Great question...

No, the Inca were not primarily carnivorous; their diet was mostly vegan, consisting of plants like potatoes, corn, and quinoa, supplemented by domesticated animals such as llamas, alpacas, and guinea pigs, and occasionally hunted game like deer.

Key foods in the Inca diet:

Vegetables: Potatoes and corn were staple crops, with amaranth also being consumed.

Grains: Quinoa and other grains were important food sources.

Animal products:

Camelids: Llamas and alpacas were raised for their wool, meat, and as pack animals.

Guinea pigs: These were raised for meat.

Deer: Only Inca royalty hunted deer, using large slingshots and lassos.

Fish: Fish from coastal and river areas was also a significant part of their diet.

Dietary distinctions:

Vegan staples:

The Incas' diet was largely plant-based, with a variety of vegetables, grains, and fruits forming the bulk of their meals.

Meat as supplement:

Meat was consumed less frequently, often from the domesticated animals they raised or hunted.

Royal access to meat:

The consumption of certain game, like deer, was exclusive to the Inca royal family.