UJ #14 - Qhapac Ñan

REDISCOVERING THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE INCAS
Walking is a daily activity we take for granted, but
when we are used to paved city roads we forget
the huge pleasure of going from one place to
another, moving the legs, perceiving the wind and
feeling free.
Let us take a mental journey to the White
Mountain Range of the Andes. The sky changed
from a gray to a luminous sky blue color, the dark
sidewalks became a cobblestone road among the
rugged mountains, cars are replaced by llamas
and buildings are impressive structures made of
rock. That was the Qhapaq Ñan more than 500
years ago, when the Tahuantinsuyo at its height
was connected by this incredible road network.
In the high Andean areas, the Great Inca Trail
maintains its traditional mystique: the connection
with nature and the service to the community. A
team of adventure seekers were willing to travel
3,200 km along it for five months, from Tomebamba
(Ecuador) to Cusco (Peru), to rediscover this Inca
heritage, give it new value and revive the footsteps
of the ancient inhabitants of the empire.
But it is not worth conveying such a fascinating
story from the comfort of a desk. As a partner,
LimaTours was present from the beginning, taking
care of the logistics for ‘The Great Inca Trail’, but it
was time to wear the boots, carry the backpacks
and experience the Qhapaq Ñan together with the
expeditionary group.
Rodrigo Cabrera / KM Cero
Imposing
landscapes
such as this
accompanied
the members
of the
expedition.
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