This map shows the physical geography of the Chavin civilization. A map of South America. A key shows Chavin civilization in green and Mountains with a brown pyramid. Mountains run from the north coastline southeast to Peru's coastline and continue south through South America. A green shaded area is along Peru's west coast. What effect did physical geography have on the Chavin civilization? The sea made the civilization a cultural center. The mountains isolated the Chavin from other cultures. The Chavin’s nearness to other cultures led to an increase in trade. The Chavin used the mountains for protection from their enemies.