HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
Chasquis
The Inca Express The chasquis were highly trained messengers who took correspondence along the vast road system that connected the territories subjugated by the Incas. In general they were young men between 18 and 20 years of age who carried messages and food from the highlands to the coast and vice versa using a system of posts. Thanks to the chasquis, the different parts of the empire were able to exchange products such as fish, fine timber and feathers. This system also enabled the empire to be controlled and managed from the city of Cusco. The chasquis had resting places known as tambos throughout the road system, usually stocked with food and drink. A true example of power, strength and efficiency, the chasquis could travel from Cusco to Quito in just a week. They were trained in techniques of attack and defense to ensure that their messages and products would arrive.
101 Reasons to be proud of Peru
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