Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The cooks here often dart out to the extensive gardens and grab some fresh organic
herbs - a nice touch. It's 50m across the bridge from the entrance to the ruins. Atmo-
sphere takes a dive at dinner - go for lunch.
Cafetería Renato $
(Plaza de Armas; breakfast S3-12; from 7am)
On the casual Plaza de Armas, this cozy
place serves yummy local and international breakfasts alongside homemade yogurt,
cheese and
manjar blanco
(homemade caramel spread). There's a lovely garden you can
laze in while waiting for your bus and the owners organize horse trekking from here.
BREAKFAST, PERUVIAN
Chavín Turístico $
(Calle 17 de Enero Sur 439; mains S10-20; to 8:30pm)
A solid option, especially for
trucha al ajo
(garlic trout) and trout
sudado,
this place has a chalkboard of traditional
plates and rickety tables around a tiny courtyard. The food is tasty and local archaeolo-
gists say it's the most reliable choice in town.
PERUVIAN
Drinking
BAR
Mama Rawana
(Plaza de Armas 110)
It just so happens one of the few spots in town for a
cold
beer is one
of the Cordilleras' best bars. This cozy joint is a good time. Belly up to the rustic pine-
wood bar - duck under the low doorway - or settle in at one of the few tables. It's reason
alone to spend the night here.
Getting There & Away
The scenic drive across the Cordillera Blanca via Catac passes the Laguna Querococha at
3980m. From here, there are views of the peaks of Pucaraju (5322m) and Yanamarey
(5237m). Along the way it passes through the Kahuish Tunnel (4516m above sea level),
which cuts through the Kahuish Pass. As you exit the tunnel and descend toward Chavín,
look out for the massive statue of Christ built by Italian missionaries and blessing your
journey.
Tour buses make day trips from Huaraz. See
Click here
f
or details of Transportes San-
doval and other companies that have multiple daily departures to Chavín (S12, three
hours). In Chavín,
Transportes Sandoval
( 99-083-7068; Gran Terminal Terrestre,
