The Inca Road, passing through six South American countries, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia, spans approximately 30,000 kilometers, with archaeological sites along a 7,000-kilometer stretch. This ancient road was constructed by the Inca Empire between 1438 and 1532 along the Andes Mountains, serving as the main artery for the rulers to convey orders and the Incas to engage in production, daily life, and trade.

On the eastern route, the road crosses the puna grasslands and high mountain valleys from Quito to Mendoza; the western route was built along the coastal plains, excluding the coastal deserts surrounding the foothills. Over 20 routes traverse the western mountains, while others crisscross between peaks and lowlands in the eastern ranges, with some roads reaching altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters. The road provided a simple, reliable, and fast route for civil and military communication, personnel movement, and logistic support of the empire. The main users were imperial soldiers, porters, llama caravans, as well as nobles and individuals conducting official business.

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System

Reason to visit: Added as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2014

Continent of the attraction: South America

Country/Region: Peru

Province/State: Cusco Region