Before WhatsApp, the internet and even writing existed in South America, there many civilizations that had already developed a way of communicating. For example, the Inca Empire, one of the most powerful pre-Columbian civilization in America, had its own communication system: the Chasquis. These were young messengers who were train to run all the way in the Tawantinsuyu to delivere oral messages or important items in between territories.
In this post we’ll explore who the Chasquis were, and how important their labour was to the Inca Empire by understanding how they operated and why their system is recognized as one of the most impressive logistical organization of the ancient cultures.
You may also like: Corpus Christi in Cusco 2025: Guide through this religious celebration
Who were the Chasquis?
The Chasquis were the trusted messengers of the Inca Empire, they were young men who where in charge of delivering the most important communications in between towns of the whole Tawantinsuyu. Let’s remember that the Tawantinsuyu was real big territory, it extended to a big part of SouthAmerica, including parts of what today is Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile and even Argentina.
They worked in a relay system across the Qhapaq Ñan, the name of the routes they created to ensure that messages could move quickly from one region to another. Since there were no means of transportation in that time, the Chasquis were elite runners who were chosen by their speed, memory and discipline, their work was one of the most important ones in the administration of the Incas culture. Here are some other characteristics they had:
- Fast and enduring: They could cover over 240 km per day in relays.
- Mentally sharp: Messages were often oral and had to be memorized exactly.
- Strategic thinking: They navigated complex mountain paths with precision.
- Multi-taskers: Besides verbal messages, they carried quipus (knotted cords), small items, and ceremonial goods.
Chasquis definition
In Quechua, the language of the Incas, chasqui means “the one who receives or delivers”. This meaning, highlights completely the importance of their work in the communication chain of these ancient culture. They were not only runners, they were considered as vital links in the structure of power, because they allowed the Inca to stay informed and be able to control correctly the territory, that got to be as big as 2 500 000 km2.
What were the Chasquis like?
Being a Chasqui wasn’t an easy role at all and it wasn’t for everyone, they were typically selected from the sons of local communities and underwent to some really hard training to be able to do the right word- They needed some physical and memory training, and of course, they had to be trustworthy people, because they would be in charge of delivering confidential information. Knowing that, we can highlight these characteristics of them:
- Discipline and dedication: They followed strict routines and couldn’t afford mistakes.
- Excellent memory: A message wrongly passed could lead to military or administrative chaos.
- Youth and health: Only the fittest were chosen, usually teenagers or men in their early twenties.
- Respect and status: In many communities, being a Chasqui was an honor, almost like serving the empire as a soldier.
Chasquis clothes
Functionality was key for them, that’s why their clothing was light, sturdy, and adapted to high-altitude running. But it also helped them stand out as official messengers. Their outfit wasn’t ceremonial — it was designed for performance, endurance, and recognition.
Their typical gear included:
- Unku: A sleeveless tunic made of wool or cotton.
- Usuta: Sandals made of leather or plant fibers, perfect for mountain paths.
- Qipi: A small woven backpack for carrying quipus or packages.
- Qhapaq ch’ullu: A colorful knitted cap with earflaps, often used to identify their role.
- Chuspa: A small pouch to carry coca leaves, used for energy and to combat altitude sickness.
The Chasquis system
The system of the chasquis was what really allowed their great performance throughout the years of the Inca empire. Although they were obviously very well trained workers, they also had a system of routes, signs, clothing and functions that allowed for organized and efficient work. Therefore, we will explore a little about this below.
The chasquis work tools
The Chasquis had certain work tools that were essential to them. Here is a list of these:
- The quipus: This was a system of strings and knots on which numerical, accounting and even message information was recorded. They were used to store tribute or census data and were interpreted by specialized people.
- Walking sticks: They also used to have special staffs that identified them as official messengers and indicated their authority.
- Clothes: The right clothes were also a part of their work and helped them to go faster to deliver the messages.
Their functions
As mentioned above, the chasquis were not only messengers, but were also valued as a fundamental piece for the government of the time. Therefore, they had a series of functions that helped the Inca Empire to function and stay in communication. Their main functions were the following:
Delivery of official messages: they transported orders, instructions and written or coded reports from the Inca or his administrators to the different provinces and vice versa. This included messages on administrative, political and military matters.
- Dissemination of news: They carried relevant information such as celebrations, victories, changes in local administration, or important events affecting the communities.Coordination of activities and communal work: They facilitated the organization of collective tasks known as “mita” (compulsory work), convened communities for agricultural projects, construction or ceremonial events, ensuring that participation was timely and effective.
- Coordination of activities and communal work: They facilitated the organization of collective tasks known as “mita” (compulsory work), convened communities for agricultural projects, construction or ceremonial events, ensuring that participation was timely and effective.
- Surveillance and early warning: they acted as a warning system to report external threats such as invasions, rebellions or natural disasters, sending quick signals to prepare defenses or assist in emergencies.
- Communication between distant populations: They were the link between remote communities and the center of the empire, ensuring that information circulated without interruption or error in territories that were often isolated.
- Transport of valuable or ceremonial objects: Sometimes they carried gifts, ritual instruments or materials needed for ceremonies and official events, with the responsibility of ensuring that they arrived intact.
- Logistical support in military movements: They carried instructions for the troops, indicating routes, times and strategies, helping to coordinate military maneuvers quickly.
Sending coded messages using quipus: Some messages included numerical information or complex instructions that could only be interpreted with the proper knowledge, guaranteeing the confidentiality and accuracy of the communication.
Work organization of the Chasquis
The working system of the chasquis was an example of advanced organization and logistics for its time, based on efficiency and precision, here are some of the key organization aspects they had.
- Postas or Tambos: These were relay points located approximately every 4 to 6 kilometers along the roads. At each post, a chasqui who had run a stage delivered his message or load to the next runner. This prevented excessive fatigue and ensured that there was always someone fresh and ready to continue. In addition, the postas were places where runners could rest and eat.
- Continuous and synchronized relays: This system of stage races allowed information to travel at great speed, with chasquis traveling only small distances, but in a continuous movement without significant pauses. Thus, a message could travel tens or even hundreds of kilometers in a single day.
- Visual and auditory signals: To coordinate and alert at a distance, the chasquis used torches during the night, and smoke or drums during the day. These signals made it possible to anticipate the arrival of an important message or to communicate emergency situations between nearby posts.
- Road network (Qhapaq Ñan): The entire system depended on this complex road network, built with advanced engineering to circumvent mountains, rivers and other natural obstacles. The roads were paved or stabilized and constantly maintained, which facilitated rapid travel.
- Selection and training of chasquis: The chasquis were strong young men, trained from a very young age to run long distances in difficult conditions, including altitude, cold, rain and steep terrain. Their physical preparation and endurance were exceptional.
- Route-specific roles: Some chasquis specialized in high mountain routes, while others covered flat or jungle terrain, adapting their skills to the environment to maintain speed and efficiency.
- Supervision and control: There were supervisors who ensured the proper functioning of the network, controlling that messages arrived correctly and on time, and that relays were carried out smoothly.
Qhapaq Ñan: The Chasquis route
The Qhapaq Ñan, which means “Main Road” in Quechua, was the extensive network of roads built by the Incas to connect their entire empire, stretching from southern Colombia to northern Chile and Argentina. This network totaled more than 30,000 kilometers and crossed the Andes, valleys, deserts and jungles, ingeniously adapting to each terrain.
For the Chasquis, the Qhapaq Ñan was the fundamental route. Thanks to these well-designed and maintained roads, they were able to carry out their relays and transmit messages quickly and accurately. At each post or tambo – stations located at regular intervals – one chasqui delivered the message to another, allowing the information to move forward without pause.
The Inca Trail in Qhapaq Ñan
It is important to clarify that the famous “Inca Trail” or Inca Trail, which today many tourists travel to Machu Picchu, is only a small section within this gigantic network called Qhapaq Ñan. While the Qhapaq Ñan encompasses multiple routes that connected different regions of the empire, the Inca Trail is simply a specific route, well preserved and adapted for modern tourism. Thus, although the Inca Trail is popular and recognized, it represents only a fraction of the vast Inca road system.
You may also like: Qoyllur Rit’i: what you need to know about the snow star festival
The Chasquis after the Spanish conquest
The arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century represented a profound change for the Inca communication system and, of course, for the Chasquis. At first, the conquistadors took advantage of the Qhapaq Ñan road network to move around and control the territory, but the introduction of horses and carts-which were not suitable for the narrow and steep routes-caused significant wear and tear on the roads.
In addition, the system of posts and relays that facilitated the work of the chasquis began to decline. The imposition of new administrative forms and the prohibition or abandonment of traditional practices such as the use of quipus deteriorated the internal communication of the empire. The Spanish implemented European correspondence methods, which relied on written mail and different messengers, gradually replacing the old Inca system.
Although the original system of the chasquis was largely lost, the legacy of the Qhapaq Ñan and these corridors continues. Many routes are still used by Andean communities, and the Inca Trail is a living reminder of Inca engineering and organization. This cultural and historical legacy remains a symbol of the communication and cohesion capacity of one of the largest empires in the Americas.
Conclusion
The Chasquis were definitely a key piece of the whole government of the Incas, this empire has always been knowned because of their amazing organization during times were that was not typical. The rol of the Chasquis is a prove of that, the Incas always had a great vision, which allowed them to govern without any problem what we know today as more than five countries.
This was thanks to all the organizational systems they established, one of the most important of which was the role of the chasqui at that time. I find it impressive that young people were in charge of running such long distances and I can’t imagine it today, where everyone goes everywhere by cab or bus. I am always fascinated to hear about the chasquis, what do you think about them after knowing their history?
