The first nations of Peru speak still to this day one of two languages. Both the Quechua and Aymara languages originated in the Andes long before the rise of the Inca Empire. Although Aymara is less common both languages are mother tongue to millions of farmers and nomads who live in the mountains of South America. Quechua until recently was not a written language, and many debates remain as to the correct spelling of words.

“Qhapaq” in Father Lira’s Quechua-Castellano (Spanish) dictionary is classically spelled Ccapacc and is pronounced ka-pak in the modern language. By definition it means just, correct, or exact as well as saint-like or noble.

“Ñan”, pronounced ni-an, means trail, route, or path.

The system of trails known as the Qhapaq-Ñan was one of the most significant achievements of the Inca Empire. Throughout the two hundred and fifty years of the Inca rule in the Andes a network of trails tens of thousands of kilometers long was built to facilitate travel and communication throughout the empire.