Chavín" comes from a Quechua word meaning "centre of centres, the centre of the universe as a magic and sacred place." Whether Chavín de Huántar was a temple or a fort at the centre of the Inca universe or whether Lanzon was the stone of power or sacrifice is not known. One archaeologist is of the opinion that, it was a ceremonial centre with a twist in its architecture – with drains where water could be pushed through, and the roar of the water could be heard through vents and chambers within the centre itself. When this was done, the centre literally "roared," and one can imagine, easily, how awestruck the innocent worshippers would have been!

There are so many of us who have been to Machu Picchu and there are so many more who know of the famous Inca citadel. But few have walked through the temple of Chavín. Archaeologist John Rick of Stanford University has been trying to turn this renowned archaeological site into a tourist interest destination that is equal in importance to Machu Picchu. Rick, who has been digging in for over 10 years, believes that this is not only feasible but also possible. The future of Chavín de Huántar looks promising thanks to the support of the Global Heritage Fund.Caroline, my travel partner, told me that she had decided to study Chavín art and to stay back in Peru longer than she had planned.