Qhapaq Ñan – The Inca Trail Network

Qhapaq Ñan- The Inca Trail Network

The Qhapaq Ñan is an Andean road system stretching over 30,000km and covering six countries (Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia & Peru).   Featuring bridges, retaining walls, and water drainage systems, it was the most advanced means of transportation in preHispanic South America.   Crossing extreme climates including rainforest, arid desert and the high Andes, the Qhapaq Ñan linked diverse cultures and allowed for the administration and domination of the Inca Empire. 

Due to its cultural significance and technological sophistication, the Qhapaq Ñan was declared a World Heritage Site in 2014.    While the world-famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most best-known opportunity for travelers to experience the Qhapaq Ñan themselves, there are actually amazing options all over the continent!   

It all Begins with Cusco

In Quechua, Qhapaq Ñan roughly translates to “royal road” or “way of the king”.  Fittingly, its origin is Cusco, Peru, former head of the Inca Empire (known as Tiwantinsuyu, “four directions together”).   From Cusco, the Qhapaq Ñan network extended in four major directions: Chinchasuyu, Collasuyu, Antisuyu and Contisuyu.  In between ran smaller roads, creating a grid and connecting important areas.   This central control allowed the Inca’s to administer a sprawling empire, spanning the length of South America.

The Qhapaq Ñan has Left its Mark 

Today, when you visit Peru (and especially Cusco) the signs of the Qhapaq Ñan’s significance are everywhere.   One of the most obvious are the gorgeous trek routes the country offers; almost all include at least some portions of the original Qhapaq Ñan.   This is especially true with routes that include important archaeological sites, such as Choquequirao, Machu Picchu and Vitcos-Rosapata.   Signs can also be found in the names of stores, hotels, restaurants, ruins and more.    Here are a few examples:

• Tambo – A tambo is a resting place. Along the Qhapaq Ñan, tambos would be constructed at regular intervals for overnight travelers and their animals.
• Qolqa – Qolqas are warehouses or storage rooms. Qolqas allowed for one of the main purposes of the Qhapaq Ñan; the transfer of diverse goods from one location to another.
• Pukara – A pukara is an outpost or a fortress.  Military expansion and control of conquered areas were important Inca goals, and pukaras were part of achieving them.
• Chaski– Chaskis (or Chasquis) were messengers known for their speed. They ran along the Qhapaq Ñan, carrying information from one location to the next. 

Interested in Learning More?

Has all this information gotten you excited about exploring a little of the Qhapaq Ñan Inca trails yourself?  There are many, many options, up and down the continent.   Here in the former center of the Inca empire, we of course have the Inca Trail, which requires permits and months of advanced planning.   There are countless other options as well, ranging from half day hikes to multiday adventures!   Contact us and find out more about your options.