The Gran Ruta Inca - Allen Puttney

The Inca Empire, that stretched 7,000 km. north to south, was tied together by the Gran Ruta Inca (Qhapaq Nan, Capac Nan, Inca Nani). This marvel of antiquity is not to be confused with the much better known 30 km. Inca Trail that leads to Machu Picchu in Peru. In 1999 Peruvian Ricardo Espinosa hiked from Quito, Ecuador, to La Paz, Bolivia and documented what remains of this magnificent route.  His maps indicate that about 22% of the original road still exists, and that the finest part of it is located near Huaráz, in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru.  This section of the Gran Ruta Inca is known locally as the Inca Nani and navigates (or as the local people say "converses with") the Andes at altitudes between 4,000 and 4,800 meters. 
 
Allen has been concerned with the preservation, sustainable use, and associated community development of the Gran Ruta Inca since 2002.  Through the WCPA and with the support of the Ford Foundation, he worked with Ricardo Espinosa and others to present a bold proposal for a system of protected areas associated with the Gran Ruta Inca to the 2003 World Parks Congress.  He has continued to promote the concept since, and has recently focused on the need to get public spirited entrepreneurs involved so that commercial development is carried out in ways that benefit local communities, and preserve the natural, cultural, and archaeological resources.  To that end, he and Miriam Torres of The Mountain Institute organized a trek of the Inca Nani with friends who are not only experienced trekkers, but also have long experience in the business community.  The trek took place 21-28 April.

For more information on the Gran Ruta Inca http://www.conservationconnectivity.org/downloads/FactSheets/GranRutaInca%201.pdf

or contact Allen Putney at allen.putney@att.net