Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge Full Day Tour
The Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge Tour is a full-day cultural experience in Cusco that will take you to visit the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge, the only remaining handwoven rope suspension bridge from the time of the Incas. It is located in the province of Canas, in the district of Quehue, south of Cusco. The name Q’eswachaka comes from two Quechua words: Q’eswa, meaning braid, and Chaka, meaning bridge.
During the Inca civilization, numerous road systems were built, the most important being the Qhapaq Ñan, which connected a large part of the Inca Empire. In places where geographical conditions made road construction impossible, the Incas developed suspension bridges to maintain communication between communities.
The traditional technique used to build the bridge has been passed down from generation to generation. The Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge is the only one that continues to be preserved by the descendants of these communities, who renew it every year following the ancestral method for more than 500 years.
The bridge is suspended over the Apurímac River at 3,700 meters above sea level. Every year, during the month of June, four neighboring communities gather to preserve this ancient tradition. The Quechua communities of Huinchiri, Chaupibanda, Perccaro, Ccollana, and Qqewe work together in this communal effort.
This collective effort has been widely recognized and, in 2013, UNESCO declared it an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
During this full-day tour from Cusco, you will be accompanied by a local guide with extensive knowledge of Inca history. Once in the community, a local member will also participate, sharing information and knowledge about their traditions and customs.
Our goal is to offer a dynamic and enriching cultural experience. To complement the journey, we will also visit some picturesque lagoons located along the route.
We also invite you to check our reviews on TripAdvisor.
1 Day
Treking
Moderate
Cusco
12 people
Detailed Itinerary
Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge Full Day Tour
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to begin the journey in our private transportation towards the south of Cusco, traveling through the South Valley.
Our first stop will be in Combapata, a small village where we will enjoy breakfast. After breakfast, we will continue the journey for approximately 15 more minutes until reaching a viewpoint, from where you will have an impressive view of the valley where the Salcca River joins the Vilcanota River, considered the sacred river of the Incas.
We will then continue the trip towards Yanaoca, one of the eight districts of the province of Canas. Thirty minutes from this place is the community of Q’ewe, where you will have your first view of the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge.
Afterward, we will continue by transportation to the parking area. From this point, we will take a downhill walk towards the bridge. We will make a brief stop for photographs while our local guide shares information about the history and tradition of the bridge.
Get ready for an adrenaline-filled experience as you cross the handwoven rope suspension bridge. Upon reaching the other side, a member of the community will welcome you and give a demonstration of the traditional technique used to rebuild the bridge every year.
After enjoying this cultural experience, we will visit the four most important lagoons in the region: Asnacqoccha, Acopia, Pomacanchi, and Pampamarca.
Finally, we will begin the return journey to the city of Cusco.
Inclusions
What's included
- English-speaking local guide
- Transportation
- Breakfast and lunch
- Admission tickets
What's not included
- Personal expenses
Packing List
We recommend that you bring essential items and personal belongings so you can fully enjoy the Full-Day Inca Bridge Q’eswachaka Tour.
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Cash
- Snacks
Frequently Asked Questions
Resolve the most common questions about the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge Full Day Tour and get ready to enjoy a unique cultural experience in Cusco.
Is the Q’eswachaka Bridge still used by local communities?
Yes. The Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge continues to be used and preserved by the Quechua communities of the region, who keep this ancestral tradition alive by renewing it every year using techniques inherited from the Inca period.
Is it safe to cross the Q’eswachaka suspension bridge?
At what altitude is the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge located?
Which communities participate in preserving the bridge?
What other places are visited during the tour?
Does the experience include interaction with local communities?
What kind of weather can be expected during the tour?
Why was the Q’eswachaka Bridge recognized by UNESCO?
Feel free to call us. We’re a team of experts and would be happy to speak with you.
- +51 970 409 091
- [email protected]
