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Qapa Nam is the name of the road network made up of pre-Inca routes and corridors, with main and secondary roads that started from Cuzco, dividing into four primary roads that entered from north to south through the four suyus of the Empire: the Chinchasuyu, the Antisuyu , the Cuntinsuyu and the Collasuyu.
From these four branches a network with reservoirs and posts was derived where travelers and caravans found rest, forage, food and water. One of these branches ran longitudinally through the Quebrada de Humahuaca, with some minor bifurcations that entered the lateral streams to the Puna and the eastern Valleys of Jujuy.
The Qhapac Ñan is one of the most attractive circuits that can be traveled in Jujuy from the town of Santa Ana – a rural community in the department of Valle Grande, located at 3,333 meters above sea level – either on foot or on horseback.
It was declared by UNESCO, a World Heritage Site, in the Transnational Cultural Itinerary category.
Along the Tawantinsuyu, known since the 16th century as Qhapaq Ñan (Great Road), this system of roads favored the interaction of social, economic, cultural, technological, political and ideological values.
Its magnitude, the remarkable engineering applied in the rugged geography and its ability to organize and unify the Andean territory is a cultural, transnational itinerary that constitutes a unique physical work, of great importance for the history of humanity.
It is home to the greatest biological diversity in the world accompanied by enormous cultural diversity. It reflects the unique worldview in the world based on principles of reciprocity, redistribution.
This great path can be seen from the High Valley Communities, where ramps, stairs and suspension bridges were built.
Qhapaq Ñan Circuit
This is an impressive journey for its archaeological and cultural significance and for the beautiful landscapes it offers. It is traveled by walking or horseback riding approximately 13 km leaving from Santa Ana on the RP 73 to Quebrada Grande. From there begins the route that descends along a bridle path and over the slope of the hill. As you descend, you can enjoy the native vegetation, the fauna, especially birds, and the knowledge of medicinal herbs. You pass through the incredible stairs of the Inca Trail, which are surprising for their constructions and for all the archaeological and cultural wealth. Arriving at the viewpoint from the stairs, you have panoramic views with alder forests and the road that goes down to Valle Colorado. The path descends to below 2000 m where the forests appear.
About the Circuit:
Duration: 3 hours.
Kilometers: 15 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Low
Season: all year
Modality: Trekking.
Recommendations:
Do the activity in the morning, wear comfortable clothes, trekking shoes, sunscreen, hat, water and fruits.
Included services:
- Baqueano Guide
- Refreshments
- Canes
- Binoculars
- Rate:
- Check the latest rate update.
Bookings:
This service must be booked in advance. They can do so by communicating by whatsapp with the artisans or hosts of the community.
Payment Methods:
In the community there is no good internet signal, nor ATMs. The only form of payment enabled for the moment will be in cash a few minutes before taking the service.
