Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System

The Qhapaq Ñan, often referred to as the Andean Road System, is a remarkable network of ancient roads that once converged on the Inca capital of Cusco. While the Incas are most closely associated with its creation, the Qhapaq Ñan weaves together pre-Inca pathways and infrastructure, connecting diverse settlements and ethnic groups across modern-day Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.  

Spanning a wide range of ecologies—from the Andean plateau and high sierra to coastal lowlands—the Qhapaq Ñan facilitated communication, trade, and cultural exchange across one of the most extreme and varied landscapes on Earth, traversing altitudes up to 6,700 meters above sea level.

This vast road network is dotted with historical features, including administrative centers, fortresses, storehouses, ceremonial sites, villages and towns, petroglyphs, and agricultural systems. From the thousands of kilometers and archaeological sites associated with the Qhapaq Ñan, over 616 kilometers and 308 archaeological sites have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a Cultural Itinerary of transnational significance. Many communities along the Qhapaq Ñan continue to sustain traditional knowledge, stories, and practices tied to the ancient route despite the disruptions posed by modern infrastructure to its original contiguity.  

The 2025 World Monuments Watch advocates for a holistic, inclusive, and community-centered approach to managing and preserving the Qhapaq Ñan. This vision aims to balance the needs and aspirations of local communities with the road’s World Heritage status, fostering sustainable development, preservation, and a shared responsibility across international borders. The Qhapaq Ñan's story of connectivity and resilience can inspire a sustainable model for heritage stewardship that spans local, national, and international jurisdictions.