Qhapac Ñan, Andean Road System (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru)

Qhapac Ñan,  Andean Road System  (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia,  Ecuador, Peru) is an extensive Inca communication, trade and defense network of roads covering 30,000 kilometres. 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 metres – 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 274 component sites, spreading over  more than 5,000 kilometres.  They were selected to highlight the social, political, architectural and engineering achievements of the network, along with its associated infrastructure for trade, accommodation and storage, and  sites of religious significance.