Qeswachaka is the famous Inca rope bridge in the Canas province near Cusco city. The bridge is made entirely of woven grass. Locals from the neighboring communities gather each year to dismantle and rebuild the bridge. It is a gesture to preserve the heritage of their ancestors.
The bridge is an important symbol of the cultural heritage of the region and is a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca people. The bridge spans the Apurimac River, and it is an essential link between the local communities on either side.
During the Inca civilization, they built their largest network across the Inca empire and called it Qhapaq ñan. In places where they could not build roads due to geographical impediments, they built suspension bridges.
Qeswachaka is a combination of two Quechua Words where Keshwa means rope and Chaca signifies Bridge, hence Keshwa Chaca the name.
This 500 years old Q’eswachaka Bridge was designated as a 2013 UNESCO world heritage site. It formed an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
The rebuilding of the Qeswachaka bridge is an annual event that takes place in June. Local communities gather to collect the grasses needed to weave the bridge, and then they work together to create the new structure using traditional techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. The bridge building process is a sacred ritual that includes blessings, music, and dancing.
Visitors can witness the reconstruction of the Qeswachaka bridge and even cross it, but be aware that the bridge is narrow and sways with the wind, so it may not be suitable for those who are afraid of heights. Nonetheless, it is a unique experience that provides a glimpse into the ancient culture and engineering of the Inca people.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
04:30 AM
The Q’eswachaka bridge tour is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the ancient traditions and engineering skills of the Inca people.
Qeswachaka Inca Bridge Tour typically involves visiting the Q’eswachaka Bridge, which is a traditional Inca rope bridge located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Here’s what you can expect on the tour:
Your epic full day Q’eswachaka rope bridge tour starts with an early morning transfer from your hotel in Cusco. In our private transport, we will be driving you through the south valley of Cusco to Combapata.
In Combapata village, we will be stopping for a typical Andean breakfast. We will then continue driving for another 15 minutes to the view point from where you will have the opportunity to relish the views of the valley below.
We will then continue driving to Yanaoca, which is one of the eight districts in the Canas province. Just thirty minutes away from here in a serene hamlet of Quehue nestles the Q’eswachaka Inca Rope Bridge.
We will be driving you to the car park. From here, it is a short hike to Q’eswachaka bridge. Along the way, we will be stopping at some points of interest, especially to see the beauty of the Q’eswachaka bridge.
Once on the north side of the bridge, you are bound to experience an adrenaline rush as you would have the option of crossing the swinging bridge. On the other end of the bridge, a community member would extend welcome to their home and demonstrate the way how they dismantle and build the bridge each year.
You will have plenty of time to soak in the views here. After spending some time here, we will be driving to see the four scenic lagoons – Asnaqcocha, Acopia, Pampamarca and Pomacanchi.
After lunch, we will be driving you back to Cusco city. We will be reaching Cusco by 0600 PM.
