Cusco was the sacred and administrative capital of the Inca Empire (Tahuantinsuyo), the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, functioning as a political, religious, and military center from which its vast territories were controlled. Designed in the shape of a puma, Cusco was the Inca "Navel of the World," a complex urban center that blends impressive Inca architecture (such as Qoricancha and Sacsayhuamán) with Spanish colonial buildings constructed after the conquest.
Key Features:
Center of the Empire: It was the heart of Tahuantinsuyo, connected by four roads to its four regions (suyus).
Architecture: Built upon the foundations of an earlier culture (Killke), the Inca city stands out for its planned design and masterful stonework, often featuring perfectly fitted, carved stones.
Religious Site: It houses Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), the most important site for worshipping Inti, and other temples and shrines. Cultural Fusion: After the Spanish conquest in 1533, colonial churches and palaces were built on top of Inca structures, creating a unique blend of styles.
Legacy: Today, Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a living testament to Inca grandeur and colonial history.
Nearby Archaeological Sites:
Sacsayhuamán: An impressive fortress and ceremonial center that protected the city.
Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay: Other archaeological sites with religious and administrative purposes, located on the outskirts.
The Incas of Tahuantinsuyo, the Largest Empire in South America
The Inca Empire, or Tahuantinsuyo, was home to one of the most important pre-Columbian cultures in the Americas and the most important in South America. More than a dozen Incas ruled this empire from its beginning to its apogee, and at PeruRail we tell you who the Incas were who governed Tahuantinsuyo.
While historians have proposed over the years that there may have been 13 or 20 Incas who ruled Tahuantinsuyo, we have selected those for whom there is greater consensus and whose reigns can be placed with greater certainty.
Manco Cápac (1043-1088): He was the founder of Tahuantinsuyo and the first Inca of the empire. Under his reign, the Inca people settled in the Cuzco Valley, a decision that led them to constantly defend themselves against cultures such as the Aymara and the Pinagua, who saw the Incas as an invading force. He is also credited with creating the first Temple of the Sun.
Sinchi Roca (1088-1117): Son of Manco Cápac. The second Inca established the custom of wearing typical Inca ornaments, one of which was the Mascaipacha. He also oversaw the expansion of the Temple of the Sun, built by his father, due to its precarious structure.
Lloque Yupanqui (1117-1145): This Inca's reign was characterized by maintaining control of the conquered territory in Cusco and resolving conflicts with some neighboring chiefdoms.
Mayta Cápac (1145-1176): As a young boy when he assumed command of the Tahuantinsuyo, his uncle supported him in leading the empire. Once he reached adulthood and was capable of ruling independently, the Tahuantinsuyo already posed a significant threat to peoples such as the Aymara.
Cápac Yupanqui (1176-1228): This man came to power through a conspiracy against his cousin Tarco Huamán, the legitimate heir to the throne. Known for his fierceness, he was able to subdue ethnic groups such as the Cuntis. He left the most descendants.
Inca Roca (1228-1277): Like his predecessor, he came to power through a coup against Cápac Yupanqui. He was the first to be called Inca or supreme ruler and was responsible for attacking some ethnic groups to expand his territory and weaken the power of the Ayamaca Lordship.
Yahuar Huaca Yupanqui (1277-1298): He was responsible for suppressing rebellions by the curacas of Muyna and Pinahua. In particular, his reign is not credited with great feats.
Viracocha (1298-1349): He conquered the lordships of Yucay and Calca, improving the agricultural system and Inca infrastructure. However, the Chancas demanded his surrender, handing over their domains, which he accepted.
Pachacuti (1349-1408): He was the one who transformed the Inca state from a small chiefdom into the great Tahuantinsuyo Empire. After successfully defending Inca territories in Cusco against the Chanca, he conquered a significant number of ethnic groups and states. This led to the growing prestige of the Incas and, in particular, that of Pachacuti. He is recognized as one of the most successful rulers of Pre-Columbian America and is responsible for the construction of Machu Picchu as a religious and recreational site. Machu Picchu is one of Pachacuti's greatest legacies that we have from the Incas to this day, and it is visited every year by thousands of tourists with PeruRail. The Inca Citadel is a testament to the Incas' ingenuity in building in geographically challenging locations, which has earned it the admiration of thousands of engineers and architects around the world. Such is its importance to world history that in 2007 it was declared one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World.
Amaru Yupanqui (1408-1438): He was the firstborn son of Pachacuti and it is said that, due to his lack of military skill after a short period co-reigning with his father, he was replaced by his brother Tupac Yupanqui.
Tupac Yupanqui (1438-1481): First as heir to the throne and then as Inca, he led military campaigns of conquest and exploration. These took him as far north as Quito and as far south as the Maule River. Tribes such as the Opotari, Manu, and Yanasimi were annexed to the empire.
Huayna Capac (1481-1523): He dedicated himself to consolidating the territories conquered by his father. Furthermore, in order to quell the rebellious uprisings in some provinces, he displaced the existing Villac Umo, and for the first time in the imperial era of Tahuantinsuyo, an Inca concentrated the political and religious power of the empire. During his reign, the construction of the Sacsayhuamán fortress, begun by Pachacuti, was completed. This imposing structure is composed of large stone blocks joined with incredible precision. It is said that more than 20,000 men had to transport all the stones used in its construction. The Sacsayhuamán fortress is an incredible sight to visit before or after enjoying the magnificent Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, especially if you are traveling with PeruRail.
Huáscar (1523-1532): After the death of his father and of Ninan Cuyuchi (the true heir to the throne) of Virela, Huáscar was named Inca. However, this decision did not please a large number of nobles and even Huáscar's own brothers. They all began to organize a coup to place their brother Cusi Atauchi on the throne. Upon realizing this, Huáscar ordered the assassination of all those involved. This did not prevent a war from erupting years later with his brother Atahualpa, who wielded considerable power in Quito and commanded many of the best generals of the Inca Empire. Ultimately, Huáscar succumbed to his brother's power.
Atahualpa (1532-1533): After the Inca civil war, Atahualpa was in Cajamarca on his way to Cusco to be crowned Inca when he encountered the Spanish expedition led by Francisco Pizarro. A meeting between the Inca emperor and the Spaniards was arranged. It was then that Friar Vicente de Valverde presented him with a Bible, which Atahualpa threw to the ground. Following this, Pizarro ordered his men to capture the Inca.
Despite Atahualpa's promise to fill his prison cell twice with silver and once with gold "as high as his hand could reach" in exchange for his freedom, Pizarro betrayed and murdered him. Thus, Atahualpa is recognized as the last Inca ruler, as although some were later appointed, they were imposed by the Spanish and therefore do not hold the same significance as his predecessors.
The Spanish invasion began gradually, marking the end of the great Inca Empire. However, to this day, the legacy of the Inca civilization can be seen in the various places they inhabited, especially in cities like Cusco and its surroundings. Examples include the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu, the Coricancha Temple, the Sacsayhuaman fortress, and so many other sites in Peru.
Therefore, we invite you to explore Inca lands with us. Visit Machu Picchu and immerse yourself in the full identity of the Inca culture, or travel to Puno and discover Lake Titicaca.
