In which the same road is followed as has been treated of in the former
chapter, until the city of Truxillo is reached.
Beyond the valley of Collique there is another valley called Sana, which
resembles the others. Further on is the valley of Pacasmayu, which is
the most fertile and populous of any that I have yet mentioned. The
natives of this valley, before they were conquered by the Yncas, were
powerful, and respected by their neighbours, and they had great temples
where they offered sacrifices to their gods. They are all now in ruins.
In the rocks and hills of the surrounding desert there are a great
quantity of _Huacas_, which are the burial-places of these Indians. In
all these valleys there are clergymen or friars who look after the
conversion and teaching of the Indians, not permitting them to practise
their ancient religious customs or usages.
A very fine river flows through this valley of Pacasmayu, whence they
lead many large channels, sufficient to irrigate all the fields that are
cultivated by the Indians, and they raise the fruits and roots already
enumerated. The royal road of the Yncas passes through this valley, as
it does through all the others, and here there were great buildings for
the Yncas’ use. The natives tell some ancient traditions of their
fathers, which, being fables, I shall not write down. The lieutenants of
the Yncas collected the tribute, and stored it in the buildings which
were made to receive it, whence it was taken to the chief station in the
province, the place selected for the residence of the captain-general,
and where the temple of the sun was erected.
In this valley of Pacasmayu they make a great quantity of cotton cloth;
the land is suited for breeding cows, still better for pigs and goats,
and the climate is healthy. I passed through this valley in the month of
September, in the year 1548, to join the other soldiers who had come
from the government of Popayan to reinforce the royal camp, and chastise
the late rebellion. It then appeared to me to be extremely pleasant, and
I praised God on seeing its freshness, with so many trees and flowers,
and branches full of a thousand kinds of birds.
Further on is the valley of Chacama,[359] not less fertile and abundant
than that of Pascamayu, and in addition it contains great quantities of
sweet cane, of which they make much excellent sugar, and other
conserves. There is here a Dominican monastery, which the reverend
father Friar Domingo de Santo Tomas founded.
Four leagues further on is the valley of Chimu,[360] which is broad and
very large, and here the city of Truxillo is built. Some Indians relate
that, in ancient times, before the Yncas extended their sway so far,
there was a powerful lord in this valley, who was called _Chimu_, as the
valley is now. He did great things, was victorious in many battles, and
built certain edifices which even now, though so ancient, clearly appear
to have been very grand. When the Kings Yncas made themselves lords of
these coast valleys, they held that of Chimu in great estimation, and
ordered large buildings and pleasure-houses to be erected in it. The
royal road, built with its walls, also passes through the valley. The
native chiefs of this valley were always esteemed and held to be rich.
This is known to be true, for in the tombs of the principal men much
gold and silver have been found.[361] But at present there are few
Indians in the valley, most of the land being divided amongst Spaniards
who are citizens of the new city of Truxillo, to form their estates. The
sea port, called the roadstead of Truxillo, is not very far from the
valley, and all along the coast they kill much fish for the supply of
the city and of the Indians themselves.