Q’eswachaka Rope Bridge Tour – Qeswachaka Inca Bridge

How to get to Qeswachaca from Cusco

Cusco without a doubt surprised us with new places to explore this incredible last Inca suspension bridge or rope bridge called by the locals Q’eswachaka it is one of the best Inca engineers that can visit in a day tour from Cusco.

Q’eswachaka Inca bridge was built during the Inca time this is the last Inca bridge that you can enjoy and understand how the Incas used to build their bridges just using the natural highland grass called (hichu).

Where is the Q’eswachaka Inca bridge located?

It is located in the district of Q’ewe province of Canas over the Apurimac River.

How to get to Q’eswachaka by myself

If you want to get by yourself to this marvelous place you have to take local transportation for two hours more or less until Combapata here, you can find some local restaurants to have your lunch then you have to take a taxi round trip because there are no local transportations until the Q’eswachaka bridge once you arrive you have to pay 20 soles an entrance fee to the bridge there no much to hike from the bus road is only 10 minutes away to the actual place, then back to Cusco.

How to get to Q’eswachaka with a travel agency?

We pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am in our private van in Cusco we will drive to the southeast of Cusco city and pass different picturesque small towns until Combapata from here we will turn to the right in the direction of Q’eswachaka bridge we will drive for 1 hour more or less along the way we will see lovely lakes, the highland plateau, and agricultural areas. Once we arrive you will have plenty of time to enjoy this magnificent Inca suspension bridge your tour guide will explain everything in the place, and then we will come back the same way back to Cusco and we will drop you at your hotel.

History

The Q’eswachaka Bridge, also known as Queshuachaca or Q’eswachaka, is a unique and historic Inca suspension bridge located near Huinchiri in the Canas Province of Peru. This bridge has a remarkable history that spans over five centuries:

1. Inca Origins: The construction of the Q’eswachaka Bridge dates back to the time of the Inca Empire, which flourished in South America during the 15th and 16th centuries. The bridge was an integral part of the extensive network of roads and bridges built by the Incas, including the famous Inca Trail.

2. Inca bridge or Grass Rope Construction: The Q’eswachaka Bridge is distinctive for being entirely constructed from natural materials, primarily ichu grass. Local communities painstakingly weave and braid these grasses into massive ropes, which are used to create the bridge. The bridge itself consists of four ropes, and these ropes are woven together to form a secure pathway.

3. Annual Renewal: What sets Q’eswachaka apart is the annual renewal tradition. Each year, typically in June, local Quechua communities come together to rebuild the bridge. This renewal process involves the dismantling of the old bridge, as it is considered unsafe after a year of use, and the weaving of a new one. The process is a collective effort, with villagers from different communities working on either side of the Apurímac River to reconnect their communities.

4. Cultural Celebration: The renewal of the Q’eswachaka Bridge is a significant cultural event. During this time, communities engage in traditional ceremonies, music, dance, and feasting. It is a celebration of Inca heritage and engineering skills, passed down through generations.

5. Unique Heritage: Q’eswachaka stands as one of the last vestiges of Inca engineering and craftsmanship. It is a living testament to the skills and traditions of the Inca people, as well as the continued connection of the local Quechua communities to their heritage.

6. Tourist Attraction: In recent years, Q’eswachaka has become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to witness the annual bridge renewal and participate in the cultural festivities. It provides tourists with a rare opportunity to experience a living Inca tradition.

¿What can I see in the Q’eswachaka Inca bridge?

If you are the one that loves nature and being out of crowds this is perfect, the views will be spectacular, especially after Combapata town where you can appreciate the agricultural areas and all the natural products that are growing, we will have one amazing lake is part of the four lakes you can see also birds on the lake and the straw that grows in this area that the Incas used for the roof of the house and to build their incredible hanging bridges.

As you get closer to Q’eswachaka Inca bridge you will see the amazing valley and the Apurimac River running through that gives a breathtaking view!

Once you get off the bus you have to walk for 5 minutes only to get to the bridge here you will see how big and thick are the ropes and of course, if you go with a travel agency your tour guide will explain to you all about how the Incas used to do this impressive bridges and how the locals from the area do nowadays keeping the knowledge of their ancestors.

What is the attitude at Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge?

This amazing bridge is at an elevation of 3700 meters (12139.11 feet)

What is the weather like at Q’eswachaka?

The weather is exactly the same as in Cusco City we have well defined two seasons.

The dry and wet season

Our wet season is November to April is our summer but here in the Andes, it rains a lot on a sunny day and is warm to hot.

Our dry season is from May to October usually sunny days and in the morning and at night cold.

How far do I have to hike from the bus station?

The bus will drop you so close to the Bridge so you don’t have to hike much as you will walk for 10 minutes!

Is there a hotel or hostel near Q’eswachaka Bridge?

Near this beautiful rope Q’eswachaka Inca bridge, there are no hostels, you can find a place to stay in Combapata which is 01 hour more or less from Q’eswachaka bridge by car.

Where can I eat?

Combapata is the place where you can find some local restaurants where you can find breakfast, Lunch, and dinner just around the plaza.

Recommendations

• • Recommended to start early the tour

• • If you are going by yourself take your box lunch

• • If you are going in the rainy season take with you a waterproof jacket or plastic poncho

• • In the dry season sun hut and sunblock

• • A good camera to take incredible pictures

Recommend going with a local travel agency if you need further information do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] we will be more than happy to help organize your tour of this incredible Q’eswachaka bridge