World Heritage Identification Number: 1459
World Heritage since: 2014
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: Yes
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: Argentina, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
Continent: NA
UNESCO World Region: Latin America and the Caribbean
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The Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System: A Remarkable Incan Legacy
The Qhapaq Ñan, also known as the Andean Road System, is an impressive testament to the ingenuity and ambition of the Inca civilization. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, this extensive network of roads spans over 30,000 kilometers, making it one of the most extensive and advanced transportation systems in pre-Columbian South America.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
This site is an extensive Inca communication, trade and defence network of roads covering 30,000 km. Constructed by the Incas over several centuries and partly based on pre-Inca infrastructure, this extraordinary network through one of the world’s most extreme geographical terrains linked the snow-capped peaks of the Andes – at an altitude of more than 6,000 m – to the coast, running through hot rainforests, fertile valleys and absolute deserts. It reached its maximum expansion in the 15th century, when it spread across the length and breadth of the Andes. The Qhapac Ñan, Andean Road System includes 273 component sites spread over more than 6,000 km that were selected to highlight the social, political, architectural and engineering achievements of the network, along with its associated infrastructure for trade, accommodation and storage, as well as sites of religious significance.
Encyclopedia Record: Inca road system
The Inca road system was the most extensive and advanced transportation system in pre-Columbian South America. It was about 40,000 kilometres (25,000 mi) long in total. The construction of the roads required a large expenditure of time and effort.Additional Site Details
Area: 3,642.807 hectares
(iii) — Unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
(iv) — Outstanding example of a type of building or landscape
(vi) — Directly associated with events or living traditions
Coordinates: -18.25 , -69.5916666667
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© Aga Khan (IT), CC BY-SA 4.0 Resized from original. (This derivative is under the same CC BY-SA license.)