Fascinating Facts About Peru’s Greatest Civilization
The Inca civilization is one of the most mysterious and fascinating in history. Known for their advanced engineering, incredible agricultural innovations, and strong connection to nature, the Incas of Peru built one of the largest empires the world had ever seen—all without the wheel, steel tools, or even a written language!
Today, traces of their greatness can be found all over Peru, from the famous ruins of Machu Picchu to hidden gems in the Sacred Valley and Cusco. But beyond the stone walls and archaeological sites, the Incas left behind incredible secrets and achievements that might surprise you.
Here are 10 fascinating facts about the Incas that will make your trip to Peru even more exciting!
1. The Incas Didn’t Have a Written Language—But They Had a Genius Alternative!
Unlike most ancient civilizations, the Incas had no written language—no books, no scrolls, no inscriptions on stone. So how did they record history and manage such a vast empire?
They used a system called quipu—a series of knotted strings that kept track of everything from population counts to food supplies and taxes. Each knot had a meaning, and only special Inca officials, known as Quipucamayoc, could read them.
📍 Where to see it?
The Museo de Sitio Qorikancha in Cusco has real quipus on display!
2. The Incas Built a Road Network That Rivaled the Romans
The Incas didn’t invent roads, but they perfected them. Their empire was connected by over 40,000 kilometers (25,000 miles) of roads, known as the Qhapaq Ñan, stretching from Colombia to Chile. These roads were so advanced that they even included hanging bridges, staircases carved into mountains, and relay runners (chasquis) who delivered messages across the empire.
📍 Where to see it?
You can still walk the famous Inca Trail, part of this ancient road system, which leads to Machu Picchu!
3. Machu Picchu Wasn’t Actually the Incas’ Most Important City
Machu Picchu is Peru’s most famous attraction, but it wasn’t the capital or largest city of the Inca Empire. That honor goes to Cusco, which was known as the “navel of the world” (Qosqo in Quechua).
📍 Where to see it?
The Sacsayhuamán fortress in Cusco is one of the most impressive Inca structures ever built. The enormous stones, some weighing over 100 tons, fit together so perfectly that not even a blade of grass can pass between them!
4. The Incas Performed Brain Surgery—And Their Patients Survived!
Believe it or not, the Incas were skilled brain surgeons. Using stone tools, they performed trepanation, a procedure where they removed parts of the skull to treat injuries or relieve pressure. Shockingly, many patients survived and showed signs of healing—meaning Inca medicine was more advanced than in some parts of Europe at the time!
📍 Where to see it?
The Museo Inka in Cusco has real Inca skulls with signs of successful brain surgery!
5. Inca Engineering Was So Advanced That Their Buildings Survive Earthquakes
Peru is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, but many Inca buildings have withstood centuries of earthquakes. How?
The Incas used a construction technique called ashlar masonry, where stones were precisely cut and fitted together without mortar. When earthquakes hit, the stones move slightly and settle back into place, preventing collapse.
📍 Where to see it?
The 12-Angled Stone in Cusco is a perfect example of Inca engineering—it fits perfectly into a wall without any mortar!
6. The Incas Had No Money—But Everyone Had What They Needed
The Incas had no currency or markets. Instead, their economy was based on bartering and labor. Every citizen contributed to the empire by working on farms, roads, or construction projects in exchange for food, clothing, and shelter. This system, called Mit’a, ensured that everyone had enough to live on.
📍 Where to see it?
Ollantaytambo and Pisac in the Sacred Valley are great places to see Inca terraces, where the empire’s food was grown!
7. Inca Nobles Had a Very Unusual Beauty Standard
Forget Botox! Inca nobles practiced cranial deformation, where they intentionally shaped their skulls by binding a baby’s head with cloth or wooden boards. This elongated skull was a sign of nobility and intelligence.
📍 Where to see it?
Some elongated skulls can be seen in museums in Cusco, including the Museo de Arte Precolombino.
8. The Incas Created a Freeze-Drying Method That We Still Use Today
The Incas invented chuño, a freeze-dried potato that could be stored for years. By exposing potatoes to the freezing cold of the Andes at night and drying them in the sun during the day, they created a food supply that helped them survive harsh winters and long journeys.
📍 Where to see it?
Local markets in Cusco still sell chuño, which is used in traditional Peruvian dishes!
9. Inca Royalty Lived in Qorikancha—A Temple Covered in Gold
One of the most impressive Inca sites was Qorikancha, the “Temple of the Sun,” located in Cusco. This temple was covered in solid gold—even the walls and garden were decorated with golden statues of plants and animals. When the Spanish arrived, they melted down the gold to fund their conquest.
📍 Where to see it?
Qorikancha still stands in Cusco today, though much of its gold is gone. Inside, you can see perfectly cut Inca walls and learn about the temple’s sacred significance.
10. The Last Inca Stronghold Was Hidden in the Jungle
Even after the Spanish conquered Cusco, the Incas resisted. The last Inca ruler, Túpac Amaru, retreated deep into the jungle to Vilcabamba, an almost mythical city that remained hidden for decades.
📍 Where to see it?
While Vilcabamba is difficult to visit, you can explore Choquequirao, another lost Inca city that’s even larger than Machu Picchu—and far less crowded!
The Incas Were Even More Incredible Than You Thought!
The Incas left behind amazing achievements that still inspire and puzzle historians today. From their scientific discoveries to their mystical traditions, there’s so much to learn when traveling in Peru.
If you’re fascinated by Inca history, why not experience it for yourself? Visit Cusco, hike to Machu Picchu, and walk the same roads the Incas did hundreds of years ago.
Book a Peru tour with us and uncover the secrets of the Inca Empire firsthand!
Ready to explore? Contact us today to plan your ultimate Inca adventure!