The Extraordinary Runners of the Andes: Chasquis and Their Amazing Story

In the deep and majestic landscapes of the Andes, which stretch across Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile, an amazing culture of messengers known as the "Chasquis" arose. These extraordinary runners played a crucial role in the mighty Inca Empire and left behind an impressive story of endurance, skill and dedication.

The selection of Chasquis:

The Chasquis were not chosen at random. Children were carefully selected based on their ability to not only run fast, but also their athletic prowess and resilience. These children had to be able to travel great distances at impressive speeds because communication in the Inca Empire depended on them.

The role of the coca plant:

A fascinating aspect of their life was their use of the coca plant, sacred to the Incas. The leaves helped the Chasquis cope with the extreme altitudes of the Andes and increase their endurance on the dangerous mountain paths. This gave the coca plant a privileged position in Inca culture.

Encrypted Messages and the Quipu System:

The messages carried by the Chasquis were encrypted in a unique way. They used quipus, complex knotting systems made of different colored cords and knots. These quipus contained official records, logistical information, and other important data for the empire. The Chasquis had the ability to decipher these nodes and pass the messages successfully.

Amazing mileage:

The Chasquis were not only fast, but also persistent. They traveled about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) between checkpoints and supply points, known as tampus, before passing the message to another Chasqui. This detachment system allowed them to cover amazing distances in record time. An impressive example is the transmission of a message from Cusco to Quito, Ecuador, a distance of 1,250 kilometers covered in just four days.

Chasquis as a warning and espionage system:

The Chasquis served not only as messengers, but also as a warning and espionage system. In the event of an uprising or threat in a remote part of the empire, news had to be delivered as quickly as possible in order to organize strategies. The Chasquis were thus crucial to the security and organization of the empire.

The legacy of the Chasquis:

Even after the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, the Chasquis' skills remained impressive. The Spanish continued to use the Chasquis during the Virreinato. This shows the continued importance and admiration for the Inca "human mail".

Today's tradition of trail running and mountain athletics:

The Chasquis tradition lives on today in the form of trail running and mountain athletics. People walk and move along the original trails of the Qhapaq ñan, demonstrating not only athletic practice but also a deep appreciation for the beauty and history of the Andean region. This modern approach combines a love of nature, sportiness and the memory of the impressive culture of the Chasquis.

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