QHAPAQ ÑAN : UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

What is Qhapaq Ñan ?

The Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System, is an extensive network of Inca roads and structures
associated with communication, trade and defense that spans more than 30,000 kilometers.
The road includes a total of six countries: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia (Plurinational State
of), Argentina and Chile. Its territorial extension reached its maximum extent in the 15th century when it was enlarged throughout the length and breadth of the Andes. Its incredible
infrastructure allowed various merchants, travellers, messengers, armies and population
groups to travel from the central plaza of Cusco to the outer roads

Qhapaq Ñan as a World Heritage Site

The Qhapaq Ñan, in 2014, has obtained the World Heritage emblem thanks to the effort of
more than 10 years by the countries involved. In order for UNESCO to validate any natural property as a World Heritage Site, it is necessary to go through several criteria to see if the property actually reflects the evolution of the World Heritage concept itsel.
These criteria are classified into 10 but, Qhapaq ñan have 4:

Who are we ?

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (by its initials, UNESCO) is an international organization whose objective is to contribute to the consolidation of peace, sustainable development and the intercultural dialogue.

What do we do ?

To promote the protection of places with history, natural and cultural diversity in the world, UNESCO created the World Heritage emblem. In 1972, several countries decided to make a treaty which demands that these places have to be preserved as a legacy for all humanity by creating an international norm for their protection.