Hungo Pavi — Attraction in New Mexico

Hungo Pavi, the first major ruin encountered on the loop road within Chaco Culture National Historical Park, offers a compelling glimpse into the ancient Chacoan world.

While some is known about the Chacoan people, the specific history of Hungo Pavi remains somewhat shrouded in mystery. The name "Hungo Pavi" itself has yet to be definitively translated, adding to the intrigue. Construction at Hungo Pavi is believed to have begun around AD 900, reaching its peak between AD 1000 and 1075. The ruin features a great kiva and a large plaza, indicative of its importance as a community and ceremonial center. Like other Chacoan great houses, it was constructed with meticulous stonework and precise astronomical alignments. The site was abandoned, along with much of Chaco Canyon, around the mid-12th century, likely due to environmental changes such as prolonged drought.

During my visit, a group of archaeologists was actively engaged in excavation, further highlighting the ongoing efforts to uncover and understand the secrets held within these ancient walls. Their presence underscored the fact that even seemingly well-understood sites like Hungo Pavi continue to yield new information through careful scientific inquiry.

the sheer scale and intricate design of Hungo Pavi are deeply impressive. The unanswered questions surrounding its name and specific purpose only enhance its allure, making Hungo Pavi a truly captivating and thought-provoking stop on any tour of...

It's a short walking distance from the parking lot. This is a nice site you can still see a lot of the structure still together. I went during the week and there was hardly any people it was nice...

The Park Service makes access so easy to each site. Most are 1 mile loops you can walk around and check the site out. Each one...