During the 1490s, severe droughts struck the Andean region, challenging the Inca Empire's sophisticated agriculture and intricate water management systems like terraces and canals. These climatic events impacted crop yields of staples such as maize and potatoes, testing the resilience of Inca society under rulers like Huayna Capac. They underscore the environmental vulnerabilities faced by one of the world's great pre-Columbian civilizations, influencing adaptation strategies that sustained vast populations amid harsh highland conditions.

The Andean droughts of the 1490s influenced Quechua oral traditions, which were later recorded in colonial texts. These narratives often reflected the relationship between the environment and cultural identity, shaping the poetic expressions of resilience and adaptation.