Description
Q’eswachaka Inca Rope Bridge Day Tour
The Qeswachaka Day Tour, also known as the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge Tour, stands out for its uniqueness, setting it apart from typical tourist excursions.
This tour focuses on the last remaining Inca bridge in Qeswachaka. Today, it has emerged as a significant tourist attraction in the Cusco region. It is a full-day adventure that begins and ends in the city of Cusco, with schedules ranging from 4:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The journey is impressive, allowing travellers to experience culture in its most authentic form, as well as the spectacular Andean landscapes and diverse flora and fauna that can be observed along the way.
Qeswachaka Tour 1 Day
This one-day Qeswachaka Tour is the only bridge of its kind in Peru, representing an invaluable cultural legacy from our ancestors. The term Qeswa translates as a braid of plant fibres, and Chaka means a bridge. Therefore, the term Q’eswachaka, when translated into English, refers to a bridge made of plant fibres.
During the height of the Inca Empire, there were more than 40,000 kilometres of roads, the most important being the Qhapaq Ñan, also known as the Road of the Nobility. These trails facilitated the better administration of the empire, and tunnels and bridges were built to cross the complex Andean geography, particularly suspension bridges made of plant fibres that allowed passage over rivers.
Today, there is only one bridge that is repaired annually, a tradition that has been kept alive for over five centuries, utilising rituals and ancestral wisdom. The restoration work is carried out between June 1 and 5 by the four communities surrounding the Q’eswachaka bridge: Huinchiri, Chaupibanda, Choccayhua, and Ccollana Quehue, all located in the province of Canas, Cusco.
Highlights
1. Demonstration of Traditional Weaving
Engage with the local culture as skilled Quechua weavers demonstrate their technique in braiding ropes from ichu grass. You will observe every stage, from collecting the ichu to the last tying. This method preserves the Q’eswachaka strong from one year to the next.
2. Assisted Rope Bridge Crossing
Confidently cross the 28-meter bridge with assistance from knowledgeable local guides. Limited group sizes guarantee individualized attention, safety instructions, and handrails integrated directly into the bridge’s design.
3. Exploring Andean Villages
Following your thrilling bridge crossing, visit delightful villages such as Huinchiri and Ccollana. Engage with friendly families, explore artisanal textiles, and uncover ancient Inca terraces that are still utilized today.
4. Genuine Peruvian Meal
Recharge with a homemade Andean dish featuring quinoa soup, alpaca stew, and warm, freshly baked bread. Vegetarian and gluten-free choices can be provided upon request to meet all preferences.
5. Picture Breaks & Scenic Views
Photograph breathtaking landscapes at chosen locations. Our guides are aware of the most stunning perspectives for amazing pictures of the rope bridge framed by jagged peaks and colorful valleys.
Hourly itinerary (Q’eswachaka):
- 4:10/4:40 a.m.: Pick up at your hotel and start of the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge + 4 Lakes tour.
- 5:00 a.m.: Travel in our tourist transport to the town of Cusipata.
- 07:45 AM: Brief stop at the Combapata Viewpoint, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.
- 08:50 AM: Quick visit to Pampamarca to soak up the essence of the surroundings.
- 09:20 AM: Transfer to the Pabellones volcano, a natural wonder.
- 10:10 AM: Continue to Yanaoca, where you will have 15 minutes to explore at your leisure.
- 10:35 AM: Depart for the Q’eswachaka Bridge for a guided tour.
- Noon: Head to Tungasuca, the residence of Túpac Amaru II.
- 1:00 PM: Discover the beautiful four lagoons, a natural spectacle to enjoy.
- 2:00 PM: Buffet lunch, ideal for relaxing and savouring the regional cuisine.
- 5:00 PM: Return to the city of Cusco.
Itinerary
Itinerary for the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge Tour 1 Day
Cusco – 4 Lakes – Pabellon Volcano – Q’eswachaka – Cusco.
Our 1-day tour to the Q’eswachaka Suspension Bridge in Cusco begins with picking up our travellers from their hotels between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. From there, we head to the South Valley of Cusco, passing through charming local communities. The first stop will be in Cusipata, located at 3,310 meters above sea level, where we will enjoy a delicious breakfast.
Afterwards, we will continue to the Combapata Viewpoint, at an altitude of 3,450 meters, to take in the breathtaking scenery. Then, we will visit the Mini Volcano of Los Pabellones before crossing Yanaoca, located at 3,980 meters and belonging to the province of Canas. Next, we will head to Q’eswachaka, arriving at the district of Q’ewe, where the iconic Inca Bridge of Q’eswachaka stands. This bridge, 28.67 meters long, is made of plant fibre and located at 3,700 meters above sea level.
We will descend along a series of zigzagging paths that lead to the Apurímac River valley, where we can see the old bridge. We will have free time to explore both the bridge and the Apurímac Canyon. Afterwards, we will visit Mosoc Llaqta, known for being the home of Túpac Amaru II, and proceed to visit the Four Lakes: Pampamarca, Asnacqocha, Acopia, and Pomacanchi, all located approximately 3,600 meters above sea level.
Finally, we will return to Cusipata to enjoy a buffet lunch. The tour will end with a beautiful return trip to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 p.m. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this extraordinary and enriching experience!
Include
Includes
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
- Tourist transportation
- 1 breakfast
- 1 lunch
- Professional guide in English and Spanish
- First aid kit
Not included:
- Dinner
- Tips
- Access to the Q’eswachaka Bridge S/ 20.00
Recommendations
Things to Take
- Tourist ticket of Cusco
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen (Minimum factor of 35 recommended)
- Impermeable jacket/water poncho for rain
- Water
- Camera and video camera.
Can I cross the Q’eswachaka Bridge?
Yes! You can, although it is not advised for persons who have vertigo.
What is the length of the Q’eswachaka Bridge?
The bridge is 28.5 meters in length and 1.20 meters in width.
How long does it take to go to the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge?
It is four hours from Cusco.
When does the Tour to Q’eswachaka Rope Bridge begin and end?
The tour of the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge begins at 4.30 a.m.
The trip will conclude at 5:00 p.m.
This excursion takes the same amount of time as the climb to Rainbow Mountain Peru and the Humantay Lake full day tour.
What is the highest point of the Tour to the Q’eswachaka Rope Bridge?
The highest point we will reach at the Inca bridge of Q’eswachaka is 3,800 m.s.n.m.
Bridge Reconstruction and Annual Maintenance
The “Queswachaca” bridge requires annual maintenance by four local communities in the month of June, because the straw (Ichu) used in its construction begins to decompose. The reconstruction is completed three days before the second Sunday of June, and the fourth day concludes with a folk festival, where you can share the traditions and customs that this community inherited from the Incas.
price
Price
Option One: Shared Excursion
Cost of the tour to Qeswachaka, Inca Bridge for one day in a group service.
This excursion option is available for groups of ten or more people. Participants will come from diverse countries, speak various languages, and hold diverse beliefs and ages. By choosing this option, you will join an already established group. Departures are daily from Cusco.
Option Two: Private Excursion
Cost of the Tour to Qeswachaka, Inca Bridge for a Day in Private.
This excursion is designed for those who prefer the company of their partner, family, or friends, avoiding contact with strangers. Round-trip transportation and a tour guide will be available exclusively for you and your companions.
