FULL DAY TOUR TO QESWACHAKA INCA BRIDGE
Qeswachaka Inca Bridge tour is mostly a Van tour, with various stops at points of interest before and after the visit to the Q’eswachaka Bridge.
Q’eswachaka is long rope bridge that restored every year in June by over a thousand of people from four communities. This ancient ritual was recognized in 2013 by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Crossing it is like going back in time.During the reign of the Incas, a massive network of roads, and one in particular, called Qhapaq Ñan, united every part of the Inca empire. To cross the rugged geography of the Andes, many hanging bridges made out of vegetal fibers were erected.
This complex technology has been transmitted from generation to generation in order that there is still today one remaining bridge. Indeed Q’eswachaka Inca bridge has been renovated annually for more than 600 years, connecting the past with the present. Suspended above the Apurimac River at 3,700 meters (12,139 ft) above sea level.
Duration
1 Day
Altitude Max.
3,700 msnm.
Group Size
1-15
Difficulty
Moderate
Itinerary
The tour begins with the pick-up from your accommodation between 4:30 and 4:45 am. If your hotel or hostel is not located in the city center, we will pick you up from the doorway of our office building. Once the whole group is gathered, around 5:00 am, we will start our journey in our tourist transportation.
We will then have a one and hals hours of van journey to the town of Cusipata, where we will have our Semi Buffet breakfast . After this will continue drive for 25 minutes until we will get the Combapata viewpoint, from which we will enjoy the beautiful landscapes and see where the Salcca River meets the Vilcanota, the Sacred River of the Incas.
Then, we will continue our journey to Yanaoca, one of the eight districts in the Canas province of Cusco From Yanaoca, we will drive for one more hour to the Q’ewe district. From there, you will have your first glimpse of the ancient bridge suspended between the steep rock cliffs, as we drive down the Apurimac canyon.
We will then leave the van and descend a steep path to a viewpoint to take photos, before carefully crossing the bridge together! Get ready for the adrenaline rush of a lifetime as you make your way across the suspension bridge, and try not to look too closely at the river several meters below! On the other side, the bridge attendant will greet us and give a brief demonstration of the bridge’s history and construction.
After visiting the bridge, we will drive to the region’s where the four famous lakes are: Pampamarca, Asnacqoccha, Acopia, and Pomacanchi. Set like jewels among the gold-green hills, they shine in the warm, afternoon sun as native flamingos and other birds fly and feed around their edges. We will then continue driving to Cusipata where will have our Semi buffet Lunch, after lunch, we will continue our return trip to Cusco City, arriving approximately 5:00 pm.
- Pick-up from your accommodation and drop-off near the main square by the end of the tour.
- Professional, bilingual tour guide.
- Tourist Transportation.
- Semi Buffet Breakfast.
- Semi Buffet Lunch.
- First aid kit (includes emergency oxygen tank).
- Tips for your tour guide and driver.
- Entrance fees to cross Qeswachaka Bridge (20 soles per person for foreigners.
- Snacks.
Recommendation
- Bring your passport.
- Shoes or sneakers.
- Comfortable clothes.
- Hat or cap.
- Sun block lotion.
- Sunglasses.
- Water.
Faq's
es. Although it is made of grass, the bridge is carefully rebuilt each year by expert weavers using traditional methods passed down for generations. It is safe to cross with the assistance and guidance of the tour staff.
The tour involves some light walking and hiking on uneven terrain. It is considered easy to moderate and suitable for most travelers in normal physical condition.
- Comfortable clothes and hiking shoes.
- Light jacket or windbreaker.
- Sunscreen and hat.
- Sunglasses.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Camera.
- Some cash for personal expenses.
The bridge is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (April to October). If you want to witness the annual bridge rebuilding, it usually occurs in June and is a unique cultural event.
Yes, this is a daily departure tour, and you can book any day with prior reservation. Private group options are also available.
The drive takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, including scenic stops at viewpoints and lagoons along the way.
Gallery
