Qhapaq Ñan, the Inca road system.

The Incas  (1438 to 1532 A.D. ) were the biggest civilization in South America , their empire, called Tahuantinsuyo, covered 6 countries, South of Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia and the North of Argentina and Chile, the empire was controlled from the capital: Cusco (Perú).

To rule the empire the Incas built a road system called The Qhapac Ñan, it was the biggest transportation system in the continent and went from the South of Colombia to the North of Argentina. The Qhapac Ñan had 2 main roads, both going from North to South, The Royal Road from Quito to Tucuman  (north of Argentina), located along the Andes and had about 5200 Km. and the Road of the Coast with a length of 4000 Km. this was parallel to the Pacific Ocean and was linked to the Royal Road by smaller routes. From this main road there were other smaller ones  to connect with towns and villages in the coast, jungle and mountains.  The Qhapac Ñan had about 40000 Km. of roads along all the empire. This trail system allowed the Incas to control all the civilizations they conquered, It connected towns, agricultural zones, mining areas, sacred temples and administrative centers.

The main purposes of the Qaphac Ñan were: Transportation, trade of resources, military, logistical support and religious.  The Incas sent Chasquis (messengers) to all their territory, used llamas to carry supplies, get tributes from the civilizations that were part of the empire and sent workers and the army using this roads.

Along the route there were places to stop to eat and rest (Tambos), and storages (Qollqas)  with food and supplies. The Wari civilization (500/1000 years before the Incas) built a network of roads in the south and north of Perú, then, the Incas (1438/1532 A.D.) built the Qhapac Ñan to expand and control their empire. In 1532 the Spaniards arrived to Perú and used this roads to go to Cusco and then to Lima. From XIX century until now (republic period) the governments built modern highways and ports, almost all the roads of the Qhapac Ñan were abandoned.

Today only 25% of the network is still visible, the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Cusco) is the most popular part and connects the Sacred Valley with the sacred city. In Perú the main archaeological sites are: Pachacamac (Lima), Tambo Colorado (Pisco), Sillustani (Puno), Koricancha (Cusco) and Haycan Cieneguilla (Lima), most of them are in good conditions. In Ecuador the most important site is Ingapirca, located in the Cañar area.

The Qhapaq Ñan was declared World Heritage by Unesco on 21/06/2014 and now the governments has to make an effort to rebuilt and protect this roads so the locals can use it. This trail system could be also use for tourism and the money from the entrance fee could be used to  maintain and protect the roads, archaeological  sites and the enviroment.  The Qhapac Ñan has to be protected by the government and people has to learn the history and importance of this trail system.