Q’eswachaka Bridge tour
- 1 day
- Starting From: $ 65.00 per person
Altitude
Min: 3350m/10990 ft.. Max: 3700m/12139 ft.
Duration
1 day
Physical Level
Easy
Tour Type
Sightseeing and Cultural
Group Size
Min 2 people, Max 12 people
Best Season
January to December
Description
Cross the Q’eswachaka bridge and step back in time on our exclusive tour. Q’eswachaka, the only surviving hand-woven Inca bridge of its kind, is a unique piece of living cultural heritage. Take a day trip from Cusco to admire this feat of Inca engineering during the annual bridge-building festival, or any day of the year.
Overview
The Q’eswachaka rope bridge tour is a full day excursion in Cusco. It takes you to the Inca bridge of Qeswachaka in Cusco, the only rope bridge built by the Incas and still used today by the inhabitants of the Andes. The bridge is located in the province of Canas, in the district of Quehue, south of Cusco. The name Q’eswachaka is a combination of two Quechua words, Q’eswa meaning braid and Chaka meaning bridge. The bridge is suspended over the Apurimac River, 3,700 meters above sea level.
During the Inca civilization, numerous road networks were built. The most important is the Qhapaq ñan. It connected practically all parts of the Inca empire. Wherever the Incas could not build roads due to geographical problems, they built suspension bridges.
The construction method was passed down from generation to generation. The Inca bridge of Qeswachaka is the only one that is still maintained by its descendants. For more than 500 years, the bridge has been renewed every year following the traditional method.
If you want to see how it is renewed year after year, in June the four neighboring communities gather to maintain their ancestral traditions. The Quechua Huinchiri Chaupibanda, Perccaro, Ccollana and Qqewe communities do it together.
This community effort is widely recognized. In fact, in 2013, UNESCO declared it an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
On this day trip from Cusco, you will be accompanied by our local guide, who has an in-depth knowledge of Inca history. When you arrive at the community, a local member will join you and share his knowledge. Crossing the bridge is a unique experience.
We aim to make it a fun and cultural experience. To make it even more interesting, we will also visit some picturesque lagoons along the way.
Day 1 Cusco -Queswachaka – Cusco
Overview:
ALTITUDE: Min: 3350m/10990 ft.. Max: 3700m/12139 ft.
DURATION: 1 full day
SIZE: Up to 12 people
HIGH SEASON: May to September.
what's it like
Itinerary
This tour starts with the pick up from your hotel in Cusco. Then in our private transportation, we will drive you to the South of Cusco along the South Valley (about 3 to 4 hours).
We will make a stop in Combapata. It is a small village, here we will stop for breakfast. After breakfast, we will drive another 15 minutes to the lookout point. From here you will have an impressive view of the valley where the Salcca River meets the Vilcanota, the sacred river of the Incas.
We will then continue our journey to Yanaoca. It is one of the eight districts of the province of Canas. Thirty minutes from here is the beautiful village of Q’ewe. From here you will have the first view of the Inca rope bridge – Qeswachaka.
Then we will drive to the parking lot. From here we will descend until we approach the bridge. We will make a brief stop so you can take some pictures. Then our local expert will share with you information about the bridge.
Get ready for the adrenaline rush of your life. Next, you will cross the swing bridge. Just across the bridge, a member of the community will welcome you and give you a demonstration of how they build it each year.
After spending some time here, this tour does not end with a visit to the Qeswachaka bridge, but we will head out to visit the four most important lakes in the region: Asnacqoccha, Acopia, Pomacanchi and Pampamarca.
Then we will start our return trip to the city of Cusco.
Inclusions
Transport
- Collection from your hotel on the morning of Q’eswachaka bridge tour departure
- Private transport to/from Cusco as described in the itinerary
Team
- English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide
Meals
- Breakfast
- Box Lunch. (Talk to your Travel Consultant during the booking process if you have certain preferences!)
Additional inclusions
- Entrance fees
Meals
- Snacks and water
Other
- Tip for the guide
What to Bring?
- Walking boots.
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
- Warm jacket.
- Sun hat.
- Sun cream (factor 35 or higher).
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer.
- Personal medication.
- Camera.
- Torch with spare batteries.
- First aid kit.
Pricing
- 02 Hikers 120 USD per person
- 03 Hikers 105 USD per person
- 04 Hikers 90 USD per person
- 05 Hikers 75 USD per person
- 06 Hikers + 65 USD per person
Book Now
Thank you for taking an interest in booking with Adventure In Peru, please take a short time to fill out the form, and then one of our travel consultants will get back to you with all the necessary information.
FAQs
Can I do the Qeswachaka Inca bridge tour from Cusco?
Yes, the tour starts from Cusco and finishes in Cusco.
How long do I have to hike to get to the Inca bridge?
there is not much Hike you will hike down the stairs to get to the bridge for 10 minutes and 15 minutes upstairs that is the only time that you are going to hike in this day tour
Travel Guide
Departure: 6 am from your hotel in Cusco.
Scenic Drive: Enjoy a 4-hour picturesque journey, passing through the Combapata district and Tupac Amaru’s homeland.
Qeswachaka Bridge: Marvel at the unique hanging bridge made of grass, an ancient Inca engineering marvel.
Entrance Fee: Pay the entrance fee for access to the bridge.
Crossing the Bridge: Experience a one-time crossing of the historic Qeswachaka Inca Bridge.
Return Journey: Explore an alternative route to discover four lakes, offering birdwatching opportunities.
Arrival: Return to Cusco around 4:30 pm.
Tips for Travelers:
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for walking.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle for your comfort.
Capture the scenic landscapes with your camera.
Respect local customs and traditions during the visit.
Note: The Qeswachaka Bridge is a living example of Inca heritage, so tread respectfully and soak in the historical significance of this unique destination.
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Based in Cusco and 100% Peruvian, our deep-rooted expertise enriches your journey. From the Short Inca Trail to hidden cultural gems, we offer authentic encounters with Peru's heritage, facilitated by expert guides and master chefs renowned in the region.
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