FROM SACRED PATH TO SMART PORT

In the 15th century, the Inca Empire extended across much of South America, encompassing territories that today make up Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. At the heart of this vast realm was the Qhapaq Nan, or "sacred path" -- a sprawling network of stone roads that linked the empire's four regions and connected its capital, Cusco, with distant frontiers.

"These routes already existed before the Inca expansion," said Rafael Varon Gabai, director of Peru's National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History. "But they were integrated and perfected with bridges and infrastructure that enabled trade, communication and cultural exchange." In 2014, the Qhapaq Nan was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to its enduring legacy.

North of Lima, the city of Chancay echoes Peru's rich history. Between 1100 and 1400 AD, the Chancay civilization thrived along this stretch of coast, developing sophisticated agricultural systems and urban settlements in the Chancay and Chillon valleys.

Today, the ancient landscape is experiencing a new transformation. The construction of the Port of Chancay, launched in 2021, is creating a maritime gateway to Asia and beyond, revitalizing the city's economy and strategic significance.

"Until recently, large-scale industrial or commercial activity was practically nonexistent," said Nilo Miranda, president of the Chancay Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Tourism.

He hopes the city of Chancay will seize this historic opportunity to become the "Andean pearl" of the new era, just as the Oriental Pearl Tower came to symbolize Shanghai's rise.

This Pacific-facing port is more than an infrastructure project -- it stands as a modern echo of the ancient sacred paths. Extending the ancient Inca spirit of connection into the 21st century, Chancay is forging a new land-sea corridor across the Pacific, linking Latin America with Asia and heralding a new chapter of shared prosperity.