Overview
Qeswachaka Inca Bridge: Architecture reached levels of development that even today surprise the entire world. People still maintain a sample of this ingenuity in the Cusco region. Three hours from the city, in the province of Canas, in the district of Quehue, lies the Qeswachaka Inca bridge. UNESCO declared this Inca creation as Intangible Cultural Heritage, and locals use it to cross the Apurimac River.
This bridge spans 28 meters in length and 1.20 meters in width, constructed to date with ichu. The Qhapaq Ñan road system incorporated this bridge approximately 500 years ago. Therefore, traditions and customs persist, accompanied by rituals for their realization. Also, the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge is the last one to withstand modernity and continues passing its ritual from generation to generation. It offers a new tourist alternative in Cusco.
*Difficulty level depends very much on your fitness and acclimatization.
Useful Information
The Q’eswachaka bridge is the last Inca rope bridge still in use and is located in the Cusco region of Peru, over the Apurimac River. Its name comes from the Quechua: “Q’eswa” (to braid) and “Chaka” (bridge), which means “braided bridge”.
History and meaning
The Qeswachaka is part of the ancient Inca Trail and has been renovated annually for over 500 years by local communities following traditional techniques. Its construction and maintenance represent a strong cultural and spiritual bond with the Inca ancestors. In 2013, UNESCO declared it Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Construction and renovation
Every year in June, four Quechua communities (Huinchiri, Chaupibanda, Choccayhua and Ccollana Quehue) renew the bridge in a three-day ceremony. The main material is ichu (Andean straw), which is woven into thick ropes. The final structure measures approximately 28 meters long and 1.20 meters wide. Height: It is located more than 15 meters above the Apurimac River.
Cultural and tourist importance
It is a symbol of Andean identity and living tradition.
It attracts tourists from all over the world interested in Inca history.
The reconstruction ceremony is a unique event that combines community work with ancestral rituals.
If you would like to visit it, it is located about 4 hours from Cusco and can be accessed by tour or on your own. It is an incredible experience to learn about the engineering and legacy of the Incas live!
DAY 1.- CUSCO – QESWACHAKA INCA BRIDGE – CUSCO.
PLEASE SEE: OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND F.A.Qs
Itinerary
DAY 1.- CUSCO – QESWACHAKA INCA BRIDGE – CUSCO.
The full day tour to the Qeswachaka inca bridge, begins in the city of Cusco, very early, we will pick you up at your hotel. At the indicated time, to then depart in the south direction of the city, until you reach the Chuquicahuana bridge and continue in the tourist circuit of the four lagoons (approx. 2 hours trip): knowing the following Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnacocha and Pampamarca lagoons or Tungasuca.
After enjoying a quiet moment near the lagoons, we will visit a small Volcano located near the town of Yanaoca. Beautiful, which stopped in its growth, today is an attraction very close to the road.
We continue with the trip through beautiful landscapes to reach the Apurimac River, where we can observe the Inca suspension bridge made of vegetable fiber (Ichu) over the Apurimac River in the district of Quehue. Dating from the Inca season, local community members renovate and maintain the bridge once a year. The full-day ride to the Inca bridge Qeswachaka also features very beautiful scenery, and here we can also observe the customs and traditions of the local people. Our exciting tour will finally end with the return to the city of Cusco at approximately 6:00 p.m.
PLEASE SEE: OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND F.A.Qs
Includes
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- Tourist Bus
- English and Spanish speaking guide
- A boxed lunch (including mineral water)
- Vegetarian/vegan options available (no extra charge).
- Entrance to the lagoons and Qeswachaka
- First aid including an emergency oxygen bottle
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Extra expenses
- Tips
- Others not mentioned
More Information
WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE.
- Tips for your guide and driver
- What you need to bring:
- A warm jacket
- Water
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Rain gear
- Extra money
PLEASE SEE: OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND F.A.Qs
Price & Add-ons
Group: U$: 50
Private: U$: 150
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Pacha Expeditions Travel Peru, is able to join that person with additional groups.
Rentals
- Hiking poles – USD $10 (pair)
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Acomodation
Map (Qeswachaka inca bridge)
Reviews
gracias por la organización fue una experiencia inolvidable, siempre estaremos agradecidos muy recomendable
May 7, 2022
Excelente organización. Todo genial. Súper recomendable. Los guías unos genios, bilingües a la perfeccion.
January 1, 1970
gracias por la experiencia la montaña de colores estuve muy buena disfrutamos de la caminata y el paisaje todo estuvo bien organizado tal como nos ofrecieron muchas gracias amigos siempre... read more
January 1, 1970
Positive Impact Travel
By joining this trip, you are directly supporting a project with a positive impact, with the Goal of Sustainable and responsible Development for future generations. Pacha Expeditions organizes activities for the benefit of the local community, for children and adults, throughout the year. Local authorities and internationally recognized standards back our projects. Third parties audit our projects, following internationally recognized standards. This implies positive impacts on the beneficiaries.
