His father appointed him to head the Inca army in 1463.
 
He extended the realm northward along the Andes through modern Ecuador, and developed a special fondness for the city of Quito, which he rebuilt with architects from Cuzco.
 During this time his father Pachacuti reorganized the kingdom of Cuzco into the Tahuantinsuyu, the "four provinces."
Tupac Inca led extensive military conquests to extend the Inca empire across much of Southern America.

He became Sapa Inca in his turn upon his father's death in 1471, ruling until his own death in 1493.
 He conquered Chimor, which occupied the northern coast of what is now Peru, the largest remaining rival to the Incas.

He conquered the province of Antis and subdued the Collas.
He imposed rules and taxes, creating two Governor Generals, Suyuyoc Apu, one in Xauxa and the other in Tiahuanacu.
 Tupac Inca Yupanqui created the fortress Saksaywaman on the high plateau above Cuzco, which included store houses for provisions and clothing.

Tupac Inca died about 1493 in Chincheros, leaving two legitimate sons, and 90 illegitimate sons and daughters.
Chuqui Ocllo, one of the wives of Tupac Yupanqui, convinced him that his son Ccapac Huari would succeed him, however Tupac Inca changed his mind and decided on his son Titu Cusi Hualpa (who would later become emperor Huayna Capac).
This provoked anger in Chuqui Ocllo and she poisoned Tupac Inca.
They were both killed soon after Tupac Inca's death.
His father appointed him to head the Inca army in 1463.  
He extended the realm northward along the Andes through modern Ecuador, and developed a special fondness for the city of Quito, which he rebuilt with architects from Cuzco.  During this time his father Pachacuti reorganized the kingdom of Cuzco into the Tahuantinsuyu, the "four provinces." Tupac Inca led extensive military conquests to extend the Inca empire across much of Southern America.
He became Sapa Inca in his turn upon his father's death in 1471, ruling until his own death in 1493.  He conquered Chimor, which occupied the northern coast of what is now Peru, the largest remaining rival to the Incas.
He conquered the province of Antis and subdued the Collas. He imposed rules and taxes, creating two Governor Generals, Suyuyoc Apu, one in Xauxa and the other in Tiahuanacu.  Tupac Inca Yupanqui created the fortress Saksaywaman on the high plateau above Cuzco, which included store houses for provisions and clothing.
Tupac Inca died about 1493 in Chincheros, leaving two legitimate sons, and 90 illegitimate sons and daughters. Chuqui Ocllo, one of the wives of Tupac Yupanqui, convinced him that his son Ccapac Huari would succeed him, however Tupac Inca changed his mind and decided on his son Titu Cusi Hualpa (who would later become emperor Huayna Capac). This provoked anger in Chuqui Ocllo and she poisoned Tupac Inca. They were both killed soon after Tupac Inca's death.
Topa Inca Yupanqui