March 8, 2009 [Sunday]

Main event: Visit to Maukallaqta, Puma Orqo, and Pacariqtambo to explore Inca cosmological and origin mythohistory. Also, exploration of the vertical lifeways of Inca subjects.


The focus of the visits to the Inca sites associated with events in Inca mythology relates to the power systems and vertical relationships amongst Andean peoples.

The two and a half hour journey into the Andes canvassed the mountains from which the Inca believed they emerged. Pacariqtambo ("the place of origin") includes the mountain Tambo Toco with three "windows" that the Inca and two of their allies supposedly emerged from. The central window, called Capac Toco ("rich window") ensured that the subjects of the Inca would view their rulers as a supreme lineage, thus solidifying their political control. This cave is also a connection to the underworld, where three brothers and four sisters imprisoned Ayar Cachi, one of the four male ancestors of the Inca.

Following a brief look at Tambo Toco, the group viewed Huanacauri, another mountain where Ayar Uchu (another ancestor) spread his wings, flew into the heavens and spoke with the Sun, before returning and transforming into stone.

The "vertical archipelago" describes the unique nature of Andean environments and, subsequently, relationships between the inhabitants of ecological zones. The next site, Maukallaqta, which required a hike of several thousand meters, demonstrated the extreme conditions under which Andeans have always existed. The great distances created circumstances of isolation and self sufficiency, limiting trade and economic development. This societal model makes the Inca governmental system unique, but also ephemeral, for control over the Andes depended on cultural and religious authority, rather than direct political influence.

Sapa Inca's Travel Suggestions

- Do not make eye contact with local vendors
- Keep a sharp eye and quick feet: there is no pedestrian right-of-way
- Wear sunscreen, bug spray, and a variety of clothing for rapidly changing weather conditions
- Do not drink the water, lest ye face Inca's Revenge
- Watch what you eat: no raw vegetables or street vendor food
- Buy significant quantities of bottled water
- "One hour" in Latin America does not translate to one hour non-Latin time. Expect significant delays.
- Bring disinfecting wipes
- Bladder control is an asset
- You can get advice from anyone, but good advice from no one