Canes; but before you approach the Village you come near a high Plain,
where the Ruines of an antient Structure appear; and somewhat farther
the Palace _Pico_: from whence the High-way directs to the Bridge
_Angoyaca_, which leads cross the River _Xauxa_; near which the _Ingas_
had several magnificent Structures, and Baths of warm Springs. Not far
from hence is the Village _Picoy_; between which and _Angoyaca_ the Arm
of the River _Xauxa_ is cut with a Bridge, because in the Winter it
glides so swift that they cannot Ferry over it.
From _Picoy_ you go to the Wild, in whose Center stands the antient
Castle _Pucara_, (which in the _Peruvian_ Tongue signifies _Invincible
Fort_) where the _Ingas_ receiv’d their Tribute from the neighboring
People that live amongst the snowy Mountains.
The Banks of the great River _Vinaque_ are crown’d with the Ruines of
antient Structures, which (as the Natives relate) were built by foreign
People; which Assertion of theirs seems to be confirm’d by the form and
manner of Building, differing from the _Ingas_ Structures, which us’d to
be long and narrow. Moreover, several sweet Streams, abounding with
Fish, especially Crabs, glide through the Plain-Countrey out of the
Mountains _Andes_.
Not far from hence appears the Plain _Chapas_, and the Palaces _Pilcas_,
of which now nothing remains but a heap of Rubbish, which lies in the
Center of _Peru_. A fresh-water River, which gives the fore-mention’d
Palaces their Denomination, glides out of _Soras_, and washes the
High-way and stately Temple of the Sun.
The Countrey _Soras_, exceeding fertile, and stock’d with Gold and
Silver Mines, is inhabited by a People which go Cloth’d in woollen
Cloth, and for their Valor formerly much esteem’d by the _Ingas_.
Those that inhabit the Countrey _Uramar_ are call’d _Chancas_, whose
Neighbors possess a long Tract of Land abounding with Cattel and Fruit,
but of late are most of them destroy’d by the _Spaniards_.
The River _Abanca_, which takes its original in the Mountainous County
_Parinacocha_, washes several Royal Buildings, and at last discharges
its Waters into the River _Xauxa_.
On each side of the great River _Apurima_ are erected two wonderful
Stone Pillars, over which lies a most artificial Bridge built by the
_Ingas_; from whence the Highway, being cut through hard Rocks, leads up
into the Countrey; where the stately Buildings of _Limatambo_ shew
themselves; and beyond the Mountain _Bilcaconga_ the Valley
_Xaquixaguana_, inclos’d between high Rocks, comes in view, where the
_Ingas_ us’d to recreate themselves in their Banquetting-houses; from
whence the Highway, which is Wall’d in on both sides, runs directly
through deep Moorish Grounds to _Cusco_.
[Sidenote: _Peter Anzurez_ his Journey.]
Eastward from _Cusco_, behind the _Andes_, are many large Countreys,
which to discover the _Spaniards_ spar’d neither trouble, danger, nor
charge: between both they found vast Wildernesses, inaccessible
Mountains, and overgrown Countreys; yet at last they opened four ways
thither: the first whereof runs through the Valley _Paquil_ to _Tono_, a
Village in the middle of the Mountains; from thence to the River
_Opotazi_, along which it is very troublesom travelling, because of the
thick Woods and steep Rocks: lastly to the hot and fruitful Valley
_Abisca_, and so to vast Wildernesses, overgrown with Brambles and
Bushes, which prevented any farther Discovery. The second Way runs
thirty Leagues farther to the Southward, through the Countreys _Sandia_,
_Camata_ and _Caravaya_, to _Zama_. Through this Way, _Anno 1538. Peter
Anzurez_ travell’d; setting out from _Zama_, he found many desolate
Mountains, barren Wilds, and close Woods, through which he entred into
the County _Tacana_, and from thence to the River _Omapalchas_,
inhabited on both sides by the _Cheriabones_ and _Marquires_, who
oppos’d him in his crossing over the River; but meeting with nothing but
barren Commons, he travell’d up along the River, and view’d the
Countreys _Moios_, _Cochabamba_, and _Chuguiabo_, from whence he
return’d to _Collao_, having lost most of his People by Hunger and
Hardship. But not long after others went over the _Andes_ to the
Countreys which extend themselves East and West, some whereof travell’d
through _Camata_, and others through _Cochabamba_.
[Sidenote: Towns and Places of note.]
The principal Towns and Places of Trade in it are, 1. _Bombon_, situate
upon the Lake _Chinchacocha_, said to be ten Leagues in compass, begirt
round about almost with Hills, and having neighborhood with many other
lesser, but pleasant Villages.
2. _Parcos_, once a Palace Royal of the _Ingas_, seated on the top of a
little Hill, encompass’d with other Rocky and higher Mountains on all
sides.
3. _San Juan de Vittoria_, which the Marquess _Pizarro_ built _Anno
1539._ to secure the Way between _Lima_ and _Cusco_, from the Assaults
of the _Peruvians_, before he absolutely conquer’d this Kingdom: the
Walls are wash’d by a sweet Stream, to the great convenience of the
Citizens.
4. _Guamanga_, a City lying in a pleasant Plain under a healthful
Climate, built with Stone-houses cover’d with Tyles; the Owners whereof
have great store of Land, which they Sowe with Wheat, and also breed
plenty of Cattel. To this City, which is adorn’d with three Churches,
five Cloysters, and a large Almshouse, above thirty thousand _Peruvians_
bring annual Tribute. The Mines produce Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron,
Lead, Sulphur, and Load-stones; near which grows the poysonous Herb
_Mio_, which kills the Cattel that chance to eat thereof. In the Woods
also hereabouts feeds a Beast, whose Piss stinks at a Miles distance.
This City is by some deliver’d to be the same with _San Juan de la
Vittoria_ above mention’d.
5. _Bilcas_, another Palace of the _Ingas_, now a good Town of the
Natives, and situate, as is suppos’d, in the very midst of the Countrey
of _Peru_.
6. _Guancavelica_, a new Town, rais’d from the condition of a very poor
Village, to a Place of very great Importance and Traffick, onely by the
Mines of Quicksilver, which were first discover’d there in the Year
1566. by _Amador Cabrera_, through the assistance of a _Peruvian_ nam’d
_Mavincopa_: This _Cabrera_ selling his Interest for a hundred and fifty
thousand _Ducats_, Su’d the Buyer, upon pretence that he had sold it
above one half under the value: whilest this was depending, _Peter
Ferdinando de Valasco_ came from _Mexico_ to _Guamanga_, to make trial
of the cleansing of Silver by Quicksilver, and finding it to succeed
according to his expectation, he sent great quantities of it to _Arica_,
and from thence by Land to _Potosi_. The King of _Spain_ is said to
receive from this Mine of _Guancavelica_, all his Charges defray’d,
above a thousand Pound _per Annum_ for his usual fifth part: But the
antient Natives regarded not these Mines so much for the Quicksilver as
for the Vermilion which is found mix’d with it, wherewith they delighted
very much to paint their Bodies: There is great Art now us’d in the
separating of the Quicksilver from the Vermilion.
This Town was long since inhabited by two thousand _Spaniards_ at least,
and twice as many Natives.
[Sidenote: The original of the City _Cusco_.]
7. _Cusco_, which is the Metropolis of the Kingdom of _Peru_, built on a
hard Ground, surrounded with Mountains, under a cold, yet wholsom
Climate, and wash’d by two Rivers, which on the East side of _Cusco_
parting, one runs direct West, and the other Southward. One part of the
City antiently bore the Denomination of _Haran-Cusco_, and the second,
_Oren-Cusco_, where the chief Nobility and most antient Families dwelt.
Concerning the original of this Place, the _Peruvians_ say, That several
Ages past there appear’d three Men, call’d _Ayrache_, _Aranca_, and
_Ajarmango_, and with them three Women, nam’d _Mamacola_, _Mamacona_,
and _Mamaragua_, all of them very richly Cloth’d; that _Ayrache_ had a
Precious Stone at the end of a Truncheon, which by holding up he rais’d
the Mountains to the Skies, and when he let it fall, levell’d them with
the lowest Valleys: _Aranca_ and _Ajarmango_ concluded to build a
stately City, and sent for People from remote Countries to inhabit it;
with which Design the Natives thereabouts seem’d to be well pleas’d: but
before they went to work they judg’d it convenient to destroy _Ayrache_,
whose great Power they envy’d: This being resolv’d upon, they invited
him to a deep narrow-mouth’d Cave, that there they might worship the Sun
his Father (for so Descended he took upon him to be), he was no sooner
entred but the rest shut the Mouth of the Cave with great Stones, hoping
so to starve him to death; which _Ayrache_ observing, stood amaz’d a
while, till at last he threw off all the Stones, and flew with great and
divers colour’d Wings up into the Air, crying aloud, _Fear not_, Aranca
_and_ Ajarmango, _though you have design’d to take away my Life, but
build a City in this place, and call it_ Cusco; _for in it shall stand
the Seat of the_ Ingas, _under whose Jurisdiction extending far and
near, many great Nations shall bow. The Temple which the Gods have there
design’d shall not onely exceed all other Structures in the World, in
Art and Costliness, but be famous for strange Offerings to the Sun. If
the Citizens build Altars for me, burn Myrrh, and make Offerings to me,
they may certainly expect to vanquish all their Enemies, and increase
their Power. According to my Example bore Holes through your Ears, as a
sign of Obedience._ All which _Aranca_, _Ajarmango_, and the
fore-mention’d Women promis’d to perform. Whereupon _Ayrache_ gave them
a rich Diadem with a Tassel, which was to be the Head-Ornament of the
succeeding _Ingas_; which they had no sooner receiv’d, but _Ayrache_ and
_Aranca_ were turn’d into Stones, yet retaining their former shape;
which _Ajarmango_ observing, fell straight, together with the three
Women, upon building the City _Cusco_. After the Deluge breaking out of
the Hole _Tambo_, he chang’d his Name of _Ajarmango_ for _Mangocapa_,
that is, _Mighty Lord_, and made himself, as they say, the first
_Peruvian_ King. The City _Cusco_ was divided into four Wards, the East
call’d _Andosayo_, the South _Callasayo_ the North, _Chinchasuyo_, and
the West _Condesayo_, every one so call’d from the Countreys, to which
the Gates of the four Wards are oppos’d.
If any one coming out of another Countrey, setled himself in _Cusco_, as
it hapned daily, he was permitted to dwell no where but in that Ward
which fronted his native Countrey. The four high Streets, which through
these Wards one way fall into the Market-place, being in the middle of
the City, are the other way answerable to the four principal High-ways,
_viz._ that which leads to _Quito_ and _Pasto_, through _Chinchasuyo_;
to _Arehuipa_, through _Condesuyo_; to the Mountains _Andes_, through
_Andesuyo_; and to _Chili_, through _Collasuyo_. The two Rivers before
mention’d, which part at the East end of the City, are pass’d over with
divers Bridges. The narrow Streets are full of Stone Houses, built in
good Order. In several places are Vaulted Cellars under Ground, in some
of which are buried great Treasures: they had been formerly the
Habitations for Necromancers and Soothsayers; for this sort of People
were once in great esteem amongst the Inhabitants, who coming from
_Chili_, _Pasto_, _Bocamores_, _Topona_, _Bombon_, _Charcas_, _Collao_,
_Chiachiapoias_, _Conchucos_, and other _Peruvian_ Countreys, receive
great benefit from the fresh Water, and from the Corn-Mills built on the
Streets through the City.
[Sidenote: The antient Palaces and other stately Structures in _Cusco_.]
The stately Palaces which the _Peruvian_ Nobility have at several times
built in _Oren-Cusco_, being one part of the City, are very wonderful,
the Owners whereof were forc’d by the _Ingas_ to appear at Court at
Set-times, that so he might prevent all Insurrections: Also he caus’d
the Children of the prime Lords to be brought up in _Cusco_, under
pretence that they might learn the _Cuscoan_ Tongue perfectly, in which
the _Ingas_ would always be spoken to; whenas their Design was to keep
them as Hostages in their own Jurisdictions, that their Fathers might
not rebel; by which means it hapned, that in most places of _Peru_,
which amongst the several Tribes and Principalities had several
Languages, the _Cuscoan_ Tongue was understood and spoken. But the
_Spaniards_, who are the present Possessors thereof, have alter’d and
repair’d most of the ordinary Houses, which are now neatly built of
Stone. Above all the old Structures, the Palace of the _Ingas_, and the
Temple of the Sun, are the most magnificent; the Palace lies inclos’d
within a square quadruple Wall, each corner whereof is adorn’d and
strengthned with a Tower: The Palace it self is built round, and with
Arches; but that which chiefly amazes the Beholder, is to see how the
Stones, which are so big that forty Horses are not able to stir one of
them out of its place, were brought thither by the Labor of the Builders
from the neighboring Mountains; for the _Peruvians_ never made use of
any laboring Beast, except their Sheep _Pacos_, not knowing the use of
Horses, Camels, Oxen, Elephants, or the like, before the _Spaniards_
coming thither. The Halls within the Palace were Wainscoted with Golden
Plates: yet the _Inga_’s Apparel was not answerable to the rest of his
Pomp; for in stead of a Crown they bound their Heads about with a red
woollen Sash, with which they almost cover’d their Eyes; at the end of
the Sash hung certain Ribbands, which they gave the Governor as occasion
offer’d, that by this Sign, as by a Commission, they might exercise
their Offices; the sight of which String caus’d such Obedience, that if
the _Inga_ had commanded the Inhabitants of a Town or Countrey to murder
themselves, none durst deny. The _Inga_ was generally carried by a
hundred of his Noble-men, of whom if any one had accidentally chanc’d to
stumble, he was immediately put to death. No man durst presume to look
him in the Face, or speak to him without a Present.
[Sidenote: The Temple _Curicanche_.]
[Sidenote: A cruel Battel between two Brothers.]
The Temple _Curicanche_, Dedicated to the Sun, was certainly the most
rich and sumptuous that ever the World boasted, it being Govern’d by the
Chief Priest _Villanoa_. The Inga _Guainacava_ spent an invaluable
Treasure in the building of this Structure, for he cover’d the Roof and
Walls with thick Plates of massie Gold and Silver. At his return home
from the Conquest of the Province of _Quito_, from whence the
Inhabitants, according to an antient Custom of the _Ingas_, were carried
to one of the remotest Countreys in _Peru_. But _Guainacava_ enamor’d of
a _Quitoan_ Maid, staid a considerable time in the City _Quito_, and
kept a splendid Wedding at the Marriage of his Bride, who bare unto him
the famous _Attabaliba_, whom he lov’d beyond all his other Children,
and a little before his death made him King of _Quito_. But _Huascar_
after _Guainacava_’s Decease would not suffer his Brother to live in the
late conquer’d Kingdom of _Quito_, but gave him Battel in the Plain of
_Tomebamba_, which lasted three days and three Nights, and after much
Blood-shed, _Attabaliba_ being defeated was taken Prisoner, and not long
after making his Escape by the help of an antient Woman (whilest
_Huascar_’s Commanders and Soldiers rejoyc’d with Cups full of _Chica_
for their gotten Victory) he made his Subjects in _Quito_ believe, that
he being transform’d into a Serpent, crept through a little Hole out of
the Prison; and that he had a Promise from Heaven to obtain Conquest
over _Huascar_; which being believ’d, stirr’d up all his Subjects to
take up Arms, and valiantly to go and meet the Enemy, whom they not
onely defeated, but took _Huascar_ Prisoner.
[Sidenote: _Zaires_ the Son of _Mango Inga_ submits to the _Spaniards_.]
_Huascar_ being destroy’d by _Attabaliba_, and _Attabaliba_ by
_Pizarro_, _Mango Inga_ their youngest Brother took the Government upon
him, made continual Sallies upon the _Spaniards_ from inaccessible
Mountains, and at his Decease left the remaining part of _Peru_ to his
Son _Zaires Topa_; who seeing no good to be done by force of Arms,
submitted himself freely to the King of _Spain_’s Jurisdiction in the
Year 1557. since which the _Spaniards_ have been sole Masters.
There are at this day four great Churches in _Cusco_: Also the
_Dominicans_, _Franciscans_, _Augustines_, and the Monks _De la Merced_,
have each of them stately Cloysters here: but the _Jesuits_ Structure
exceeds all the other.
Above forty thousand _Peruvians_ pay annual Tribute to this City. In the
Valley about the City feed abundance of Cattel; also Wheat, and all
manner of Herbs grow here in great plenty. The Gold and Silver-Mines
have not that resort which they had formerly, most of the Workmen being
remov’d to _Potosi_.
Concerning the Service which they perform’d in the fore-mention’d Temple
of the Sun, and their superstitious Opinions about their Idol _Con_,
they are much of the same ridiculous nature with what hath been already
Discours’d of in other places. Five Leagues Southwardly from _Cusco_
lies the Valley _Yucay_ between high snowy Mountains, under a temperate
Climate and pleasant Soil. Not far from hence the _Ingas_ built a most
invincible Castle on a Rock, which was surrounded with many cliffy Walls
one above another; these Walls were also Carv’d with Images of Lyons,
Tygers, and other wild Beasts, which held Lances in their Paws; the top
of the Rock was crown’d with a Royal Structure built of Stone, through
which ran Golden Veins, joyn’d together with a certain Gum, by some
call’d _Jews-Lime_. To the Province of _Condesuyo_ belong the valiant
People _Chumbibalcas_ and _Ubinas_. In the County _Pomatambo_ they make
Carpets of fine Wooll, curiously Painted.
8. The City _Francisco de Vittoria_, which lies in the rough Valley
_Vilcabamba_, and is inclos’d by the Mountains _Andes_, belonging to the
Jurisdiction of the Province _Andésuyo_.
9. The Village _Juan del Oro_, which is the chief Place of the Countrey
_Caravaya_, and so call’d by the _Spaniards_ from the fine Gold which is
found there in great abundance.
[Sidenote: Havens, Isles, and Points in _Peru_.]
Along the Sea-Coast of _Peru_ belonging to the Jurisdiction of _Los
Reyos_, lie the following Havens, Isles and Points.
South-East from the Promontory _Aguya_, rises the Isle _St. Roque_ out
of the South-Sea, surrounded with Rocks, and abounds with Birds of prey;
through the midst of it runs a River which divides the Island.
The Haven _Malabrigo_, ill defended against the Winds, cannot be entred
by great Vessels, unless in calm Weather.
Next follow the Harbors _Guanape_ and _Santa_, where the Ships us’d to
furnish themselves with Water out of a fresh River; _Casuya_ and
_Guarmay_, both inhabited by _Peruvians_.
Near the Mouth of the Road _Guara_ stands a large Salt-pan, the Salt
about which is found in great hard Pieces. The Island _Collao_ secures
the Haven before _Lima_.
Behind _Cape Guarco_ lies the _Lobos_; and not far from hence the Harbor
_Sangallan_, being so commodious that the _Spaniards_ consider’d a long
time whether they should build the City _Los Reyos_ here.
The Promontory _Nasca_ affords also good shelter for Ships; and the
Haven _Hacari_ yields store of Refreshments. Moreover, the Streams
_Oconna_, _Camana_, and _Quilca_ discharge their Waters into the Sea.
The Haven _Arequipa_ appears at its Mouth like a little Pool, surrounded
with Mountains.
Between _Quilca_ and the River _Tamboyalla_ lies the Isle _Nuli_; and a
little more Southward the Haven _Paracca_ and _Pisca_; and up in the
Countrey the Village _Yca_, where the most and best _Peruvian_ Wine is
to be had.
SECT. VI.
Los Charcas.
[Sidenote: Situation and Description of _Los Charcas_.]
_Los Charcas_ is the farthest Countrey Southward of the Kingdom of
_Peru_, reaching up as far as _Chile_, with which on the South it is
border’d, having on the North, _Lima_ and _Collao_; on the West, _Mare
del Zur_; and on the East, some Countreys not yet well discover’d, which
lie betwixt it and the Province of _Paraguay_, or _De la Plata_. The
Countrey is said to be in length about a hundred and fifty Leagues,
measuring it directly, or in a right Line from North to South; but
measuring it about along the Sea-Coast, much about two hundred: It is
not very rich either in Corn or Cattel, although in some parts it
wanteth not good Pasturage; but of unparalell’d Wealth, in respect of
the Mines of Gold and Silver which are here digg’d, the principal
whereof are those of _Potosi_ and _Parco_.
The Mountains hereabouts are inhabited by the _Cavinas_, who dwell in
Stone Houses. Their Neighbors the _Canches_ are a subtile, good natur’d,
and painful People, breed many Sheep, sowe Corn, and catch plenty of
Fish out of the Rivers. Next comes in view the cold Countrey _Conas_. On
the right side towards the Southern Ocean, the great Wilderness
_Parinacocha_ extends it self a vast way; the Mountains round about are
continually cover’d with Snow, and the Dales have many deep Moors.
[Illustration: POTOSI.]
[Sidenote: Principal Towns and Places of note.]
Chief Towns and Places of note in this part of _Peru_ are, 1. _Plata_,
otherwise call’d _Chuquisaca_, the Countrey whose Metropolis it is,
situate under a temperate Climate, in a fruitful Soil for the production
of all manner of Plants, and especially Wheat, Barley, and Grapes. In
this City the High Court of Judicature of _Los Charcas_ is kept, being a
principal part of _Peru_, and inhabited by the richest _Spaniards_ in
the whole Kingdom, having gotten an incredible deal of Treasure out of
the neighboring Silver-Mines, which from the time of the _Ingas_, or
Kings of _Peru_, to its Discovery by the _Spaniards_, held out and
continu’d so rich, that ’tis thought _Pizarro_, if Reason could have
rul’d him, might here onely have rais’d himself a Rent of two hundred
thousand Ducats _per Annum_; but his desire and hopes, first to find
more at _Potosi_, and afterwards his ambition and greediness to have and
command all, carried him to violent Courses, which proved his Ruine, as
hath been said. The Town is conveniently seated in a fruitful Soil,
honor’d with the Residence of the Governor of the Province, and with a
Bishops See, said to be the richest of _Peru_, _viz._ of fourscore
thousand Ducats _per Annum_. The Cathedral and divers Cloysters give
also a great lustre to the City. The antient Inhabitants of this
Countrey, especially about those parts where now this City stands, were
the _Charcas_ and _Charanques_, both valiant People, who by Command of
the _Ingas_ fetch’d invaluable Treasures out of the neighboring Mines of
_Porco_, where a thousand Men were continually kept at work. In _La
Plata_ were reckon’d long since, besides _Spaniards_, above sixty
thousand _Peruvians_ which pay annual Tribute.
2. _Oropesa_, a place of good Metal, as a man may perceive by the Name;
It lieth in the rich and pleasant Valley _Cochobamba_, twenty Leagues
distant from _La Plata_.