Reroutes: In Search of The Qhapaq Nan (Trailer)

The Qhapaq Ñan, translated from Quechua as the “Royal Road,” once united all Andean communities from Colombia to Chile in an intricate 30,000-kilometer road system. Constructed by the Incas over several centuries and partly based on pre-Inca infrastructure, this extraordinary network through some of the world’s most extreme geographical terrain linked the snow-capped peaks of the Andes—at an elevation of more than 6,000 meters—to the coast, running through humid rainforests, fertile valleys, and extreme deserts. It reached its maximum expansion in the 15th century, when it spread across the length and breadth of the Andes.

Last year, regular contributors Leonardo Brasil and Adam Pawlikiewicz Mesa bikepacked segments of the route between La Paz, Bolivia to Cusco, Peru, highlighting the rich history and diverse culture of this Andean region documenting through photo and video. See the trailer below.

The full film will be launched later this year, showcasing their wild adventure full of mishaps, reroutes due to food shortages, days without water, a visit to the highest mining settlement in the world, and much more. Plus, Bikepacking Collective members can read a feature story about their incredible trip in the upcoming 12th issue of The Bikepacking Journal, which prints next week!

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