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One more surprise from Inca history! They were full of surprises it seems! This time we’ll talk about the fabulous Qapac Nan, the system of Inca roads that connected all the empire! By the way, several of our tours include hiking and seeing segments of these historical paths. They can be found even in Machu Picchu!
The mighty Qapac Nan -a long system of Inca roads- has a total extension of around 30,000 kilometers (18,642 miles approx.)! It was constructed for several goals: commerce, interconnection, defense. At its maximum, it went from Colombia to Argentina. Its core or nucleus was at today’s Cusco City’s Main Square (Plaza de Armas); from there, the Qapac Nan went into four different directions, imitating the Southern Cross constellation. The political project of Inca rulers was to completely integrate the empire: production hubs, cities and worship places. One prosperous empire controlled by the devotion to Inti (Sun God).
Actually though, it has to be said that this Inca political worldview was partly inherited from the previous Andean empire, the Wari. They had the original idea of the Qapac Nan and began the construction; they also envisioned an empire with no material needs whatsoever under the rule of one deity, Huiracocha, the Creator God. It was the first Inca emperor, Pachacutec, who made a religious reform to replace Huiracocha with the Sun God Inti (it is said that such reform didn’t have the unanimous approval of Inca clerics, which caused some unrest). However, with the Inca empire the Qapac Nan reached its largest extension.
The Qapac Nan is deemed a marvel of engineering, because it crosses all kinds of terrains (mountainous, steep, deserts, jungle and more), also with bridges, stairs, channels and a lot of paved sections.
On the military side, this network of Inca roads allowed their armies to gradually march over other kingdoms, most of the times convincing them to peacefully join the empire and benefit, other times annexing them by war.
Next, let’s check some of our tours which actually encounter the fabulous Inca roads of the Qapac Nan!
Classic 4-Day Inca Trail
This is one of the most renowned hikes worldwide, bringing here thousands of adventurers each year, 500 per day. This trek does touch and includes some segments of the millenary Inca roads, an additional excitement to an already amazing experience!
Short 2-Day Inca Trail
This is a briefer, lighter version of the Classic Inca Trail, which nevertheless includes a hiking part that also touches paved paths and stairs belonging to the Qapac Nan.
Machu Picchu Tours
The area surrounding the hilltop citadel was also included in the design of the Inca roads; no surprise because the citadel was built as a luxury vacation retreat for Inca nobility which came from Cusco City. Our customers can certainly see these Inca roads, take pictures and all, while listening to the expert explanation of our professional guides.
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
This is a new, trendy trek; the Choquequirao site is called “Machu Picchu’s twin sister” because of the large resemblance. To begin with, it is also a hilltop citadel. The environment and views are astonishing! At some times you’ll be above clouds’ level! The most famous Qapac Nan part here is the staircase which goes up the mountain.
So, one more amazing thing you know about Cusco! The history of Inca roads of the Qapac Nan, which actually are World Heritage now.
One more reason to contact our tour specialists and come down here to our spectacular region. The Inca roads of the Qapac Nan are one more amazing attraction everybody can enjoy in Peru!
