Chavín, Perú (central Andes)

9:36S   77:10W     3200masl

Chavín is said to be the cradle of Andean civilisation (but Carál is sheddding new light), and its influences are evident through to the Incas. First settlement was around 1200 BC, its culture peaking in 400 to 200 BC and attracting pilgrimages from thousands of kilometres away. It has a massive temple complex with a maze of underground chambers that houses the two story Lazón, a carve stone column. Their god is depicted as holding two staffs, a theme repeated by most subsequent Andean civilisations until the Incas.