Chavin is an ancient culture from BC on the more green, wet side of the Andes. It's a nice daytrip from Huaraz. Precisely you can tick off two WHS when doing this daytrip. The pass that needs to be crossed with the beautiful landscape around laguna Querococha is part of PN Huascarán.  
 
Even though on this October day it was raining on the Chavin side of the mountains it was a pleasant day trip. For 15 /S you get a ride in Huaraz with Olguita Tours to Chavin de Huantar. It goes every full hour starting at 5 a.m.. It takes about 2,5 hours when all goes fine. The archeological site is at the very south of town. Currently they build a new bridge here it seems and crossing over the food bridge via the construction site caused some muddy feet.  
 
We decided against a guide as we thought there would be more info panels. Especially at the beginning they're quite rare though. Close to the ceremonial plaza there were the first texts even in English however with limited info. Walking up a bit we reached the galleries. In the Lacron gallery there is a nice, carved statue that is original. The other galleries or underground tunnels are more impressive as they're so old. Finally one cabeza clava can be seen on a wall before walking to the exit. It's a stone face with human and feline elements and should display a shaman that turns into a jaguar after consuming hallucigena.  
 
After lunch we walked to the museum related to Chavin. I have no clue who had the idea to build it at the exact opposite site of the village but I can say it's worth the 30 minute walk. Interesting side fact: During our archeological site visit there was a parade in the town center. So far so normal. Distracting was that constantly dynamite- like fireworks exploded in the air and shook the whole valley so loud were they. 
 
We already witnessed a lot of bad museums in South America, but this one is really good. Only some texts are in English but the displays are great and the Spanish texts are comparibly easy to understand. Also the rooms are big and kept simple but focused on the important aspects. Highlights include a 3D model of Chavin that includes lights to show the specific aspects of the site. Then there is a collection of about 20 more of the cabezas clavas with multiple face expressions. 5 of them show even the complete conversion of a human into a shaman by taking hallucigena. Additionally there are stones and pillars with carvings that reminded me a bit of the Tiwuanaku culture. They show also human and animal elements. We were a bit annoyed by the fact that we had to pay for it as on the flyer at the site it was written that the 15 /S entrance at the site include the museum. Now the museum costs 12 /S entrance extra. We could bargain to get the student price of 5 /S for the bad communication. Both places are open until 4 p.m. except mondays. 
 
Only the archeological site are 3 stars for me but in combination with the explainations and more interesting displays in the museum it's a 4 star place and a great, fun and exciting daytrip from Huaraz.