Huaraz -- Huantar de Chavin 8/21/07 - 8/22/07

In between tourist sites and changing hostels (hot water was our guide), we escaped into a few local bars and eateries, finding some time to relax and unwind. Really relax . . . and really unwind . . . this crazy dude totally deserves this spotlight. A great Brazilian couple from our hostel joined us for some overpriced drinks, foozball, and a bunch of laughs at a local bar "popular with international tourists." (As LP would say it.) They definitely added a lot of color to the night along with nostalgia . . . because Brazil is definitely missed!

Our next stop was the Huantar de Chavin ruins. We booked another bus tour and were on our way. We weren´t in the best shape of course, coughing and sneezing alike, but for a small fee, you can buy a "remedy" from the locals containing all kinds of goodies.

"Hmmm, is there liquor in this? It tastes like cachaça!?" Well yes, there is! A bit of sugarcane rum will get your going in the morning, for sure!!! And we drank it up like champions.

First, we headed to Lake Querococha high in the mountains. A breathtaking view of surrounding ice-capped mountains and endless valleys . . . But windy as all hell, no swimming yet for this one. . . sorrrrry.

Then we stopped briefly at the town of Huantar to see the Plaza and take a romantic shot of the new lovebirds.

Finally, we headed into the most famous ruins of the Chavin era. Just to give you an idea of its grandeur, here is what the Spanish discoverers wrote back in 1616. Chavin was an earlier civilization believed to be developed around 900 B.C. and ended in about 200 B.C. This ruin site is one of the most preserved ruins in existence, surviving earthquake after earthquake . . . and the credit has to go to the absolutely amazing craftsmanship.

The rocks were so perfectly placed, at exactly 90 degree angles, that they didn´t even use mortar in a lot of the construction.

The Chavin culture represents the first widely recognized artistic form in the Andes, depicting their pagan deities such as the the snake, the jaguar and the eagle or hawk . . .

and their use of the cacti San Pedro as a hallucinogen for sacred rituals. Here´s a current representation . . .

The ruins were a vast collection of court yards, sacred halls, and ritual temples . . .

. . . and a lot of what we saw was underground in intricate maze-like hallways and chambers. We had a lot of fun running around and exploring the numerous underground hallways and rooms

and to our surprise, they were all well ventilated thanks to the thousands of air-vents in the walls leading to the outside fresh air. Smart, wouldn´t you say?! And speaking of the outside . . .
It was a glorious day and you know I had to have my moment with my llamas, and here´s a video for all of you who love these beautiful animals as much as me . . .

These pictures are of us clowns posing with the famous Chavin heads . . .

Pondering Head

Happy-Ignorant Head

Business-Oriented Head
You can´t buy that kind of advertisement J.T.!! I think Matty deserves a raise!
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Alright Y´all!! Unfortunatley, that´s it for Huaraz and Huantar.

Cusco and the land of Machu Picchu here we come!!