When the great King Tupac Inca Yupanqui died, they prepared to perform the obsequies and ceremonies of his interment after the manner of his ancestors, and with great pomp. The Orejones relate that some provinces conspired to recover their liberty, and shake off the yoke of the Incas, but the good management of the Inca governors, assisted by the captains and mitimaes, kept order during a trying time. Huayna Capac was not careless, nor did he fail to understand that it would be necessary for him to display valour in order to preserve that which his father had gained with so much labour. Shortly he entered upon the fast, and he who governed the city proved loyal and faithful. There did not fail to be some disturbance among the Incas themselves, for some sons of Tupac Inca, begotten on other women than the Coya, wished to set up a claim to the royal dignity. The people, however, were loyal to Huayna Capac, and not only would not consent, but applauded the punishment inflicted on them. When the fast was ended, Huayna Capac came forth with the fringe, very richly adorned, and performed the ceremonies according to the custom of his ancestors, at the end of which his name was declared with great acclamations: “Huayna Capac,” “Inca zapalla tucuillacta uya” which is as much as to say—“Huayna Capac alone is king; let all the city hear him.”

Huayna Capac, according to the account of many Indians who had seen and knew him, was not of any great stature, but well-built, with good features and much gravity. He was a man of few words but many deeds, a severe judge, who punished without mercy. He wished to be so feared that the Indians should dream of him at night.