Learn about the Qhapaq ñan

The Qhapaq Ñan, (also spelt Capac Ñan) means ‘Royal Road’ in the Quechua language. It refers to a vast system of traditional paths that connected all sections of the Inca Empire. 

Considered one of the most impressive engineering works in history, it stretches into six modern-day countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador, as well as Peru.

A section of Qhapaq Ñan, winding its way through a spectacular Andean valley.

The true extent of the network is not known, because much has been destroyed since the Spanish Conquest, by horse's hooves, metal wheels and modern infrastructure.

It is estimated to have covered at least 40,000 km (25,000 miles) with all routes leading to Huak’aypata in the centre of Cusco. 

The Inca Empire - the Tahuantinsuyo - was divided into four regions (suyos): 

  • Chinchaysuyo (north)

  • Collasuyo (south)

  • Antisuyo (east)

  • Contisuyo (west).

In order to maintain the economic, political, military and social integrity of such a vast area, it was vital to have regular communication between the various regions.

Thus, the Qhapaq Ñan played a vital role in Inca strategic thinking.  

It should be noted that the network was not all the work of the industrious Incas: they incorporated large sections that had been built by preceding cultures, such as the Wari in central Peru; the Chachapoya in northern Peru; and the Tiwanaku around Lake Titicaca.

Map of the Qhapaq Ñan road system.

The Camino Real, or Longitudinal Highland Highway, was the core axis of the entire route, running north-south and linking the Chinchaysuyo to the Collasuyo, by way of the Andes Mountain Range.

It stretched approximately 6,000 km (3,700 miles) between Quito and Santiago de Chile.

Running parallel was the Camino de la Costa - the Longitudinal Coastal Highway - that ran for 4,000 km (2,500 miles) between Ecuador and Chile, along the coastal valleys and deserts nearer the Pacific Ocean.

These two main arteries were connected by transversal roads, which ran east-west, often following the course of the valleys; and also continued into the Antisuyo region.

Even the famous Inca Trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu is just one side street in this enormous network!  

Remains of an Inca religious site (ushnu).

Places to shelter and feed travellers, tambos, were built at intervals along the various roads; as were religious buildings, ushnus, where locals and visitors could pay tribute to their gods.

Many of the natural features along the way, such as mountain peaks (apus) and lakes (cochas) acquired a divine significance.

Not surprising given the awe-inspiring geography encountered.

The Qhapaq Ñan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, after a joint application by the six countries that share it - the first time that several countries had teamed up make a submission.

It fulfilled UNESCO's criteria on a number of levels:

Local dance of Quechua-speaking community at Huanuco Pampa .

  • Technological achievement in building a lasting structure in a mind-boggling variety of locations and environments. 

  • 308 archaeological sites associated with the road system. 

  • As an expression of the political, social and cultural values of the Inca Empire.

  • Continuing to serve its original functions of integration, communication, exchange and flow of goods and knowledge,

  • Reinforcing identity within the Andean world.

How to visit the Qhapaq Ñan with PeruNorth:

Hiking a steeper section of Qhapaq Ñan in Department of Ancash.