The Inca Empire and its outstanding facilities Have you ever travelled in between Argentina and Chile, across the Andes? Then you will likely have actually travelled on the present-day version of the Qhapaq Ñan, a remarkable 30,000-km ancient Inca roadway network.
In its heyday, the Inca Empire (1438– 1533 CE) covered a large stretch along the western coast of South America, from the northern highlands of Ecuador to the southern deserts of Chile. As you can envision, this geographical expanse came with huge logistical obstacles.
We require facilities, they decided. After all, this empire is El Ombligo del Mundo, the navel of the world. We must construct roads. And a work of art of engineering it was, connecting all the parts of their substantial empire, throughout contemporary Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, and Colombia. The Incas could now manage their far-flung territories, carry out diplomacy and move armies.
The Qhapaq Ñan was more than simply infrastructure, however. It was a channel for culture, for helping with interaction and trade, and not least, to combine royal power. In other words, this roadway network was the backbone that merged the Inca empire.
The roadways linked spiritual shrines and ceremonial centres, as well. Pilgrims moved along the Qhapaq Ñan to reach their spiritual hubs, such as the spiritual Machu Picchu, the well-known sun temple of Coricancha, and of course Cusco, the Inca capital and centre of the universe. All power was centralised in Cusco. Whatever radiated out from here like the spokes of a wheel. The nave of the navel. Cusco was linked to everywhere. Everywhere was linked to Cusco.
Mendoza and the Qhapaq Ñan
It is a warm January morning, when we start our journey in Mendoza in Argentina’s Cuyo Area, in the foothills of the Andes. It is a modern-day city, lovely and friendly, surrounded by stunning landscapes. Climbing and hiking chances are plentiful.
So do fantastic food and white wine. This is prime high-altitude wine-growing nation, and Mendoza is home to the famous, fruity, full-bodied Malbec wines.
This location has been a significant crossing point between Argentina and Chile for centuries– and still is. The Mendoza valley was a key area here at the southern parts of the Qhapaq Ñan, linking the Incan heartland to points further south, managing the circulation of information and of items such as potatoes, maize, textiles, pottery, precious metals … everything went through Mendoza.
And you can still find residues of the Qhapaq Ñan here: scenic trails along ancient roadways, bridges and stays of tambos.
In Inca times, a tambo (tampu in Quechua) was a waystation, an inn, a location to rest and restock supplies. The tambo provided food, shelter, and provisions for visitors, traders, and army workers, not unlike the caravanserai in the Middle East.
The Qhapaq Ñan: Mendoza to Chile
The Qhapaq Ñan crosses one of the most severe geographical landscapes on the planet, going from high-altitude mountains to the coast, throughout arid deserts, fertile valleys, and jungles. There are mountain paths, desert tracks, seaside roads, terraces, tunnels and natural fibre suspension bridges spanning deep gorges.
The Incas overcame natural barriers and adjusted the landscape to their needs, just like we do today. Just they did it without contemporary equipment. They also incorporated the roads into the landscape with minimal environmental impact. So we have a roadway system which is functional and remains in an unified relationship with nature. They seem to have had a natural knack for stabilizing progress with conservation, the Incas did. And in a world that progressively values sustainability, the Incas can certainly teach us a lesson: how to produce systems that benefit progress whilst respecting the environment.
Unfortunately, the Inca Empire fell to the Spanish conquistadores in the 16th century. However the locals got their comeuppance a few centuries later.
We will cross the Paso de los Andes, a stretch specifically important for trade and cultural exchange– and military battles. In the early 1800s, when all of South America defended self-reliance, many armies passed through the Qhapaq Ñan. Famous liberty fighter and South American hero, José de San Martín, who liberated Argentina, Chile and Peru from Spanish profession, crossed just this course from Mendoza to totally free Chile.
As we continue towards the border, we are on modern-day roadways that have actually replaced the ancient infrastructure. Still … it is an interesting mental game, thinking of that the centuries have merged. I see San Martín and his Army of the Andes marching past here. There, Inca merchants are bring sacks of potatoes on the back of llamas. Further down the roadway is a chasqui, a runner bring messages and spiritual things between the remote shrines. Further still, a tambo, providing lunch and rest.
The Qhapaq Ñan continues to be an important part of Andean life. And it is not just a keepsake of the past. A great part is still in usage; modern-day Andeans depend on the ancient pathways for transport. And what’s more, the Qhapaq Ña likewise plays an economic role. As tourist to ancient Inca sites like Machu Picchu grows, stretches of the Qhapaq Ñan are preserved and brought back, so we have the opportunity to experience this dazzling building firsthand.
Mendoza to Chile today
The road from Mendoza to Valparaíso is scenic and daring.
From Mendoza, we travel by bus along Ruta Nacional 7 towards Paso Internacional Los Libertadores(the Liberator’s Pass, likewise known as Paso Internacional Cristo Redentor) at the top of the Andes. This is the primary border crossing between Argentina and Chile, open year-round however in some cases closed during winter season (Jun– Sep). Snow and ice can make the pass treacherous.
On the way to the border, the roadway passes through vineyards and olive groves. We get a glance of the Malbec region.
Then, heading up towards the pass, we go through significant mountain surroundings: winding roadways, small towns with names like Punte de Vacas (Cow’s point) and Puente del Inca (Bridge of the Inca). Nearby is Hotel Puente del Inca, a former day spa hotel, damaged by a landslide some 60 years earlier. The creepy ruins are still standing, and it would have been interesting to explore. There is just something eerily exciting about deserted hotels.
< img src ="https://www.sophiesworld.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FullSizeRender-compressed.jpg"alt="" width =" 640" height=" 276 "/ > I would also have actually liked to have a closer look at the village’s name. Puente del Inca is a natural arch, forming a bridge over Rio Las Cuevas. Next time I am going in this manner, I will have my own wheels. And more time.
Nearing the border, we find the snow-capped peak of legendary Aconcagua. At 6,961 metres, it is the highest mountain in the Americas. To the Incas, Aconcagua was a sacred mountain. Mummified body parts and various artefacts have been found near the top, showing that they utilized the mountain for human sacrifice and spiritual events.
At the border station, we go through migration and customs for both Argentina and Chile. It is a quick in and out for our bus, with just enough time for the bathroom and getting some water, all rather uncomplicated. But others have spent numerous hours waiting here, so you never know.
Onwards: Chile
In Chile, we continue on La Ruta 60-CH. And this is where the adventure is available in. Coming down winding mountain roadways, some of them extremely steep. And I am Norwegian, so I understand high mountain roads. But it is different when you’re not behind the wheel, isn’t it … My life remains in the hands of the bus chauffeur.
View from the leading floor of a bus! Focus on
the views rather. Luckily, he appears to understand what he’s doing.
Continuing westwards, we go through the valleys of central Chile, also pretty: fertile farmland, vineyards, beautiful hills. As we approach the Pacific, the roadway starts to wind down towards Valparaíso, with spectacular views of the ocean and the vibrant city.
Practicals
- The journey lasts 6-7 hours or more, depending upon weather conditions and border crossing times.
- Weather condition: Even in summer, the weather can alter considerably as you cross the Andes. We are here in January, in the middle of the southern summer season. Layers of clothes can be found in handy.
- Altitude: Paso Internacional Los Libertadores is at 3,200-metre elevation. This can affect both you and your car.
- Automobile requirements: Make sure your automobile is in excellent condition. If you are travelling in winter, bring snow chains and, notably, understand how to use them.
- Border crossing: Bring your passport and any needed files for you and your car. Both Argentina and Chile have stringent custom-mades regulations concerning the import of food, plants, and so on. Make sure you inspect the current standards ahead of time.
All photos by Ingunn Elvekrok and yours truly.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Roadway System is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Here are more UNESCO World Heritage websites around the globe.