The vast network of paved roads built by the Incas throughout the Andean Range and the western coast of South America, Qhapac Ñan, shared by six countries of the region, has been proposed as a historical monument to be appointed as a World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO.
The Qhapac Ñan was made of stone paths and hanging bridges over the Andean rivers, steps and ramps were built to overcome the steep slopes. It connected the four regions of the Inca Empire, called by them Tahuantinsuyo (the four quarters of the world). Trains of llamas carrying goods used to go through these roads as well as the “chasquis”, the mail runners who kept the Inca and his people informed about the latest news and statistics of their world.
The famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best examples of the greatness of the Qhapac Ñan; thousands of trekkers have already experienced this fabulous journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is rated among the ten best trekking trails in the world because of its striking beauty, ancient Inca ruins and diverse ecological zones.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
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