The Inca Road System

The Inca Empire built one of the greatest road systems in the ancient world. Their roads stretched over 25,000 miles through mountains, deserts, and jungles. The roads connected every part of their empire. Messengers called chasquis ran along these roads to deliver messages.

Building Through Mountains

The Inca carved roads into steep mountain cliffs. They built rope bridges over deep valleys and rivers. Stone steps climbed up steep slopes. The roads were designed to handle the extreme terrain of the Andes Mountains. Some sections were paved with flat stones.

How the Roads Were Used

The roads helped the Inca government control their large empire. Relay runners called chasquis could deliver a message 150 miles in a single day. Llamas carried goods along the roads between cities. Rest stations called tambos were placed along the roads for travelers.

Fun Facts

• The Inca road system was over 25,000 miles long, longer than the Roman road network.
• Inca rope bridges could span over 150 feet across deep gorges.
• Chasqui runners could deliver a message from one end of the empire to the other in about a week.

Did You Know?

Some Inca rope bridges were rebuilt every year by local communities, and a few are still maintained using traditional methods today.