Cartographies of heritage routes: networks and territorial reconfigurations of the Qhapaq Ñan – Andean road system

Despite significant fragmentation, the Qhapaq Ñan—Andean road system retains localized functional and symbolic relevance in contemporary Andean landscapes. This study reveals that while the original capillary network, which once connected settlements to an imperial center, has been largely lost due to historical destruction, preserved stretches still hold cultural significance for rural communities. Using a multiscale cartographic analysis, researchers compared historical and modern routes of the Qhapaq Ñan, leveraging open-access georeferenced data from SIGDA alongside historical scholarship and official documentation. The findings challenge the dominant archaeological perspective by emphasizing the system's spatial inscription and ongoing socio-spatial dynamics in the region.

Yarasca-Aybar, C., & Curós, J. (2026). Cartographies of heritage routes: networks and territorial reconfigurations of the Qhapaq Ñan – Andean road system. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1108/jchmsd-09-2024-0227