cattle, sheep, pigs, and beekeeping), and industry (baking, carpentry, metalworking, textile manufacturing, and shoemaking). They also work towards integrating these chains with tourism activities, including strengthening gastronomy, hospitality, rural area activities, and handicrafts.
