Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo: Origin of the Inca Empire

One of the most emblematic stories of the Andean world began in the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca, under the gaze of the God Inti. According to tradition, Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, spouses sent by the Sun God to lead humanity towards an orderly and prosperous existence, emerged from these waters.

Armed with a golden rod as a divine sign and knowledge of their celestial lineage, they embarked on a journey that would leave an indelible mark on Andean history.

Legend has it that the men and women inhabiting the Andean region in ancient times lived in a state of primitive chaos. They knew nothing of agriculture or livestock farming, had no laws or authority, wore poorly treated animal skins and ate whatever they could gather or hunt. Families lived in isolation and violence was commonplace as everyone acted according to their own will.

Seeing this situation from the heights of Hanan Pacha (the world above), the God Inti took pity on them. He decided that humanity needed guidance and instruction in order to live in an orderly manner with respect and prosperity.

Inti chose two of his sons to carry out this mission:

• Manco Cápac, who was strong, wise and courageous and a bearer of royal authority.
• Mama Ocllo, who was beautiful, wise and patient. She was knowledgeable about the secrets of weaving, child-rearing and domestic organisation.

The two were husband and wife, and Inti sent them to Earth, emerging from the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca — a place considered by the peoples of the highlands to be the cradle of life. They carried a magical golden rod in their hands, which would serve as a sign to indicate the location of the future heart of a great empire.

Before leaving, Inti gave them an order:

"Go north. Where this rod sinks without resistance, there you will found a city that will be the navel of the world.” From there, you will rule and teach people how to live. Tell them that you are my children, and that they must obey you as they obey me."

Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo began their journey from Titicaca to the north, crossing mountains, rivers, and valleys.

In each place they passed through, they gathered the inhabitants and explained their mission.

• Manco Cápac taught the men how to make tools, grow corn, domesticate camelids and construct sturdy dwellings.
• It is said that they made ceremonial stops along the way to worship Inti and give thanks for light, warmth, and life.

It is said that along the way they made ceremonial stops to worship Inti, giving thanks for light, warmth, and life.

During the journey, Manco Cápac tested the golden rod at various locations. If the ground was hard, they continued onwards. After a long journey, they arrived at the fertile Huatanay River valley. There, when he stuck the topayauri into the ground, it sank until it disappeared completely. This was an unmistakable sign from Inti: this place would be the centre of the world.

At that point, Manco Capac ordered the construction of a great city: Qosqo (Cusco), meaning 'navel' or 'centre' in Quechua. From there, they would rule over neighbouring peoples and spread their culture, laws and worship of the sun. Cusco would be both the political and spiritual centre of the Andean world, with the Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun) at its heart.

Manco Cápac became the first Sapa Inca and Mama Ocllo became the first Coya. Their lineage produced the rulers of Tahuantinsuyo, who were all considered children of the Sun.

This myth not only explains the origin of Cusco, but also consolidates the divine nature of Inca authority, which was a key foundation of their political and cultural power.