Sayri Túpac was the second ruler of the Neo-Inca State and emperor of the Kingdom of Vilcabamba. Born in Peru, he is best known for his 1558 decision to emerge from his mountain stronghold to negotiate with the Spanish viceroyalty in Lima. He eventually renounced his imperial claims and accepted baptism, living out his remaining years in Yucay until his death in 1561.
The Mascaipacha, a crown featuring a distinctive red fringe, remained behind in the mountains of Vilcabamba when Sayri Túpac traveled to Lima to surrender his imperial claims. As the second ruler of the Neo-Inca State, his life marked the transition from active armed resistance against Spanish conquest to political negotiation and eventual settlement within the colonial structure of Peru.
Succession and Regency
Born in 1535, Sayri Túpac was the son of Manco Inca Yupanqui and Cura Ocllo. Following the death of his mother in 1539 and the assassination of his father in 1544, the young prince assumed authority in the isolated territory of Vilcabamba. Between 1545 and 1560, he reigned as the Vilcabamba Inca. During his formative years, he governed under the guidance of regents, maintaining a period of relative peace with the Spanish administration.
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Spanish officials viewed the independent native state in Vilcabamba as a persistent security threat. Viceroy Pedro de la Gasca initiated early attempts to lure the monarch to Cuzco with promises of land and housing. While Sayri Túpac initially considered the proposal, the sudden death of his relative Paullu Inca halted the migration, as the event was interpreted as a sign of potential Spanish treachery.
Relocation and Baptism
In 1556, the arrival of Viceroy Andrés Hurtado de Mendoza, 3rd Marquis of Cañete, renewed diplomatic efforts. In 1558, Sayri Túpac emerged from Vilcabamba, traveling in a lavish litter accompanied by 300 attendants. Upon his arrival in Lima on 5 January 1558, he received a formal reception. He renounced his claims to the former Inca Empire, underwent baptism under the name Diego, and accepted the title of Prince of Yucay.
Final Years in Yucay
Upon settling in Yucay, a location situated a day's journey northeast of Cuzco, the former emperor married his sister Cusi Huarcay following a special dispensation from Pope Julius III. The couple produced a daughter, Nusta Beatriz, who later married Martín Garcia Loyola. Sayri Túpac remained in Yucay until his death in 1561. His passing led to suspicions of poisoning, with theories attributing his end to either Spanish intervention or a local figure named Chilche.
Fast facts
- Born: 1535, Peru
- Died: 1561, Cusco
- Positions held: Vilcabamba Inca, emperor
- Reign as Vilcabamba Inca: 1545-1560
- Baptismal name: Diego
- Spouse: Cusi Huarcay
- Language proficiency: Classical Quechua and Early Modern Spanish
Questions readers ask
Why did Sayri Túpac leave Vilcabamba?
He sought an accommodation with the Spanish colonial administration, eventually renouncing his imperial claims in exchange for a pardon, land, and the title of Prince of Yucay.
What happened to the Inca resistance after he left?
His half-brother Titu Cusi Yupanqui assumed control of Vilcabamba and continued the resistance against the Spanish.
