QESWACHAKA INKA BRIDGE
Trip Summary
QESWACHAKA
This day promises to immerse ourselves in the ancestral culture of the Incas since we have as its next destination the Q’eswachaca bridge, whose annual renewal has been declared by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Suspended ten meters above the Apurimac River, Q’eswachaca is the only suspension bridge made entirely of plant fibres that are rewoven once a year since the Inca period.
Upon arrival in the district of Quehue, community members teach us about the braiding technique used in the renovation process. Crossing this 28-meter long bridge is an unparalleled experience that allows us to learn about one of the Inca traditions that have survived modernity, and that continues to pass from generation to generation. A great example of living culture.This is Q’eswachaka the massive suspension bridge in the andes, the story of a people unwilling to give up their customs 500 years after spanish conquest.
Travel Details
CUSCO – CUSIPATA – COMBAPATA – QUEHUE – QESWACHAKA BRIDGE
You’ll start this journey leaving Cusco at around 04:30 am to travel about 3 hours to the remote province of Canas. Halfway there, you’ll stop in Cusipata forbreakfast and continue passing Yanaoca town until you arrive at the town of Quehue (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). From this picturesque place, we’ll take a short drive to Qeswachaka.
It is about Qeswachaca, the enormous suspension bridge of the Andes, the story of a people who are not willing to give up their customs 500 years after the Spanish conquest. Every second Sunday of the month of June, the Qeswachaca bridge is renewed, carrying out 3 days of festivities.
Once you’re at this impressive bridge, you’ll be able to balance there as you connect with this incredible piece of history that your guide will tell you about. Qeswa is a Quechua word that translated means “braid,” and Chaka refers to “bridge.” It spans 28 meters long and is made of hand-woven ropes of Peruvian feather grass, a type of straw. Each year, the 4 neighboring communities get together to braid the straw, take down the old bridge, and set up the new using basic tools and a lot of strength! It’s not an easy task, but this tradition has been kept alive for hundreds of years.
You’ll find yourself more than 15 meters high above the Apurimac River as you cross the bridge from one end to the other. You’ll also have great canyon views, so capture this moment with your camera.
After that, you’ll enjoy a boxed lunch near the bridge and get a last look at this fascinating place. The return trip is along the 4 Lagoons, making several stops to see the lakes of Pomakanchi, Ancascocha, Pampamarka, and Acopia, also known as the “sacred lagoons,” which provide fish for the local inhabitants. Lastly, it will be time to rest and return to Cusco by car, taking the best moments of your trip through the Peruvian Andes.
From US$29.99 per person
The QESWACHACA TOUR can leave any of the week, the whole year.
IMPORTANT:
As price depends on each passenger choices, please contact us to send you an updated price based on your specific request. Please send us the following information and we will respond within 24 hours with your updated price.
- Number of people in your party
- Private or Group Tour
- Adding options: if you like to add day tours, extra days, meals, etc
- Have a special request (ie: wheelchair, children, senior, walking stick etc)
Notice that PayPal charges a fee of 5% which we ask the client to cover since it’s due to the use of its service. this taxs is just for online deposits.
Please, after your payment, send us the transfer number to reserva@mytourinperu.com; only after that, we’ll be able to confirm your deposit and reservation.
WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR QESWACHACA TOUR?
- EXPERIENCED TOUR GUIDE: English and spanish speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time worry-free!
- MEDICAL KIT OR FIRST AID KIT: All MY TOUR IN PERU guides have received specialized training in first aid. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers’ diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
- EXTRAS INCLUDED IN OUR SERVICE: We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a pair of walking sticks with rubber tips.
- CUSTOMER SERVICE 24/7: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with My tour in Perú leading up to your trek.
- BREAKFAST AND LUNCH: Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), so let us know if you have any particular allergies or restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing.
- SNACKS AND WATER: Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. In addition, you’ll receive a bottle of water.
- Entrance for Qeswachaka Bridge last inca bridge.
- Private Transport.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR QESWACHACA TOUR?
- Hiking clothes
- Dinner
- Travel Insurance
- Tips for our staff: Tipping is the norm on any excursion in Peru. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome.
- Additional costs or delays beyond our control: Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
WHAT TO BRING FOR QESWACHACA TOUR?
- Warm jacket and rain jacket
- Hat
- Water
- Sun protection
- Insect repellent
- Some money for souvenirs
- Money in soles to purchase Boleto Turistico or Cusco Tourist Ticket
- Original passport
- If you are a student, take your student ID card (only works for the 10 day boleto turístico)
